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(Sort of a one-sided view) The following is a chronology that I (Chia/CG) have prepared from data collected through the years from Sam and others, including postcards, letters, visits noted, plus some genealogy. If more digging had been done, I think the family line could have been tied back to Russia; and, there might still be time left to do more research. (The time factor being the life-span granted me!) If any of you have input, corrections, additions
to this sort-of-lop-sided chronology, they'll be gratefully accepted
and added. (That's the beauty of publishing on the Internet!) 1895 Rachel (surname unknown) at age 15 arrived in US from "Russ-Great Russian" [according to the "Thirteenth Census of the United States: 1910-Population" of Baltimore City, MD at which time, 1910, the family was living at 1734 Bell Avenue in Baltimore]. 1898 July 5th. Sam born in Washington, D.C. to Morris and Rachel Eskin. (Family legend suggests that he was born on July 4th, but birth not recorded until following day.) 1900 James A. Eskin, Sam's brother born. (Date and place not yet located.). 1903 Washington, D.C. City Directory lists only addresses for Harry, Isaac and Jacob Eskin. (It is presumed that the Morris Eskin family was living in Baltimore by this time. 1910 Census record lists Morris' occupation as an Engineer, Locomotive. and Rachel's occupation as Saleslady, Grocery store, with both working as of April 13, 1910. Morris is shown as a naturalized citizen. 1910-1913 Sam and friend Clayton Gentry grew up in Baltimore and learned to play pool, poker, hookey, and fished in Chesapeake Bay. (Excerpts from a Family Memoir) 1913-1925 Sam hoboed, was a cowboy in Wyoming, factory hand in an Alaska sardine cannery, housepainter, construction worker, taxi driver in San Francisco and a merchant seaman. 1925 Sam arrived in San Francisco found radical bohemian crowd of artists, writers, intellecturals and hangers-on in Telegraph Hill; was their mascot and then became part of them. He took up phtography, sandal-making, practiced and learned banjo, guitar, mandolin, thought of himself as a writer. Met Montana dancer-poet, Pearl/Ann (b. 1901) , who attended University of California at Berkeley. 
1925-1926 Sam and Ann married and traveled to Europe; late in 1926 and returned to America. 1929 Ann, pregnant, returned to France in fall 1929. 1930 Stanley Georges Eskin born. 1930 Sam employed by United Parcel Service in NY. . Sam worked for them previously on West Coast. As a systems man, he developed and organized new accounts with corporations and department stores across the country. 1931+ Beginning liaison with Cornelia Evans Goodhue, sister of Bergan Evans, in Greenwich Village, NYC. c.1935 Sam's mother, Rachel, died (probably in Baltimore). 1935 Birth of Otho Evans Eskin. 1940 Ann returns to States with Stanley. 1940-45 Sam obtained divorce from Ann in California on grounds of desertion. (Ann later returned to France with son, Stanley.) 1945 Sam quit UPS after leading "double life" -- working with Jim Casey of UPS and wandering the world as a folk music collector. He had successfully arbitrated labor problems while at UPS -- his background with Wobblies, and as a merchant seaman contributed. He had sufficient holdings to provide an income to pursue his music and other interests. Sam had a place on Highway 9W close to NYC. 1946 Summer, Sam took sons, Stanley and Otho (aged 16, 11) to Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Mesa Verde, Petrified Forest, Boulder, Aspen, Arden, MD, and elsewhere. 1946-1948 Sam made many visits to Woodstock, NY looking for a place to settle, one time staying in his parked trailer at home of cartoonist, John and Frizi Striebel in nearby Bearsville. He rented a small cabin of Hervey White's on The Maverick Road. Chia met him for the first time at the Striebel's ( Sam thought he'd met Chia earlier in NYC at recording engineer Chick Ritter's loft ). 1948 Sam moved to Woodstock. 1948 Jun. 19-25. Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Folk Festival in nearby Asheville. Sam and Otho in trailer parked at home of Marion Boggs (ex-wife of folklorist, Ralph Steele Boggs). Chia and daughter, Amy (now Crow Johnson) enroute to Houston, Texas, met the Eskins there along with Ernie Resnick (Mrs. Nat Resnick) from Woodstock, NYC and Long Island University. 1948 Jul. 5-Aug. 27. Sam, Otho and Ernie in Aspen, CO.
Sam at Dyer-Bennet Studio. 1951 Sea Shanties and Loggers' Songs sung by Sam Eskin accompanying
himself with guitar, released by Folkways Records & Service Corp.,
N.Y. FA 2019. 1952-1953 Dec. 3. Postmark Mexico. "I am due back East before Christmas and hence will be leaving Mexico soon. /I may arrive Houston Dec. 18 or 19 and will check in at the same motel. Will phone you. Hello to all. Sam" 1954-1955 Nov. 19. Postmark unclear. Picture postcard from Rome of Coliseum addressed to Chia-Parker Woods, Houston, TX. "This joint about as big as Texas, but its sure purty. I've been chasing all over Europe by car and getting bored with ruins, churches and kindred sights. Recorded some interesting stuff in Scotland and Sweden. Best to all. Sam Eskin." 1955 December 1955 Folklore Americas Edited by Ralph Steele Boggs, Vol. XV, No. 2 publishes "Eskin, Sam Consejos Para Los Que Recolectan Canciones Folkloricas" 1960 Jun. 9. Postcard from Woodstock "I'm back loaded with tapes and work and a purse for you according to blueprint submitted. This one is from Morocco. I like Morocco. How's Houston these days? Above PP tomorrow. Will follow. I'm still wearing that tie you sent me which came to Spain. It hasn't worn out yet. Best to you. Sam." (CG had requested a wallet to replace one her brother, Phil, had sent her during WWII. The tie probably refers to a bolo I was producing at that time.) 1961 Jan. 20. Postcard from Woodstock. "That song that you sent me The Gallows Walk written by Katherine Key. It's good. Tell her to copyright it and send it to Rich Dehr, P. O. Box xx, Topanga, Calif. Mention my name and pray. Love to all. I leave in a couple of days for Japan and other parts of the Far East. I think I'd better pray since I'll be going by jet. Como siempre. Sam" 1961 Jun. 27. Postcard from Woodstock. "Otho's address until the State Department ships him abroad...Washington, DC. I may be doing a series of Educational Television films for U of Ga. Interferes with other projects but seems interesting. Regards. Sam" 1961 Jul. 1. Marriage announcement of Diana Abbey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert White Bruce to Mr. Otho Evans Eskin in Washington, District of Columbia. 1962 Mar. 14. Letter postmarked Mexico. "I am here briefly and will be on my way to Woodstock within the next week. Will come via Houston and will phone you on arrival. Hope all is well with you. Saw Emile White a few weeks ago. Hello to all. Sam." (CG later met and visited with Emile in Big Sur fall of 1962. Emile White, a remarkable painter and promoter was closely associated with the work and personal life of Henry Miller in Big Sur.CG had corresponded with him for a couple of years.) 1962 Apr 16. Postcard. "Chia - Amy: Europe cancelled. Room for a VW no bows & arrows but lots of targets. Sam" (probably in response to my request for my daughter, Amy (Crow), my nephew Bob and others to visit Sam in Woodstock after CG's stint at the National Field Archery Association's annual tournament in Arkansas. 1962 Jun. 3. Postcard to CG "Try to let me know soon as you can when you and Amy will be here so I can arrange a host for Amy. I guess you've heard of John Striebel's death." 1962 Jul. 28. Letter to CG from Woodstock scolding CG for not being in Woodstock at time planned. (envelope missing). "Your letter from Lake Frochiquichikitiwicky just at hand and this is a scolding letter in reply. Your last communication said you would be here sometime in July. I replied that that would be fine since I would be leaving here August 9th heading for the Maritime Provinces where I will be singing at the Mirimichi Folk Festival August 13, 14 & 15. Also collecting. Then I go to Cape Cod to sing and appear in a television film on logging. After that to Old Mystic to appear in another film where I sing sea shanties. Back to Woodstock about September 9th. I will be a thousand miles away when you get here and I am sorely disappointed at missing all of you. Damn it! We have a Woodstock Folk Festival coming off September 14,15, & 16. Why dont you stay over for it? And me? And also try to revise your itinerary to get here before my departure August 9th. If you get here when I am away, telephone Sonia Malkine, a folksinger, at (he lists telephone number). She will get you in touch with folksingers around here. There is much folksong activity this summer. She will be instructed to have available to you one of my buildings which will provide you with water and toilet facilities and a couple of beds. Best to come earlier while I am still here. I hope you make it in time for the Pete Seeger concert. Shame on you for dawdling. A fine example for the children. And what will posterity think? Please see that this letter is forwarded to you at Lake Quickiwapooki. And don't let it happen again. Arootawanny. Go sit on an arrow. Sam" 1962 Sep. 14-16 flyer. Woodstock Folk Festival at The Rawhide Ranch, Lake Hill, under the joint sponsorship Folklore Society of Ulster County and the Woodstock Festival Committee. . Sam helped organize -- CG helped in writing and producing the flyers. 1962 Article (onion skin copy) "Lore of the Folk, from the Folk to all the Folk." by Sam Eskin announcing Ulster County Folklore Society (of the State of New York). 1962 Sep. 24. Postcard from Woodstock to CG in Houston. "The festival was a great success in all ways. Just back from doing a television stint on sea shanties up here and the pen was waiting and gratefully received. It writes real pretty. The Ozark festival is still in mind and I'll try to make it unless several other tentative projects slide in the way. A bientot. Sam" 1963 Jan. 23. Postcard from Los Angeles (return address in Malibu) to CG in Yucaipa, CA where CG on temporary assignment with the National Field Archery Association. "Hi! I'm ensconced here at a friend's beach apartment working on a book of folksongs. Hope we can get together. Love. Sam" (I remember I did drive from Yucaipa for dinner in Malibu; then a few days later I drove to Salton Sea with a friend to take Sam some money from my having cashed a rather large UPS check for him; he was staying in a friend's small mobile home.) 1963 Feb. 6. Postmarked Deming, NM. "Moving along without pushing too hard. El Paso tonight -- Austin Thursday nite or Friday morning. If there is any mail from me, send to me c'o General Dely. Miami, Florida. Sam" 1963 Feb. 7. Postcard from from Austin, TX, but postmarked Houston, to CG in Yucaipa. "This is to report a pleasant evening with Amy -- supper at the home of Roger Abrahams where Hedy West, who had given a concert the night before, was staying. Lots of folksong talk and a little singing interrupted by Amy's deadline at the dorm. Forward mail as per previous card to c/o Genl.Deliv. Miami, Florida where I go after Tallahassee. Sam" 1963 Feb. 19. Postcard postmarked Miami, FL to CG in Yucapia. "If you have not already mailed the printing, forward same to Woodstock as I am leaving here in a few days on a collecting jaunt around the Ofikinokis Swamp area. Temperatures here like Calif. but lots of rain. Still preferable to snow. Happy Geo. Washington's Birthday. Sam" 1963 Mar. 17. Letter from Woodstock to CG in Yucaipa. "I've made it back to Woodstock and altho the weather is balmy, I came in to mountains of snow which will be weeks melting down, and longer, if we have more of the stuff. / I am sending you under separate cover the Lacandon bows and arrows I promised for your museum. I had to fabricate the package with my own itsy-bitsy hands and, besides that, never forget that I acquired these things in the jungle and transported them by mule, plane, car and water buffalo before sending them on to what I hope will be a final illustrious resting place in an archery hall of fame...Have fun. Sam" (The artifacts were mounted for display and recorded on the National Field Archery Association's inventory as gifts from Sam.) 1963 Mar. 22. Letter to CG in Yucaipa from Woodstock "Enclosed publicity releases in two forms, a short and a long. Do look them over and tell me what is to be done about running off a batch of both for future use. I could use a couple right now. / Hope you received the bow and arrows and that they are happy in their new home. There was one loose arrowhead which I hope you found and restored to its shaft. / My program takes me to the Indian Neck Folk Festival May 3 to 5th; then to the National Folk Festival at Covington, KY. May 16-18th, where I sing. Then leizurely cross country stopping at the Univ. of Colorado in Boulder, and, if possible, I might be seeing parker in Montana. I am writing him today. Have fun and let me know about the "releases" as soon as you can, if not otherwise. Sam" Sam's publicity release. 1963 Apr. 2. Letter to CG in Yucaipa postmarked Woodstock typed on Tallahassee's Finest University Motel light green stationery. "The sampling of cards and letter-heads arrived and I like them both. Please send me bill when you have it. /My schedule keeps on implementing in what at this distance looks an interesting way and I am looking forward to the summer's meanderings. I have long put off such journeyings because the summers are so pleasant here and work facilities good and the winters when I leave are no time to visit many of the areas I intend to cover during May and June. / I don't know what I will be doing after the June dates in Berkeley but it is within the realm of probability that I may be down Yucaipa way so, round up the sing-billies, but please, leave out the creeps./ By the way, I have literally scores of photos of the Lacandon Indians plus many other. Every once in a while I don't do so bad shutter-clicking. Have fun. Sam" 1963 May 15. Letter to CG from Woodstock "Pub. releases received. Just in time since I leave here tomorrow. Thanks much. This will be brief because of pressure getting things done but I'll drop a card from time to time. / The dates of the Berkeley festival June 26 to 30. I have no word yet when I will appear. Maybe mail will catch up along the way. / Stanley is in the Berkely phone book and I'll be in touch with him. Have fun. Sam" 1963 Jun 3. Kalispell, MT. Postcard to Yucaipa. "I'm writing this in Parker's home. Leaving this afternoon for other parts and then a concert at Univ. of Colo. June 20 and then straight to Berkeley. Will not linger in Calif. after festival. Behave. Sam" (Sam was visiting Parker Woods with the folknik founder, Faith Petric ) 1963 June 14. Sam in Boulder. (letter forwarded to CG from Yucaipa to Houston). "I just landed here and your letter with my batch of mail./I give a program at Univ. of Colorado June 20 and head west after that so Yucaipa is out. / Plans vague after the Berkely shindig but mail to Woodstock will reach me somewhere. Have fun. Sam" 1963 June 26-30. Berkeley festival folder received Berkeley 1963 program.
Participants were (left side of folder)Tony Kraber, J. E. Mainer's Mountaineers, Janet Smith, Sam Hinton, D. K. Wilgus, Bertrand H. Bronson, (right side of folder) Pete Seeger, Jean Ritchie, Mance Lipscomb, Charles Seeger, Sam Eskin, and John Henry Mitchell. 1963 Nov. 11. Postcard from "Nairobi-Kenya. A good way around on another long one. Heading into the interior tomorrow to get me a couple of girafes. Then to Ethiopia. Sam" 1964 Jul. 6. Letter from Woodstock to CG in Houston. "A quickie to wish you much success in the new business. / The Mexican proposition might very well transpire one day next winter. /I'll keep the pipe and gems in mind but don't be too hopeful. Except for folkmusic, I am not a shopping tourist. In fact, I detest shopping at home or abroad. But--for you--maybe./ Much to do in the few weeks before take-off, so Hasta. Sam" 1964 Sep. 20. Postcard Barcelona to CG in Houston. "Hope the business is going good guns. /My business is piddling. /Spain for a month and then ??/ There is still the possibility that sometime int he course of the late winter you will get an odd phone call. So!! Nooo!! Sam" (CG had invested in a telephone/secretarial service and was expanding it to include public relations and publishing.) 1964 Dec. 27. Postcard from "Bangkok, Thailand. Climate here something like Houston. But there all similarity ends. The music most exciting and I hope to get some on tape. Got some stuff in India. After a month here off to Hong Kong and Japan. Happy New Year. Sam" 1965 Jan. 3. Postcard from "Martinique. When I get through with this jaunt I'll probably be heading north, collecting in Ga., No. & S. Carolina -- Virginia -- then Woodstock. Hello to all. Sam" 1965 Mar. 5. Letter from Woodstock."Good luck with 'Essence'. What's with you otherwise? I'm back early in time for cold and snow, but surviving. Have fun. Sam" (Essence turned out to be a one-time issue of a philosophical magazine that CG edited, but was remarkable well received.) 1965 Dec. 6. Letter postmarked Woodstock, but written on stationery from "The Fabulous Beau Sejour Motel, New Iberia, LA" - "I liked the rambling news letter and the information on Dr. and Eva Bailey will be filed for future use. I say future use because plans have been changed somewhat. I started west as scheduled but was hauled back for certain reasons and am now in the barn getting some work done. My plans now are to remain here until just before Christmas and then go down to Washington to spend the holiday with Otho, his wife and two children. I will be leaving my car here and travelling by public transportation, train or bus. I will leave Washington a couple of days after Christmas, probably by train, to Houston, spend a couple of days there and then to Colorado Springs, Aspen, Colo. and finally San Francisco where I catch a freighter to Australia on January 25th by present advice./ If my stopover in Houston doesn't suit your plans, let me know and I will proceed directly to Colorady Springs. Also, if you are driving west around that time and want a passenger to share driving and expenses, I might just be available. But let me know soon so that I may know how to plan. Love to Amy. Have fun. Sam" 1965 Dec. 13. Letter to CG from Woodstock "Here is the most recent of my plans which seem to change muchly./I leave Woodstock this coming Thursday Dec. 16 for Washington where I will stay with Otho and his family until Monday, Dec. 20th when I will start west. I could drop down and visit with you in Houston if there is a likelihood that you may be there around the 22nd or 23rd. If you will be away, I will proceed on and try to see you on my way back from the South Pacific. If you get this in time, answer in care of Otho Eskin (address given). / If I don't hear from you I will telephone from wherever I drop south toward Houston instead of going straight west. Merry Christmas. Sam" 1965 Dec 28. Letter from Sam from Gala Motor Hotel (Rm. 316) in Los Angeles. "I made Van Horn first nite out and sailing along without hitch ever since. Just arrived here today and will leave for Frisco on Friday the 31st./ Here are the stamps we forgot to remember./ Keep well./Have fun./And a great New Year to you and Amy. Sam" 1966 Feb. Postmarked from Hong Kong."At Sea. I had some fine visiting in Calif. with friends old and new and this voyage pleasant and on this not so pacific ocean. My cabin is comfortable and privacy is respected and so I am able to follow my whims. /I must tell you of a moving episode in Oakland. You may remember that I had decided to switch from soprano recorder to the Alto in F. It was my intention to buy one in Frisco before sailing. Well, I stayed with an old friend whose wife, a still older friend, committed suicide a year ago. Before she died they sat together and made a list of special items to be willed to friends in case either or both died. Her F recorder with a great deal of recorder music was marked for me and is now inmy possession. I am quite touched by this thoughtfulness and tho' not mystical. I am moved by the sensitivity of those involved. The recorder is a beauty. /By the way, if you get around to selling the electric typewriter, let me know what the price is. I may be interested altho I have a perfectly good manual machine in Woodstock. If you are interested in a trade plus cash, perhaps we can work out a deal. I should be home in May. Write c/o Stanley (he gives the address in Berkeley) He will forward. Best to all. Sam" 1966 Apr. 19. Letter from Woodstock. "Back home a bit early and glad to be here. Spring poppoed in the last few days and most welcome. Will probably be around more or less -- that is short trips -- all summer unless something some far off place beckons./More stamps enclosed (for Bob). Hope all is well with you. Love to Amy. Sam" 1966 Oct. 16. Letter to CG. "Just remembered your interest in labels. Here are a few. How are you? Long time no hear. I've been in Woodstock all summer and will probably stay on till the snow flies. Maybe longer. No mid-winter plans yet. Maybe Mexico or Guatemala...or Arizona, etc. /Here Indian summer and colors brilliant. But that suggestion of chill is in the air./ Otho is Yugo-Slavia. Love to Amy. Sam" 1967 Feb. 10. Postcard from Sam to CG in Bellaire re her marriage to Howard J. Greer "Congratulation -- What's your new name? I'm just back from Bali and leaving in a week for Europe by freighter. The best to you. Sam" 1967 Month unclear. Postcard from Sam from Lima, Peru. "Just here after a 2300 mile trip up the Amazon. Next a visit to Inca country for a week, then heading north. Latch string out. Sam." 1968 Mar. 23. Postcard postmarked Kingston, NY. "It's been a hectic winter and at one point thot I might be visiting you. Instead I flew to Mexico./Then I bot a flashy houseboat...in Miami which I took to North Caroline and now I'm thinking of selling it. /Anywhat I 'm back home and still hope to visit you one day. Come to Woodstock. Sam" 1968 Nov. 14. Postcard from Sam from Woodstock. "Just in case I drive to Texas, where is Bellaire. And give me a phone number if you'll be around in December. Sam" 1968 Dec. 18. CG's notes: "Sam Eskin and Rose Garlock (from NYC) arrived and stayed at the Bellaire Inn, dinner at Greer's with Crocherons (Jeanne & Phil, Cindy & Bob and CG & HJG.) Thurs. HJG, CG, Sam & Rose, flew (in HJG's Cessna 182) to Matagorda Island beach-combed, had a light snack and flew back to Houston for dinner. On Fri. 12/20/68 Sam and Rose left for Mexico. 1968 Postcard from Sam from Mexico. "Christmas Eve. Hope youre having a fine holiday upstairs or down below. We had a great visit and hope you come to Woodstock and taste some Yankee hospitality. Sam" 1969 Mar. 16. Postcard from Sam from Madrid to Howard & Chia in Bellaire. "I should have stayed in Texas. More bloody snow in Woodstockthan ever. /So I went to Amsterdam, London and here and nothing but rain, rain, rain. The hell with it. I'm heading back to snow and Woodstock. Sam." 1969 Jun. 20. Letter to Chia in Houston (In response to CG's writing that she'd left HJG) : "I have no words for crises in peoples lives and do not find cliches helpful. I've had my bumps, too, real ones. I ran into a pole last Sunday and smashed in right front of my car and some of my face which has been stitched up and recovery seems likely. /Do keep in touch and we'll meet up one of these days if I keep away from telephone poles. Hi! to the Crocherons. Sam. Otho due back from Belgrade with family July 11." 1969 Oct. 4. Letter from Sam. "My wounds more superficial than yours and I seem to be pretty well recovered which is more than I can say for the car which is still waiting for parts. I have been harrying the higher echelons of Kaiser Jeep in Toledo, Ohio and have reason to hope for results. Meanwhile, no car and I am to and from the post office each day via shanks mare, and not minding it very much. /Fall colors are much in evidence here and that will keep me around until the leaves fall when I will start looking southward. No fixed destination yet. Maybe I'll wander around Florida for a while if I can escape the great masses of tourists and ancients. Look whose talking about ancients. Also, perhaps Mexico, or both, or Outer Magnolia. / Otho's new assignment is in Iceland and I may be visiting him in the Spring./ Why don't you come up for a week or two and help me work on my equipment (electronic, that is)./ I hope you are settled in mind as well as in place. Sam" 1969 Nov. 17. Postcard. "Around Dec. 8, I will set out from here heading south, meandering and stopping wherever fancy dictates. If I decide on Mexico -- Houston is on the way, so notify the constabulary. Sam" 1969 Nov. 18. Postcard. "A second thot. If you are not living at 4114 perhaps you might want to rent it to me for a spell. Do let me know. Sam" (CG let him know that he was welcome to the spare bedroom providing plenty of privacy since CG working away from home.) 1969 Nov. CG's recollection is that he stayed at her friend Daisy Lyles' bay house at San Leon, TX for 2-3 weeks. 1970 Mar. 27. Postcard from Singapore. "At the last minute I got fed up with winter and hopped a freighter to here. Flying to London and a visit with Otho in Iceland. Then Woodstock. Sam" 1970 Oct. 13. Letter from Woodstock to CG. "Your letter just came and I hasten to answer since I shall be taking off in a couple of weeks. Herewith my current itinerary, always subject to change: Washington, D.C., 2 days; Fairhope, Ala., Indefinite stay; New Orleans -- 2 or 3 days; Houston -- 2 hours; Mexico, Calif, Hong Kong,Thailand,etc./ I'll phone you from somewhere. Maybe I'll see Bobby. Have fun. Sam." 1970 Nov. 11. Postcard from San Antonio. "I have rented a furnished house for a month in San Antonio...Do you know a travel agent in Houston who knows freighters? If so, let me know. Or look in the Yellow Pages. After SA -- Houston, New Orleans and Fairhope, Ala., unless I get a freighter. Write. Sam (Eskin)" 1970 Nov. 16. Postcard from San Antonio. "Thanks for prompt and valiant effort on freighter information. If I can't get one out of Houston will try New Orleans and Mobile./I'll do my darndest to spend Thanksgiving at your shindig, 11/26 I believe. / Meanwhile, I know how to get to Houston from here on Interstate highway. Direct me on and off Houston freeway to Woodhaven. Sam (McGillicuddy)/ P.S. I don't know how many Sams you know with my handwriting, etc. Sam (Kabooboolotz)" (Sam spent Thanksgiving 1970 in Houston.) 1970 Dec. 18. Postcard. "Miami. Surprise, surprise, Maybe. Don't know how long I'l have around here. I'm trying to negotiate a freighter trip. Somewheres. Will keep in touch. Regards to Punkins. Have a good holiday. Sam" (Punkin was CG's dog.) 1971 Jan. 13. Postcard. "NYC. I have signed on a ship heading for the Orient. They may have cargo in Houston so---.. I'll give you details when I have them./Meanwhile keep the fires burning, etc. Sam" 1971 Jan. 23. Postcard from Woodstock. "I am sailing from NY 1.29.71 estimated arrival Houston Feb. 10. Phone Agent for precise time and place. Lone Star Shipping, Inc... My ship: Oriental Lady..." (Sam was met at the dock by CG's brother, Phil and his wife, Jeanne, since CG tied up with fund-raising job with Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.) 1971 Feb. 20. Letter postmarked Long Beach, Calif. "On
board M.V. Oriental Lady. Your cable received tonight, one day out of
Panama Canal. Eight days to Los Angeles and no stops enroute, so that's
where this will be mailed./ The high lite of this trip so far from Houston
was the passage thru the Panama Canal. It's an impressive piece of work.
The last time I came thru was over forty years ago as a sailor on a
ship bound for Puget Sound; quite a different experience./The weather
is good and the seas calm and there are a few poeple aboard with whom
I have communication. One, an ex Navy Captain brot a guitar aboard and
sings with it. We've started to a bit of swapping. /Dates on the enclosed
itinerary are approximate time of arrival. Mail should be sent a week
or so sooner. Take care -- have fun, etc.Sam" 1971 Apr. 16. Postcard. "Hong Kong. We made it. A couple of weeks ashore and we start the long way back. Reckon I'll have to try other ways of escaping Woodstock winters in the future./Cable received mid-Pacific. Hope Amy finds it good state side." (Amy/Crow and husband Paul returned to US after a 2-year music and traveling stint in Europe.)"Probably no stop Houston return voyage. I'll write from Woodstock. Sam" 1971 Jul. 8. Handwritten note from Sam on bottom of my Nov. 23, 1965 letter to him stating that "I am back and getting my house in order./ It was a long trip -- too long -- and I am glad to be back. /Going thru files I found this letter from you and thot you might find it interesting./ Did you get the turtle I mailed you? It was from Red China./ I hope all goes well with you. Sam" 1971 Oct. 25. Letter from Woodstock."I have very pleasant recollections of Thanksgiving last year with you and look forward to visiting with you again, Thanksgiving or not./ Right now, here in Woodstock I am having storm windows put on and other winterizing work to fit in with a partial reordering of my future plans. I will leave here and wander on and go off on much shorter trips than in the past and still be able to come back here when I choose. I do not suffer so much from the cold and I do from shoveling snow. Anyway, that's the project./ Otho is back in Washington with four children and I plan to spend either or both Thanksgiving and Christmas with them. /But, and I emphasize the but, I hope to get Houston way this winter and will be looking for that welcome mat. Meanwhile, the best to you. Sam" 1972 Feb. 28. Postcard from Woodstock "Escaped briefly from fair weather here and got back in time for the worst snow storm of the year and a couple more. Damn! /Hope all is well with you. Sam" 1972 Mar. 4. Letter from Woodstock. "I am here so tell Punkin to quit pining. You have doubtless received my card telling of the jaunt to Florida. I should have stayed there since I got back here in time for a series of snow storms that, what with drifts, had me snowed in for several days. Luckily, there was ample fodder and liquid supplies and I had a snug time of it. But there was a hell of a lot snow to shovel and I don't react well to imposed chores of that sort. So maybe next year I'll reconsider the current plan to spend more time in Woodstock. Maybe, Mexico, Florida, Calif. But there is no point in planning this far ahead. /Right now I am toying with the idea of going up to Montreal and taking a Canadian Pacific train across to Vancouver. There to our Northwest where I used to hobo in them olden days and see if I can recapture some of my wild youth. Perhaps, If I succeed, it will turn out to be not worth the effort. Anyway, Tom Wolfe said it best -- 'You can't go home again.' If I should do this, I will drift on down to California visiting friends and then on to Houston by train or bus before wending back to Woodstock./Your summer plans are exciting. Where is Crocheron, MD? If you make Woodstock, good. If not, keep in touch and perhaps I can join you somewhere along the way. There is a chance that we can discuss this if I make that trek across the country. I'll let you know. /This problem of wintering makes me mull over lots of aspects of my living. I have built a way of life style here which is attractive to me. Going away to more equitable climes does not always offer a solution since I am not built to just bask in an equitable clime. Hell, I'll work it out. Sam" 1972 Apr. 14. Postcard (of many seals) from Alaska. "Skagway. No turtles but these are nice creatures. Cold and much snow here. The country much the same as I remember it but people have wrought much change. This has been an exciting boat trip and I look forward to railroading back East. Sam" 1972 Apr. 29. Copy of CG letter to Sam acknowledging the box of goodies he sent (obviously he was still going through stuff and cleaning out)
(I telephoned Sam telling him the whistle -- the "Little Flute" -- worked okay when it left here, and suggested he hold it differently and, if further problems, let me know and I'll exchange it. It may have been difficult for him to play since his hands and fingers were so large and the ocarina-like whistle very small.) 
1973 Apr. 28. Letter from Woodstock on La Posada letterhead. "Your very cheerful letter received and read with pleasure. That push button 'phone of yours is a nice job and one of these days I'll get one and do some pushing myself. 'Amputations' came along and I like what I have read so far. Perhaps one of these days I can meet with Cynthia." (Cynthia Macdonald, poet friend of CG.) "Meanwhile, be kind to left-hand stumble bums and others.Sam" 1973 Oct. 7. Notes in CG handwriting: "Sam's telephone call -- Stripping films with Cook, might go into other parts of the world." and the notation "2 months." 1973 Dec. 31. Postmarked Jan 1, 1974. Lovely holiday card of handmade paper, silk screened design of red, purple and goldleaf one side, other side with message: "Dear Chia: I'm planning to leave here Jan. 15 by railroad with stop-overs, one in Houston, destination Mexico. Looking forward to seeing you. Have a good New Year. Sam" 1974 Jan. 15. Letter from Sam "I'm booked on train #171-1 Washington, D.C. to New Orleans -- leaving here Jan. 17 -- leaving New Orleans 1:00 p.m. Jan 19 due to arrive Houston 9:25 p.m. I'll try to phone you from New Orleans, otherwise on arrival Houston. / If you plan to meet me, check if train is on time. If you can't make it, I will go to a hotel and phone next day. Cheers. Sam" (CG pencil note on bottom of his letter says "visited Jan 18-24 -- ill with bad cold." I think he was having a lot of other trouble since I recall he spent a good deal of time on the living room couch sleeping sitting up. He was not receptive to any questions or concerns about his health.) 1974 Jan. 23. Hand-written message from Sam;. "The House of Books phoned. Your book has arrived. McGillicuddy." (Many of Sam's notes were signed "McGillicuddy" I never inquired why; wish I had.) 1974 Feb. 4. Postcard Panoramica de Guanajuato, Mexico. "The Spa was a bust. I had hired a VW and after 5 days busted out and headed here where I am staying briefly with friends and then onto San Miguel. I hope you are in better fettle than when I left..." (I have no idea to what that refers, but it may be his typical reverse "english" since he'd been the one so ill!) 1974 Feb 4. Postcard from Guanajuato to the Crocherons in Houston. "Plane trip without incident. Stayed in Guadalajara two days and then hired a VW and drove to the Spa and then here. Country and weather here great. Sam". 1974 Mar. 20. Letter fromWoodstock. "I am just back from Mexico and your letter here. Darn shame I didn't get it while in Mexico, for I was thinking of coming back via San Antonio and Houston. The saga goes like this: The first stop after Guadalajara was the spa at Comanjilla to which I had looked forward after the coolish spell in Houston. The waters were warm, the room livable, food so so but my fellow indulgers were succesful pinochle playing business people, both from the States and Mexico. After five days I had had it and I hopped into my little VW which I had hired in Guadalajara and drove to Guanajuato where I have friends. Spent a week there and went on to San Miguel Allende where I also have friends, and after a week or so proceeded to another spa a few miles away and spent some time there. Then on to Vera Cruz hoping to get a freighter to New York or some other east coast port. No luck, and while I was sitting around pondering my uncertain future, a chap I had met in San Miguell hailed me and said he was driving back to Mexico City that afternoon and invited me to ride back with him. I grabbed at the offer and in Mexico City met up with old friends and found it good to meet with them again. / The the question of how to get back home. Bus, train, hitch-hiking, plane? No decision. But one rainy, blustering, cold day I was walking down the main stem, passed a Mexican airline office, went in and was ignored by the gals behind the desks, stalked out in high dudgeon, came to an Eastern airline office and went in and booked for New York, and here I am and no Houston. / I would have been glad to take in the Festival at Round Top had my travels gone otherwise, but there it is. /Snow here this morning, and I think of warmer climes. Maybe Florida. That is, Everglades City, Florida. And a boat. /I wish you'd stop that allergy business./Hello to Punkin, Jeanne and Phil, and I hope to make it next time without a cold. Sam" 1974 June 20. Letter from Woodstock. "Your
letter with the exciting news of a possible reunion with Parker is received
and I share your feelings about it all. Maybe three times you are out
or better still in for good. It could be worth the trial since you should
both know each other fairly well and, hopefully, both matured enuf to
make it go. In any event, you have my earnest good wishes, for you must
know by now that I consider you a most important gal. You and Punkin.
/I am giving serious thot to getting out of Woodstock and finding a
place further south, preferable on or near navigable water. Many of
my friends and acquaintances think I am nuts for contemplating such
a move at this stage of my life, and they are probably right, but that's
the nature of the beast and I will live with it during this incarnation.
I shall start my journeys in Maryland (maybe a look at Crocheron), then
North Carolina and on to Florida. If I light on to something, I'll let
you know. /Stanley is now in Mexico on a teaching fellowship for a year.
Otho has been in Russia, Egypt and Kuwait and is now in Venezuela on
a Law of the Sea conference. /That California episode is just awful
but understandable in view of the hysteria around Patty Hearst and various
similar events. It's Nixiana./ Let's make sure our friendship survives
hell, high water and marriages -- and I won't have to get used to your
changes of name. Sam" (CG's reunion
with Parker did not develop into a "couple thing" but our friendship
continues through his marriage and life devoted to his dear wife, Jean.) Return to Sam Eskin Cover Page copyright 1997 by Casa Chia Library |
Sam listed as faculty "song collecting in the field" for summer course..
Other Faculty: Gertrude Wheeler Beckman, voice, Miriam Gideon, composition,
Reginald and Gladys Laubin, American Indian dance and music, Melvene
Dyer-Bennet, dance, and Richard Dyer-Bennet, minstrelsy.
