The For Squirrels Project

In this February 1993 letter, frontman Jack Vigliatura reflects on an exciting new chapter as his band transitions from their previous moniker, Gorby’s Transmission, to For Squirrels. With his trademark self-deprecating humor, Jack Vig shares the band’s nervous energy as they balance the pressures of college life with anticipation of their upcoming live debut at The Covered Dish in Gainesville. February 16, 1993 Dear Mary, Well, Well, it’s been a long time since I’ve done this so here goes – another lame letter from everybody’s favorite retard – Jack V formerly of Gorby’s Transmission now of For Squirrels!! Anyway I’ve...

This letter, written home by Jack Vigliatura to his close friend Mary Shortt, offers a brief glimpse into the early days of a garage band. Central to the update is the rented garage unit where Jack, Bill White, and Travis Tooke were busy moving in. Jack notes that while they are drowning in thousands of dollars of guitar effects, the operation is still a major work in progress, complete with Bill learning how to play the drums. Interestingly, Jack scrawled "Buzz Aldrin" in the return address section of the envelope—making one wonder if he suspected the band was on the...

On October 13th, 1992, Jack Viglitura wrote to close friend Mary Shortt from the UF where he was balancing midterm stress with a major milestone for his band, Gorby's Transmission. He announces that he, Travis Tooke and Bill White have officially rented a practice space. By splitting the rent with another band, the trio cleverly scored access to a massive stockpile of shared equipment—including a P.A. system and a four-track recorder—to power up their rehearsals. Amidst these rock-and-roll logistics, Jack raves about R.E.M.’s brand-new album, Automatic for the People, declaring that it completely “rules.” October 13, 1992 Dear Mary, This...

Written September 3rd, 1992 letter by Jack Vigliatura this letter offers a snapshot life in the early days of a new semester. Writing home to close friend Mary Shortt at 1:00 AM, Jack captures the chaotic transition of starting a grueling academic schedule—balancing dreaded courses and an unforgettable German class. Despite the heavy workload, the letter highlights a major milestone for Jack and his bandmates, Bill Whiteand Travis Tooke, as they settle into their new home at the Gatorwood Apartments. September 3, 1992 Dear Mary, I’m sorry I haven’t written soon, I hope I haven’t upset you. It’s been quite...

In the summer of 1992, Jack Vigliatura traded the landlocked heat of Gainesville for the bustling coast of Ocean City, Maryland, embarking on a seasonal business venture that promised high-dollar payouts. However, a letter written home to close friend Mary Shortt on July 13th  reveals that the reality of the boardwalk hustle was far from a sun-soaked vacation. Evocative, weary, and deeply candid, Jack’s correspondence captures the bittersweet isolation of a college student facing a melting 96-degree day, disappointing sales, a looming business eviction, and a profound wave of homesickness for the family he left behind. July 13, 1992 Dear...

Writing home from Ocean City, Maryland, Jack Vigliatura shares a snapshot of his summer working on a noisy pier while celebrating close friend Marty Shortt’s recent completion of the school year. The letter offers a glimpse into youth culture of the era, capturing his experiences with local attractions, R.E.M. fandom, and the distinct realities of a seasonal job away from home. May 31, 1992 Mary. Howdy, from Ocean City, MD! Man a live, I’ve been so busy working lately, I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to write. Thank you for a lovely letter. I got it at the perfect...

In this letter sent home by Jack Vigliatura from UF in Gainesville, he offers a hilarious and nostalgic glimpse into college life, low-budget talent shows, and the accidental birth of his band’s new name. Written to his close friend Mary Shortt, the letter captures the chaotic energy of late-night dorm antics, documenting how a 10-minute performance of "acting dumb" won his band second place, a handful of Subway coupons, and the bizarre accusation of being a group of undercover professionals. Jack Vig (left) and Bill White (right) performing on stage together. March 30, 1992 Mary. How are you? Listen to...