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 verge of blasting off the launchpad.
October 26, 1992
Dear Mary,
Hi! How’s everything going? Well we just had Gator Growl this weekend – gosh this town was packed!!! There were parties going on since Wednesday of last week that ran straight through until Sunday in our neighborhood – it was amazing! (I sort of admire their endurance).
Anyway I’m glad it’s over. I also purchased that Automatic box thing-a-ma-jig but I haven’t opened it yet. There were only about 100,000 of them made so I figure I’ll just put aside and keep it sealed. Keep yours in good condition – it might be worth something.
We moved into the shed – we were there last night tooling around with $5,000 dollars worth of guitar effects. It was pretty cool. The P.A. system isn’t there yet so I haven’t spent too much time there but I think Bill and Travis live there (Bill’s learning how to play the drums I think).
But other than that everything’s going the same as usual. I might be coming home this weekend. If I do I’ll bring all my R.E.M. stuff with me and I’ll stop by and show you.
Did I tell you I have an R.E.M. clock? It’s pretty cheesy.
Well hopefully I’ll see you this weekend and be able to talk to you face to face for once.
I gotta go. I miss you Mary – hope to see you soon.
Love,
Jack
