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 time. It was the one day I had off because it was pouring rain and I was up in my room just watching it rain when I read it. It’s difficult being away from home.
I’m writing you from work at the pier. Our booth is right next to the “Music Express” and it is so loud (the music). As you may have guessed I’ve already gotten to know the guy who runs this potentially celestial machine and by playing the part of “Mr. Smiley-Nice-Guy-To-Do-Things For” I’ve gotten “Out of Time” its fair share of play. Next comes “Life’s Rich Pageant” (gimme three weeks). Man my printing is getting smaller.
Anyway, BIG NEWS – YOU’RE OUT OF SCHOOL!!! Feels great don’t it? One more year and then you’ll never have to see that big green roof at 6:45 AM again. I used to hate that. To me that color symbolized every shred of hatred in my body. Well, that’s over for a few months anyway.
I hope you find a job you enjoy. I wouldn’t recommend anything in the fast foods area. That park sounded nice. I think you’d work well with children. I’ve seen the way your little neighbors hang all over you.
I bought my very first R.E.M. shirt ever. It was a black “Green” one – it cost $15!!! I could have got one for $4 in 1986 – what is this?!! Oh yeah, I should tell you now, out of spite for this situation that I severely dislike I’ve decided to shave everything but my chin and mustache. So by August it should be pretty full so prepare your mom.
I bought a pair of big black shoes and I’m gonna get some really gnarly jeans and ugly T-shirts. I want to look as gnarly as possible so I don’t have to deal with anymore stupid girls. They come down the pier with 10 lbs of makeup and about as much class as Roseanne and they want to see if all the guys find them attractive. This way I can try and scare them if I drool and talk to myself. It won’t do much for business, but hey – I get paid by the hour.
I would also like to take the picture of me and Travis arm in arm in front of Buck’s house – I’m going to make him a T-shirt of it.
Please write soon.
Love,
Jack
