Box 1

Scope and Contents This set of 7 letters were written in March 1968. Throughout the month, one of Stephen's most pressing priorities, mentioned in 4 of 6 letters, is the fact that he needs his parents to send him money for new guitar strings. Early in the month, Stephen expresses a lot of enthusiasm for college courses in prison and obtaining a college degree when released. That enthusiasm quickly fades away. He reminisces about girls from his past that he misses: Linda, Carrie, and Gaylynn. In a letter from...

Scope and Contents In this set of 6 letters written in April 1968, Stephen consistently talks to his parents about his guitar and a new passion/hobby he has taken on, body building. Several of the letters go into detail about his routine lifting weights, his diet, and his physique. The only letter that does not mention that is from April 17, where he instead mentions a girl named [Hannah]. She seems to be a younger sister as he expresses that he wants to check up on her before he dies but does not want...

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In this letter, a man named J.B. expresses that he is really good friends with Stephen and knows him from his time in Tracy. He is 21 years old and was originally arrested for DUI. J.B. is sorry to hear that Stephen's board meeting did not go so well but hopes to see him in 1969. J.B. owns a landscaping business and used to work with Stephen in the bakery.

Scope and Contents From May through August of 1968 there are only 6 letters from Stephen to his parents. Significantly less than previous months. In May, Stephen expresses that he does not believe that "Hellfire" is worse than prison as it has changed him physically, mentally, and spiritually. Also in May, Stephen received his typewriter from his parents and the letters going forward begin to be typed instead of handwritten. There are no letters dated in June 1968, as Stephen explains in a letter written in...

Scope and Contents This set of 4 letters ranges from September to October. In these letters to his parents, Stephen mentions his physique, his plans after prison, and also mentions specific details about the area in Los Angeles, CA where he once lived. One letter stand out in October where he mentions the writings he's done while in prison and encourages his parents to listen to a song by Porter Wagner called "Soul of a Convict". Stephen believes that song perfectly summarizes his experience in prison and...

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In this letter to his parents, Stephen begins by saying that he must admit his sins. Stephen consideres himself psychotic and makes several statements regarding the United States justice system and its politicians. He mentions the night of his arrest and still claims his innocence, stating that he is still a functioning member of society. The letter is written sometime in September but has no specific date. The date of 09-12-68 is the date the envelope was stamped by the post office.

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This is the final letter in this collection that Stephen writes from prison. He labels it urgent as his official parole/release is less than 3 weeks away. Stephen asks his parents for money to pay for transportation. He needs a bus to Tracy, CA, then a bus to San Francisco, CA, and lastly a plane from San Francisco, CA to San Antonio, TX. There are no conditions for Stephen's parole in CA, except that he update his parole officer on where he will be. Stephen hopes the same applies in TX.

Scope and Contents This is the last letter from the entire collection and is written over 6 years after Stephen's release from prison. Stephen updates his parents on his current situation. He is working at a restaurant and owes a flying school $85 because he passed his course and is receiving his pilot's license. His pilot's license will arrive at his parent's house but he wants it forwarded to Gladys and Jean's house because he is currently living out of a YMCA but will soon start sleeping in his car. He ends...

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This letter is the the only letter in the collection that Stephen sent from San Diego County Jail. He expresses that he has over 30 days before being sent to Chino (CA Institution for Men). He believes that Chino will change him, but he does not know if it will be for better or worse.

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In this letter from Helen to her son Stephen, she tells him that she has received all of his previous letters including the ones sent to Betty. She is happy that Stephen is reading the Bible and consoles him for breaking down and crying in a previous letter. She ends the letter expressing her belief in his innocence.