Approximately 89 pieces of correspondence, handwritten, much of it on paper handmade by Kenneth Patchen. Includes one original painting by Kenneth Patchen.
Correspondence written by Miriam Patchen; many on hand-made paper by Kenneth Patchen. Also, a small painting by Kenneth Patchen attached to one letter. The collection spans 4 decades. Written to Annie Ruff (she was the aunt of Woodstock artist David Ruff whom the Patchens were friends with), starting from their first few formal letters to the extremely close relationship that formed between the three of them. "Our little Annie" as they would call her. Letters about their health and financial struggles (Annie sent them money throughout the years) and Kenneth's work and publication deals and malpractice suit etc. Very personal in nature, providing a fascinating and informative window into the lives of the Patchens over a number of years..
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A letter from Miriam Patchen to her friend, Annie Ruff, aunt of Woodstock artist David Ruff who was a good friend of the Patchen’s, detailing Kenneth’s latest health struggles. A small painting by Kenneth Patchen attached to the top of the letter. Typed by Miriam in pink ink on handmade paper made by Kenneth Patchen.
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6 page letter from Miriam to Annie. Written in blue ink on Miriam’s personal stationary. Letter details some of Miriam’s frustrations and health issues.
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3 page letter from Miriam to Annie. Written in blue ink on Miriam’s personal stationary. A letter of pleasantries, well wishes and thank yous.
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Handmade and painted envelope by Kenneth Ptachen. With stamps, mailed to Annie Ruff. Envelope contains letter written by Miriam on handmade and painted by paper by Kenneth Patchen. Detailing their struggles and emotions with Kenneth’s health.
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Small store-bought card. Letter typed by Miriam telling Annie about their new address and that they moved.
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Letter on store-bought stationary, stationary dated 1979 – The Mead Corporation, hand written by Miriam telling Annie how excited she was that they would get to see each other again “after all these years” since they are going to be stopping in New York. Miriam dated it August 11th.
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One small store-bought envelope ripped open. From Miriam to Annie. Mail-stamped.
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Square note on rough paper. One side has woodcut illustration. The back side has writing in red ink: Happy Holidays Love Miriam + Kenneth
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“Air Mail” paper that folds into an envelope. Mail stamp is dated September 30th, 1958 (SEP 30 1958). Scribbling on the front from the letter being forwarded to Annie’s new home. Typed in pink by Miriam. Detailing Kenneth’s head and neck injury and what he and they are up to.
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“Air Mail” paper that folds into envelope. Mail stamp dated December 2nd, 1958 (DEC 2 1958). Handwritten by Miriam to Annie, detailing a dinner and feast with friends who came to visit.
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Letter typed by Miriam on small, blue folded paper. Inside small blue mail stamped envelope. Letter details their need to move, that Kenneth is finally out of pain but health not well, that the doctors cant figure out what is wrong with him. No date but Miriam states Kenneth is about to have 3 books come out and is working on more. Handwritten closing and signature.
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Newspaper article about Kenneth Patchen and his poems. Article on him is four pages long. Folded. Dated 1959.
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White envelope with blue letter inside. Envelope dated December 14th, 1970. Thin blue paper written by Miriam. Exerpt: “Kenneth reacts to the weather, to the world, to postal problems (Part of a book going to press with New Directions is lost in the mail), to publisher baloney – Oh well, so the world turns”.
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Folded, grey cardstock. Pressed flower glued to it. Hand written by Miriam, letting Annie know a special package is on its way. Ending in “The Season’s greetings and love otherwise too Miriam + Kenneth
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Handmade paper by Kenneth, with bands painted on top. Typed by Miriam in pink ink talking about the doctor’s malpractice, Kenneth’s condition deteriorating, his constant sedation, Miriam anger and frustration with these doctors responsible, A new record of Kenneth’s is coming out with folkways and later the Fables he recorded at home. Written signature.
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Letter written by Miriam on handmade papers by Kenneth Patchen, 2 pages with pink and blue at top.
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Handwritten letter inside of an envelope mail stamp dated June 17th, 1946 (JUN 17 1946). Talking about their frustrations with the limited edition version of Sufferers Awaken was mistakenly bound with the trade copy. 3,000 copies messed up, limited edition completely unusable. Their fight to get it corrected.
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A postcard that was printed by the University of North Dakota Art Gallery. The Works of Kenneth Patchen 18 March – 5, April 1974. From Miriam to Annie. Her Kenneth were at this show and on their way to Salt Lake City.
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Handmade yellow and grey paper envelope by Kenneth Patchen, mail stamp dated 1962?
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2 Handmade letters with orange and blue at top, inside an envelope with three stripes panted on side. Handwritten in pink ink by Miriam. Sending a Thanksgiving greeting. Speaking of how much they value Annie’s friendship. “Kenneth’s back is horribly bad… under strong sedation all the time. The Doctors say that nothing went wrong during the operation, that Kenneth has what might just be a “Badly Wrenched Back” …Kenneth as a play in performance.
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2 pages of small, folded, grey letters handwritten by Miriam inside grey envelope mail stamped July, 24th 1944. Talking about money struggles, them waiting for their $200 check from Laughlin for the advance for “The Memoirs of Shy Pornographer”. They’ve been waiting for over a month and are flat broke. The letter is mainly leading up, through much hesitation, apology and gratitude that they will take the money she had offered them.
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2 pages of small, white letters inside a white envelope with mail stamp dated OCT 1959. Handwritten on Miriam’s personal stationary by Miriam. Thanking Annie for the money, giving her praise. Talking about Kenneth’s present ongoing surgeries and set-backs. His play is going to come out the following month.
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Grey cardstock letter inside grey envelope dated May 1966? Handwritten by Miriam a letter of joy and optimism. “…Kenneth had his operation a week ago. It was fabulous and much trouble was found and cleared up – another “collapsed” disc, scar tissue, multiple lesions – any of which would have been agonizing enough! …What wonderful doctors! What care! What good people! …Kenneth was placed yesterday into a torso length cast in which he’ll live for many months. He was turned and turned on spit-like things like a vase at a potters studio…. But for the first time we feel that he can ___ day in the near future devote his energies to work not pain. Our dearest love Miriam”.
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White handmade paper, long, with pink and blue stripe at top. Handwritten in pink in by Miriam. “We are deeply indebted to you, not for the money so much- thought it too is a great deal since it is earned money – but for the gift of time and thought it conveys. It becomes a really lovely torture to wish to be going to the Russian Tea Room with you to see you in New York, to talk.” May be able to visit in Spring. Doctors say its just a pinched nerve and it will clear up eventually. “What all this means only God and Ama knows.” K.P.’s play is not going to move. It closed a week after schedule it did so well but Dupont suddenly canceled. (To Do So?)
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Grey piece of cardstock with handwriting by Miriam saying, “Kenneth will be at the Palo Alto Hospital / Palo Alto, Calif / beginning the 28th
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Square, paper Christmas card with illustration of girl and 2 sheep on cover. Handwriting on inside- “Mirror, mirror, on the wall who’s the fairest of them all? Love to Annie, Kenneth and Miriam. Written by Kenneth.
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Postcard dated 1976. Patchen painting on cover. Painting-Poem. Handwritten by Miriam, “…Most ridiculous “man who came to dinner” situation has inundated me. Your beautiful offer of hospitality will not be taken up now. Book delayed til nexter year. But we love you for your beautiful warmth – Soon Miriam
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Post card with Kenneth Patchen painting printed on cover. Handwritten “With love Miriam”.
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Envelope with red, yellow and green painted stripes. Mail stamped 1959.
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Christmas card with color painting on cover by Dennis James. Handwritten in pink by Kenneth Patchen, “Peace? In our time? Too much to hope for? Well, maybe… perhaps… it could happen / Fondest Kenneth & Miriam.
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Folded letter with purple border. Hand written in green by Miriam. Not much change but little by little there is improvement with Kenneth’s back. The “black tongue” went away, it was caused by all the toxins from all the drugs he was taking. He can walk a good distance. Kenneth is discouraged because recovery is slow. Wants so badly to leave there.
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Newspaper article from 1957, folded, about Patchen’s poems and Jazz.
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A flyer for Kenneth Patchen playing with The Chamber Jazz Sextet. Black and white photos. Inscribed upside down by K.P. “This we had no hand in – it was fait accompli before we knew it.
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One page letter inside envelope mail stamped 1944. Handwritten by Miriam.
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Small folded card with water color illustration of ducks. Handwritten by Miriam: “Dearest Annie – in the hopes your utter utter miracle of a machine still exists and plays ! How it should be that all of us could listen together in the peace of that pleasure – to us – let us think of you sitting back for a few minutes doing so. -Love Miriam + Kenneth
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Plain postcard, mail stamped date MAR 30 1951. Written in green by Miriam. Letting Annie know that Kenneth was doing okay after his surgery.
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Plain postcard, mail stamped date AUG 18 1951. Miriam asking to borrow a set of book of Annies, if she was able to find them and did not mind to ship. Handwritten.
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Handwritten letter in white envelope mail stamped date AUG 7 1951. Kenneth is doing better. They can’t accept Annie’s invite right now. First time in years he’s been off drugs, first time in a long time he’s beginning to think about work. Would love for her to come visit.
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Handwritten letter inside envelope mail stamped date 1943. Miriam thanking Mrs. Ruff for letting them make arrangements to spend the summer in her country home in Mt. Pleasant.
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Handwritten letter inside envelope mail stamped date May 29 1943. Miriam thanking Mrs. Ruff (Annie) and telling her how excited they both were.
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Handwritten letter inside envelope mail stamped date April 3rd 1944. “ Dear Ann” Miriam asking Ann if she would mind waiting one more week before coming to visit. They want the place to look better before she sees it, waiting for their furniture. Cannot wait to show her their place and to see her! “Love Miriam”
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Two page handwritten letter in green by Miriam, thanking Annie for being such a wonderful person and friend. Kenneth is ill, in pain.
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Rectangle cardstock paper with printed illustration. Handwritten in green by Miriam. Kenneth didn’t feel up to do a card this year. With Realest Love Kenneth & Miriam
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Two page handwritten letter by Miriam. Ranting about politics, communism, revolution. “But then thinking of “our little annie” always makes us a good deal happier. Affectionately Miriam
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Two page letter written front and back on Patchen stationary. Handwritten by Miriam “Dear Annie – So strange: just because I was thinking heavily of you a couple days before you called! Are we on some private line of communication? So be it.” Then goes on talking about peace movement and protest and peace meetings.
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Handwritten letter by Miriam inside envelope mail stamped date OCT 20 1943. Feels bad about how messy they left the cottage. The wasn’t enough time, there was so much she planned to do.
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New Year’s Greeting card. Handwritten well wishes in red by Miriam.
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Grey cardstock letter handwritten by Miriam. Thanking Annie, wishing her well. They love their new home compared to San Fran. In envelope dated 195_
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Cardstock with corn illus. Mail stamped 1979. Annie that was your note wasn’t it? Why didn’t you let me know you’d be in town before leaving NY. I would have love to see you. I would have came to the airport. I would have cancelled anything I had planned. “Do you realize its decades since we’ve seen eachother! You and Kenneth were able to get together if only briefly when he was in new York but that was 20 years ago!
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Greyish blue handwritten letter inside greyish blue envelope mail stamped date OCT 14 1956 by Miriam
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Large plain postcard mail stamped date May 25 1943. Handwritten by Miriam to Mrs. Ruff letting her know they may have to spend the night there because of bus schedule.
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Handwritten letter on Patchen stationary in white envelope mail stamped date SEP 5 1962. Miriam telling Annie she is depressed over Cummings (E. E. Cummings) death, why him, he was their dearest and oldest friend. Details of Kenneth’s poor health.
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Two page typed letter in white envelope mail stamped date 1 APR 1969. From Miriam.
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Handmade envelope made out of tissue, light blue, mail stamped date 6 MAR 1969. Tissue paper letter written by Miriam that they found out ____ cummings had been in hospital since __ and was in room ___. Could Annie send her some flowers?
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Folded little card with cat illustration printed on cover. “Miriam + Kenneth”
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Paper card, small printed black and white illus.
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2 page letter typed by Miriam. Thanking Annie for check, generousity, Kenneth is about to go to the hospital for 2 weeks for checks, they are broke from all the medical expenses. “How could you be such a meanie and send us a gift” Kenneth is working on a new book David and Holly will publish. Signed Miriam
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2-4 page letter written in green by Miriam. Telling Annie they were busy preparing to move to Palo Alto.
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Card with Donkey on cover. Handwritten by Miriam. She is concerned that Annie hasn’t come to visit and she was suppose to be there a week or so ago.
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Page from a program for The Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop with Kenneth Patchen.
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Two pieces of handmade paper by Kenneth Patchen with handwritten letter by Miriam.
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Folded typed letter from Miriam. Kenneth is performing on TV and radio etc should bring in a lot of money for them. Although that’s not the kind of guy Kenneth is. Her parents have moved close by to her great sorrow. “We love you” Signed Miriam
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Handmade blue paper by Kenneth Patchen. Handwritten by Miriam about their exhibit at Gotham.
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Two pieces of handmade paper with handwritten letter in blue by Miriam.
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3 page letter handwritten in green on Mrs. Kenneth Patchen stationary by Miriam. Written on both sides of pages.
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Two page letter on handmade paper by Kenneth Patchen with orange and light blue stripes at top. Handwritten by Miriam. A couple books to send. Kenneth has traction. Odes to Spring.
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Letter on handmade paper by Kenneth Patchen with multi-color stripe at top. Written in vibrant pink ink by Miriam thanking Annie for the gift she sent them. Wishing she were there to have thanksgiving turkey with them. Inside envelope with red, yellow, green stripe mail stamped date NOV 28 1960.
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Two page handwritten letter. Both pages are handmade paper by Kenneth Patchen. One blue and yellow, one red and yellow.
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Letter on handmade paper by Kenneth Patchen with rainbow stripe at top. Typed in pink ink by Miriam. Detailing Kenneth’s health.
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Yellow paper painted on by Kenneth Patchen folded into envelope mail stamped date NOV 28 1963.
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Folded letter typed by Miriam. Very formal, requesting to stay at their country property for the summer. 3 cent stamp attached for return letter. Inside envelope mail stamped date May 14, 1943.
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Folded paper card with Kenneth Patchen black and white print of his sketch. Inside are his musings. Signed Season’s Greetings Miriam + Kenneth.
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Folded paper card with Season’s Greetings on cover. Printed from Kenneth’s writing. Inside are black and white illustrations and s poem. Signed on back in red Kenneth & Miriam Dec 25, 1968.
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One page folded letter, typed on both side by Miriam. Talking about Kenneth’s upcoming Jazz show with The Chamber and his Cultural festival is putting on in Oakland. Club has been selling out.
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Folded glossy, black and white photo, Handwritten. Gotham show.
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Folded letter handwritten in blue by Miriam. Miriam Patchen green stamped stationary with Old Lyme, Connecticut. Thanking any for her gift. Sincerely. Inside light blueish grey envelope.
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Handwritten letter (on handmade paper?) XMAS 64 inside white envelope mail stamped date DEC 29 1964. Glad Kenneth was able to see Annie!
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Frantic excited letter written on the back of a handout.
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Postcard with black and white photo of house on cover. Mail stamped date May 5 1944. Thanking Annie for her note, that they hope to be back by the 1st and that she’s been thinking about Mt. Pleasant constantly.
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Postcard with color photo on cover. Mail stamped date Aug 26 1980. Miriam talking about the place they’re staying at by the beach.
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Folded light grey letter handwritten by Miriam.
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List of music catalogue handwritten by Miriam in purple ink. Two pages folded.
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Oct 18 1944, small postcard, handwritten by Miriam. Telling Annie she tried to call but can never seem to get a hold of her or one of her tenants answer. Looking forward to seeing her again soon.
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Letter handwritten by Miriam on goofy clown stationary. They should be back by te 1st they are packing up the house. Dick got three years in Hudson County Jail. Tell the others to write them.
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Two page, folded, handwritten letter. Talking Kenneth, Dick, David and The Tempest book she wants to send Annie. Might beliong in envelope mail stamped date Sept 29 1943
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Handwritten letter, both sides, folded inside envelope mail stamped date 29 JUN 1979. How happy she is to have talked to Annie, hear her voice, how they want to see her but Miriam’s mother broke her hip.
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Folded tissue like paper, illustration on cover. Signed: Seasons Greetings Miriam + Kenneth on interior.
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Handwritten letter on folded cardstock inside light grey envelope mail stamped date JUN 19 1956. Thanking for check. Speaking of Kenneth’s Health.
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Flyer from Kenneth Patchen playing with the Chamber Jazz Sextet. Used to be folded into an envelope. Oct 1 1957.