ALS signed “Love, Janis,” six pages, 6 x 8, August 21, 1965. Letter to her boyfriend Peter DeBlanc. In part: “My mother was really charmed by your letter (although I must say she seems very smitten by you anyway) and of course I loved hearing from you so soon. I really have to tell you how much my family liked you. My brother keeps practising his recorder (along w/Laura, Mother & I) and piping 'Gee, I sure would like to have Peter for a brother-in-law!’ and Laura peeked up underneath her hair once to say ‘…and he has such broad shoulders! Sigh.’ Mother thinks you are very polished and have lots of potential—that’s a compliment in case it doesn’t sound it. And even Daddy got up out of his reading chair(!) to come into my room and tell me that it looked like I picked a fine young man who could go anywhere he wanted to ‘sure is smart!’ And me, well, I still think you’re just perfect…I love you. And so does my family…Just be sure that you don’t outclass me, I got some new clothes today myself! I got the most beautiful black dress that really needs a boyfriend to take me somewhere in it. (What’s that?) & looks like this and is made of a heavy hopsacking type material & its lined w/ beige silk. SIGH! [next to this portion of the letter, Joplin has added a full-length sketch of the dress on a female figure]…So I feel happy and pampered and I dig it!…I’ll be off for 2 weeks. During my vacation I’m going to take Mike & Laura to an Astros game in Houston, go to the Doctor (we now suspect an ulcer) have my picture made, make myself a few dresses for school, and Mother & Laura & I are going to start a quilt…So my hope chest is filling…Well, I’ve got a book report to do, so XX. Do write to me, I love you very much. Send me some pictures. We all miss you XXX.” In fine condition.
This letter was written during a six month period in 1965 when Joplin had returned to Port Arthur, Texas, to live with her parents while she recovered from an amphetamine addiction. Joplin had met de Blanc during her first attempt to live in San Francisco and they continued their relationship after she returned home to Texas. During this period, she wrote de Blanc frequently, as she struggled with her desires to lead a peaceful private life, and her passion for the rock and roll lifestyle. De Blanc broke off their engagement in 1966, and Joplin returned to San Francisco in June of that year joining Big Brother. A very personal and private letter, the first we have seen with any type of original artwork, allowing this letter to stand apart from others. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.
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