The Three Christs of Ypsilanti - Milton Rokeach [58]
We have discussed upon the subject of thinking; upon the subject of the title of the book; upon the subject of criticism upon the values of the book. Naturally the art of thinking is most precious!!!! But there is the book that is the value of the book: how it is written. It is not badly written! The subjects within the book are well treated, and also, very instructing! And it is very readable!
Joseph Cassel
Ward D-23
Ypsilanti State Hospital
Ypsilanti, Michigan
November 8, 1959 (Sunday). Opened session of discussion with second verse of “My Country America ’Tis of Thee” at 9:30 a.m. closed session 10:30 a.m.
Discussed item of 4 best sellers for 99 cents Doubleday One Dollar Book Club.
Discussed about orange juice in This Week Magazine, Detroit News.
Discussed item about a new drug called ergot, a rye fungus, technical term LSD. Sometimes used against alcoholism and aid to enter into grey shadows (if any) of part subconscious engram brain flow to aid in self psycho-analysis, with technical aid.
According to item best cure is to “will to help oneself” and LSD is only a means to an end not a cure all.
Read about item called “We’re looking for people who like to draw” from a magazine section of DETROIT NEWS.
Complete information according to instrumental “Devine Habeas Corpus cosmic parchement in front of the face, and in front of this parchement of paper.
Closed meeting singing 4th verse of America.
Sincerely;
Dr. Rexarum
On December 31 Joseph was in the hospital. Apparently he had had a pain in his stomach the day after Christmas—and to treat it had rubbed his chest and upper abdomen with a floor-cleaning or bleaching compound he found in an open cupboard in the laundry. Not unnaturally, he suffered rather severe burns. When he was interviewed shortly afterwards at the hospital, he said: “Do you think we will be getting together with Rex and Clyde this evening?” We suggested to the others that they hold their meeting at Joseph’s bedside, and after Leon expressed some reluctance to disrupt the usual routine, they agreed. The meeting was held, but there was some strain and no singing. However, Clyde and Leon were quite willing to go to Joseph’s bedside the next day. On the way there, we passed through the lobby of A building, which was filled with floral displays donated by various funeral parlors. At our suggestion, Leon and Clyde selected a bouquet and presented it to Joseph, who was quite touched. Leon put it on Joseph’s night table and fussed over it, trying to get the best effect. Joseph commented many times on how nice the flowers looked and thanked Clyde and Leon. They held their meeting, opening and closing with the usual song. When they ran out of tobacco paper, Leon obtained some from the aides and shared it with the others. He filled Joseph’s empty tobacco pouch from his own. At the close of the meeting we wished them all a Happy New Year, after which they spontaneously shook hands all the way around and wished each other a Happy New Year.
It should by now not be at all surprising, in view of the changed climate depicted above, that after they themselves took over the conduct of their meetings, the three Christs altered their attitudes toward these sessions, toward one another, and toward me. Any number of comments they made—both in individual interviews and on other occasions—gave evidence of this.
Clyde said that he was “getting along all right with Rex and Joseph.” Of Leon, Clyde remarked that he was “quieter, not so cranky.” When I asked Clyde if the others still claimed to be God or Jesus Christ, he replied: “No, not so much.”
Several times Joseph clamored for two meetings a day instead of the usual one, asked if “we can’t stay longer,” and reiterated that he enjoyed all the meetings. Of Leon, he said: “He doesn’t seem to detest my company. Rex has changed considerably. He forgets that there is any animosity. He is diurnal, daily, regular.