Response from John S. Lamprey

On August 20, 1991, John S. Lamprey from the Class of 1950 wrote a letter in response to the intial letter written by Audrey and Bill Norris requesting information about Sampsonville. In this letter, Lamprey provides firsthand details about the Sampsonville living conditions: "shortly after moving in, my wife discovered our apartment had visitors in the form cockroaches - she immediately put powder about to eliminate the critters. In no time our neighbors from both sides and above descended upon us; for all we accomplished was to drive them to 'greener pastures' and scurrying next door" (Letter from John S. Lamprey).  His account notes that the living conditions were not ideal, he reflects upon this experience in a positive, upbeat, comedic manner, reminiscing about his time in Sampsonville.

In reference to the physical conditions of the ammenities provided to them, Lamprey notes that his wife "was always waxing, stripping and washing [their] dark green asphalt kitchen floor" because it was "impossible to keep looking nice"(Letter from John S. Lamprey). This indicates that they wanted to keep up appearances despite the fact that Sampsonville was only temporary living. They wanted to make it feel like home while they were there.

The Lamprey's also had a puppy who was constantly causing mischief: "unrolling toilet tissue, paper towels, you name it and scattering things about the place" (Letter from John S. Lamprey). This paints a picture of the family lifestyle that existed in the Bates scene in this time.