Schlesinger Library

C O P Y

June 7th, 1949 Box 99 Framingham Mass.

Dar Mr. Hepner

I have just finished reading your article "Ordeal in Massachusetts" published in Harpers Magazine .

To me the reading meant a great deal - for each word and person at Framingham a few months past.

I write this letter to you as a "student". I will not use the word inmate - for us all women confined here are known as Students.

Mr. Hepner when our Beloved Supt. Dr Van Waters was dismissed by the Co. of Correction of Mass I cannot express in words of writing the sorrow and loss each and every one of us felt. If you had been in our Chapel the evening Assembly was called and Dr. Van Waters stood on the platform and told us all she was dismissed.

We women here Young and Old alike swelled with tears for they came straight from the heart, we were not ashamed to cry, for we knew that there stood the woman small in statue, but who had a heart so big, and one who had faith and trust in every woman placed in her care.

Those days of the hearing I will never forget for every word spoken to Dr. Van Waters and her Staff members was felt by all here. If we could of only been able to help her carry the burden we would of done it with open arms.

I am a woman 55 yrs of age - came from a good family - drink was my downfall. I tell you this because I want you to feel just what I am trying to express in words of writing.

Our Members of Staff were so severely crucified and if you had ever the occasion to meet these women you would see what a great injustice was done.

These Members that were hurt so are living examples of what a good true Woman really is. Mr. Hepner I do hope and pray that some day in the near future you will be able to come to Framingham and see for yourself just how we do live.

It is not enough for a Woman to be confined, away from the ones she loves so dear, and above all marked by the State. In each and every one of us placed here there is good, and Dr. Van Waters knows that, and that is what she so gallantly stood so many days and fought for.

C O P Y [written in pencil] June 7, 1949[written in pencil]

2

What does the Com. of Correction of Massachussetts want? Every woman placed in a penal Institution (such as this) to grow so bitter and hate-ful that the spark of good in each one will never kindle again.

He has taken away priviledges I will speak of just one of the many Day Work. So many of us depended on it so that when we were released we not only achieved experiences by our work but were able to go forth into society feeling that we could care for ourselves and ones near and dear to us without depending on aid from no one.

Here at Framingham we have wonderful Spiritual Guidance. Not a Woman here who has a problem to be taken care of fails to go to her Spiritual Advisor.

Sir: we have four (4) Services here on Sunday each so beautiful in its own way.

Since our Beloved Supt return she has not thought of herself of her every tiring days of the hearing, she has crossed the State of Mass from the smallest town to the largest City, make-ing speeches in behalf of the Women of Framingham Trying to get help and aid for them so less fortunate than others.

Do you wonder why? Mr. Hepner that we adore the ground she walks on.

I speak not for just myself but every Student and Staff member here.

I have been at Framinghamfourteen months (14). When admitted I was a mental and physical piece of humanity. I cared not whether I lived or died.

A great change has come over me, and I write this with all sincerity.

I have found at Framingham more kindness, understanding faith, and above all trust in human being.

No matter the color or Creed we to Dr. Van Waters are all human beings and she does all in her power to show us how we can be right and above all teaches us to have self confidence in ourselves, which before entering here we lose, because we do not care.

Mr. Hepner upon my release from Framingham I want to do for others what these people here have done for me.

One does not need a brilliant education, to give a soothing hand to the sick of mind or body, a word of advice for one in need, a shoulder to lean on so much less fortunate than ourselves. Understanding for those who fell by the wayside. May God Bless Dr. Van Waters and each and every member of her Staff and to you Dr. Hepner for being so kind and understanding and printing such a wonderful story. We the Students of Framingham say to you in our own humble way May God's blessings and Gifts shower upon you and yourse and always keep you

Our Friend of Framingham Thanking you Sincerely

Margaret Newton