ENPages That Mention Reformatory for Women
Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: N, 1949. A-71, folder 327. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
(seq. 29)
[Printed Paper] The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Correction
Reformatory for Women Framingham Mass.
[Crest] Miriam Van Waters Superintendent
July 28th 1949 Box 99 Framingham Mass
As I sit to pen this letter to you, I wrote for not just myself, but, for almost four hundred women confined at the Reformatory for Women at Framingham
It is so little that I can do to repay to both Staff & Students (I will not use the word inmate, for we are not known here as such, Inmate is a word sounding so cruel & hard) for all they have done for me.
When admitted here back in April '48 I hovered between life & death.
Hospitalized for many months - Dr Van Waters & her Staff through their kindness & understanding gave me the will & want to get well so that I upon regaining my health both in mind & body can go forth into the Community & hep other folks such as I was so greatly helped here.
Understanding - truth & trust for which is a daily substance of this Institution does so much to rebuild the lines of broken women.
(seq. 35)
Aug 9th 1949 Box 99 Framingham Mass
Dear Mr O' Neil As I go about to write you this letter I do not know just how to begin.
It makes me feel very humble to see girls & boys who went to St John's with me years past happily married of today or holding down very good positions in life such as you.
I am writing to you from the Reformatory for Women at Framingham but Tip I can truthfully say this.
I thank Almighty God & His Divine Mother for sending me here when he did for
Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: N, 1950-1951. A-71, folder 328. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
(seq. 12)
The Commonwealth Massachusetts
Department of Correction Reformatory for Women Framingham, Mass
Miriam Van Waters Superintendent
March 16, 1950
Mr. LaRue Brown 78 Revere Street Boston, Massachussets
I am enclosing an article written by one of the students on the day of the Hearing, in which I think you would be interested.
Sincerely,
Miriam
Miriam Van Waters Papers. Male Prisoner Correspondence, 1927-1971. Correspondence: B, 1932-1933. A-71, folder 595. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
(seq. 12)
REFORMATORY FOR WOMEN Framingham, Mass.
February 9, 1933
Miriam Van Waters Superintendent
Mr. Jack Black 19 West 103rd St New York City, N.Y
Dear JackBlack
Your letter was greeted with joy. Last Saturday we had the Connicks out too, and Mr. Dennison and his son-in-law, Edmund Smith I let Mr. and Mrs. Connick see your letter, and it brought them a feeling of happiness. Young Mr. Smith says that the Boston Ad club wants you to talk here in Boston If this want is accompanied by money, I shall let you know at once.
I wish you could stay with us for a visit. You will try to do this, won't you? Bode and Sarah are counting on it.
Jack a lot of things have been happening to me. On December 6th I left for a two week vacation, and spell of writing and visiting prisons in Georgia and Florida I stayed on the plantation of Mrs. Lewis S. Thompson. I was a little out of my depth because Ex-Secretary of Her Haker was a guest at the same time. Also they played bridge. I learned what I could, and maybe it has helped me with my Civil Service problems here. Mrs. Thompson as I think you have heard me say before, is one of the world's wisest and most generous persons. I enjoyed my visit there more than I can tell you, and it really rested me. It knocked my preparations for Christmas off considerably. I am telling you this because it makes Sarah's gift to you more significent. During my absence she boarded in a fine country home, but she insisted on going to town to shop for you herself. She counts you as one of her heroes.
We had a really beautiful Christmas here with plays, good music and I think as happy a time as can be spent in prison. I have been doing a good deal with the leisure time activities of our group, and have now arranged for fairly prompt sales of the produce. Ultimately the women will get something substantial
Miriam Van Waters Papers. Male Prisoner Correspondence, 1927-1971. Correspondence: K, 1950-1955. A-71, folder 599. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
(seq. 3)
Box 100 October 6
Miriam Van Waters Superintendent Reformatory for Women Box 99 Framingham, Mass
Dear Dr. Van Waters
Thank you for including my brother and me in your kind remembrance. We enjoyed your letter very much. I know the men will be very glad to learn you plan to visit Charlestown again this year. We look forward to it be sure. Sorry Carol and Edna raised such cane up there on the farm. By golly, there's the temper of women for you. Of course, my weakness is that I love them all, especially any who are willing to work to support a struggling writer.
So that's where our milk comes from! I have often wondered, really, about the source thereof, since I subsist practically on milk alone. It is good milk, too. By all means please keep up the fine work, lest I perish.
Congratulations on your stirring broadcasts every Sunday. Evereybody here listens and loves. You are doing a grand job.
What did you think of Parnell Thomas' lucid reflections on Danbury in life for October 4th? I enjoyed. The former Congressman certainly pulled no punches, though I thought he might have refrained from mentioning Governor Curley.
Well Dr. Van Waters thanks again for remembering our talk, for I thought you had forgotten me altogether. You are gracious. You made me happy.
Best wishes to you and yours, ever.
Respectfully
[Signed] J. Kerrigan
4 Copies Monday