ENPages That Mention Institution
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. 54)
Sept 10 1949 Box 99 Framingham, Mass
Dear Father Moran I am takeing priviledge of writing you this letter from the Reformatory for Women at Framingham, Mass
Having just finished reading the Pilot which I receive every week from a number of staff. I see how much you do, to help the less fortunate, both spiritually & materially.
Being a Woman Offender I have spent quiet a few months in this Institution which houes nearly four hundred (400) Young and old alike.
Over two thirds of the group are Roman Catholic.
That is why Father Moran I would like very much if you would accept for publication my little story.
The story is based on words of a letter I received from the Beloved Doctor Miriam Van Waters Supt of this Institute.
While she was away for a few weeks well neeeded rest - Knowing deep within that I for one did not recieve much mail she forwarded a letter which I will always
Miriam Van Waters Papers. Male Prisoner Correspondence, 1927-1971. Correspondence: A-F, 1949-1971. A-71, folder 591. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
(seq. 106)
really be happy to hear from you. Mayby you are already in touch with him, I don't know. Let me know OK.
Have you sent me any books in care of Father Foley? I haven't received any, if you received any book sent back to you marked "REFUSED", it is a mistake because I haven't received any books at all from you.
I hope that you are feeling in good health and that you are being informed by my attorneys on what is happening. Miriam I can always count on you as a real friend, I love you for being you. I am catching upon my case work so I'll be able to write more often to you. I'm looking foward toward your next letter. My Brother is all tied up with his family, I haven't reecived a visit from him for a long time. My Step Father comes up to see me but my Mother is sort of afraid to walk through the institution with all the cons running around. I'm still in segregation in ten (10)block D. S. U. I think they are going to make me rap it up in hear - 3 more years. Well Miriam I will close for now, I'll write again soon ok. May God Bless yo and keep you with love, I remain
Your Friend Johnny
Miriam Van Waters Papers. Male Prisoner Correspondence, 1927-1971. Correspondence: G-L, 1954-1967. A-71, folder 592. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
(seq. 7)
[Letterheaded]The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Correction Massachusetts Correctional Institution, Sout Walpole
Superintendent Palmer C. Scafati
September 21, 1965
Dr. Miriam Van Waters 14 Clark Street Framingham, Massachusetts
Re: Joseph Gnerre W-30407
Dear Doctor Van Waters
Your letter of September 16, 1955 requesting Forestry consideration for the above named inmate has been received.
I am having this man's name placed before the Forestry Transfer Board with a recommendation from this institution.
Final decidison in this case, however, remains with the Board and with Mr. O'Shea, Director of Prison Camps.
I trust the above informatin will anwer your inquiry. If you have any further questions regarding this subject, do not hesitate to contact me again.
Very truly yours,
PCS: agm
(seq. 42)
ALBERT MORRIS 176 Hillcrest Road Needham, Massachusetts [Sept. 16, 1966] 02192
Dr. Miriam Van Waters Framingham, Mass
Dear Miriam; I was delighted to hear from you the other night. More often than you may imagine I continue to draw upon the remembrance of your wise counsel and it does my heart good to be aware that you continue to use your talents so well in helping those who so much need both help and friendship.
Your two letters were on my table when I got home from Boston about half an hour ago and I hasten to get this reply in themail tonight in the hope that you will receive it on Saturday. Why you first letter was returned I do not know inasmuch as I have been in residence here since August 30. Perhaps it has something to do with our new mail-man and the fact that the routes have recently been redrawn.
Of course I do not know Walter Hayes or his problem, myself but I have just telephoned the UPA Office and asked them for a report on the case and I hope I may have it before I finish this writing. Unfortunately for this immediate purpose, Henry Mascarello is out of town for a few days and I cannot talk with him directly.
While I am waiting or the report let me say that although our financial situation led to our discontinuing direct financial aid which had been running as high as $11,000 a year, we have certainly not discontinued personal services and we regularly counsel with those who hcome in. We have also made arrangements of a new and more effective sort with several other agencies who accept referrals from us. Even though we have discontinued routine financial aid we do keep a very small sum available for real emergencies. As you perhaps know we are also running a legal service for prisoners under the direction of an able and respected Attorney, Louis Nordlinger. It is only financial assistance that we have discontinued and we would not have it otherwise because, quite apart from the primary object of helping those who need it we need this sort of contact to give us a view of what goes on in the institutions that we cannot get from other sources and what is a necessary supplement to these other sources.
The report on Walter Hayes has now come in. I am told that he has visited the UPA off and on since 1948 and has received a total of $74 in direct financial help during that time. He last came to the office on June 24, 1966, the day after he was released from Walpole and he asked for financial help saying that he had no money. After some further discussion he said he had $50. The UPA worker subsequently telephoned Walpole and was told that when he left the institution the previous day he had $100.05. The UPA worker, after Hayes admission that he had $50, agreed to explore other sources of financial aid and to help him find employment. It is reported that Hayes did not seem greatly interested in either but did accept a referral to Walter King of the Mass. State Employment Service.
I appreciate you suggestion about using volunteer counselors and I shall bring it up for discussion at the UPA and see what we can do about it. Please accept my thanks for your welcome and valued interest.
With kindest regards, Sincerely yours,
Albert Morris P.S. I have just had a further report that on June 27, 1966 Mr. Hayes (over)
Miriam Van Waters Papers. Male Prisoner Correspondence, 1927-1971. Correspondence: L, 1965-1967. A-71, folder 601. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
(seq. 34)
3
So to tell you the truth Im really nothing I have never did anything real bad. I only have a bad institution record, and most of that is foolishness, like yelling, swearing at officers and making noise, but I Have one assault on an officer in 1960 which I received a 2 to 2 1/2 years for it. I paid and the escape at Concord Farm which I am now paying for it, the rest of my record here is for foolishness baby things, but my record here the past 2 years is very good. I did time on the boards just once in the past 2 years, one for a screwdriver I beated that, one for going in another mans cell with permission from the man, one for yelling, one for a fight, and the last one for passing a look, so before them 2 years I have been punched about 2 or 3 times a month I was always in trouble, so you can see the change in me from them.