Schlesinger Library

Cuptertino, Calif

May 16 32

Dear Miriam: It has been more than a month since I reced your letter in NY and I've answered it every evening since, only, The answers just didn't seem to get on paper. I hope you are OK and that you are getting on with your charges in the "ref" all right. The Connicks sent me a clip from The Transcript which I thought was very well done. I got out of bed in NY and crawled into a bus not feeling any too good, but strangely enough I began to mend at once and was in good shape when I got here. Was down to LA last week with Mr Older for two days but didn't get out to Stone House was too busy running errands. However I got Elizabeth Woods on the phone at her school office and had a chat with her. She said Sara and Bode were coming out soon

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

March 28, 1933

Mr. John Black 19 West 103rd St New York City, N. Y

Dear Jack Black:

Itis great good news that you are coming to us April 15th. Please stay as long as you can.

The Connicks let me see a letter from you which greatly relieved my mind. I suppose our nerves are more or less jumpy these times, and I was unduly apprehensive, but I had the idea you might be sick.

We have a group of fifteen young college graduates who are waiting to have you talk to them. I tld them they could ask in some friends. Between them they have raised $25. and deposited some with me in cash, so I send you a check for this amount. It is possible there will be another lecture date also, since the Dennisons are interested. Mr. Dennison is serving with Mr. Connick and me on a hand work committee for our girls.

The date of your lecture to our young interns and staff can be fixed to suit your convenience when you come. Sarah is having vacation, and is happy to have Shady Hill children coming in to spend it with her. Miss Bode and all of our household send greetings.

Ever yours,

Superintendent.

MVW/K