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.

Jan 1 1951 McLean Hospital, Waverly, Mass

My Dear Dr Van Waters

Here it is near the end of the 1st day of another new yr.

My heart & mind was with Framingham all thru the day.

It brings back the memories of my first New Yrs at Framingham - 1943

Upon entering the Library of that day years past, I recalled with precious thoughts of your Dear Mother, sitting so proudly there - passing tea for the Student Body. She had on that day if my memory be correct, a black dress. She looked so calm & peaceful that it came to one - the feeling of warmth & friendship. You see Dear Dr I was a new Student at that time - never before Incarcerated. Still the picture of New Years Dat 1943 - still photos before me as I write, then I was a recruit from West Wing.

Many years have passed since then much has happened - Mother Van Waters has gone to rest God have mercy on her soul,

The underlined is a little prayer we Catholics say - when we speak of dear ones departed.

Framingham has had its sad days - not too long past = The ending of the yr - 48 start of 1949. With all this dear Dr you have weathered like, as Sir Sexton wrote the Martyred MAid of France - Joan of Arc 1950 - Came & with it you & you alone traveled near & far to bring to thers the real meaning of Christianity & a bond of friendship for your

Students. Your speeches will go down in History for those who not as fortunate as we Students who knew you & love you dearly to read.

On of Framingham dearest Friends was called by General McArthur to Japan. What a great honor it has been for me to meet with. Brig Gen Dr. E. Woods a year ago today. I helped you to give out the yearly Calendar called the "War Cry" another dear friend of yours - Major Barry & we must not forget Miss Wheeler who in 1944 stood on her head. Your cold has angered with you for over a year now - and as usual, you tell others to rest. When it comes to you "Dear Doctor" No Go.

I am about to retire for the day, had to write for it seems when I pen my thoughts to you on paper - it brings the distance between us much closer. You are busy I know - but please try to come for yourself and with all Gods Wishes may He in the year of 1951 bring Framingham joy & happiness & also a New Com of Correction God Bless you

Margaret Newton

Jan 21 19 McClain Hosp Waverly Mass

Dear Dr Van Waters

Weary was I last evening upon reaching Wuthering Heights here in Waverly, by my humble heart was happy for I had seen you for a short while.

Sorry's not the word to learn of your not feeling in the best. You are Dr Van Waters * God nor Man, can even break your great supernatural gift of holding up under any strain be it mental, physical or shall we call it works of State.

As I walked down the road last evening in early dark, memories flooded this mind of mine of our great days of the Rangers. Dr, The Rangers have changed or have I. When you were talking about the Rock, near Hilltop, do you recall. The time Dr. E. Woods our beloved Ranger now in Japan was our guest & one of the Rangers sang. The beauty of the view echoedd across the barren woods & fields.

The Sign post brigade - when Helen Whitehead Irene Shillen went up the trees like monkeys and hailed them all, we all did a good days work and oh! the glorious fun & laughter.

The chopping down of the trees, brush, you yourself taking care of the up rooting of the poison Ivy no Ranger would come back with any. The finding of the spring, gathering the water in our hands to taste its clean, refreshing liquid from the rocks. Oh: I must not forget Louise Shaunfield falling into me. Dr I wish sometimes my memory was not so good, for almost to the day I can recall each event, be it happy or sad: or maddening.

Remember the great Ranger play: Glad moments were those! Many of our former Rangers are a great distance away: wherever they be God Bless & Protect them from all evil.

While at Framingham, I had a habit of jotting down little words of verse. What would come to me in my Bible & dear Dr, as I pick it up each day, words upon words of both literary Rangers & Our plays came to me in a vision as I close my eyes.

Thank you Dr Van Waters for being so kind & bearing with me - while I was a Student. You understood better than I - by doing as you helped me a great deal in my work of Today. Patience is a great teacher - "I thought I lost mine with the depression". How handy it has come to me, no one knows, how to treat another in way of kindness & such unless they too have gone thru the same routine themselves.

Ms Castle had a few laughs with me - we Rangers have to stand by each other - Right,

When you see Mrs L. Thompson tell her I send to her my best regards, please drop me a line when you can as I always look forward to hearing from you. Also saw the little Altar Boys on the Sept Box outside your office. Thank you Again Dear Dr VAn Waters for being so dear - God Bless You

Margaret Newton

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[Picture of Kitten on Card entitled to YOU on Mothers Day]