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(seq. 6)
[Stamped]CENSORED SEP 2 1965 CORRESPONDENCE DEPT M. C. I WALPOLE[Stamped]
September 1, 1965 Box #100 S. Walpole, Mass.
Dr. Miriam Van Waters 14 Clark Road Framingham, Mass.
Dear Dr. Van Waters:
Life sometimes takes strange twists and it certainly has for me during the past year.
Two years ago, as a member of the Marlboro Junior Chamber of commerce, I promoted and chairmaned a fund raising drive in behalf of a very worthy cause - Muscular Dystrophy. At that time I had the pleasure of meeting and working with members of the Framingham Chapter MDAA including yourself. Perhaps you now still recall or remember me.
Today I am incarcerated at Walpole State Prison. I made a grave mistake, I was convicted for counterfeiting, and I'm currently serving a 4-7 year term.
Being an outstanding penologist for many years, you fully understand what prison life is like. As for myself, adjusting to the life of an "inmate" has not been easy, especially since this marks the first time that I have ever been in trouble. However, I cannot escape the fact that I'm here and I must make the best of it.
Meanwhile, my first concern is that of keeping my family together. As you probably know, the State operates three forestry camps where certain prisoners are assinged to serve out their time. These camps offer greater visitation privileges than Walpole. This is especially true where children are concerned.
I have three children and my wife is expecting another this month. I don't want to harm them or create any mental blocks by having them continue to visit me here at Walpole. The children are all quite young and I don't think seeing walls, guards, steel doors, etc., does them any good. Therefore, I am writing to you in hopes that you might help me in getting transferred to the forestry camp at Carver, Massachusetts, as soon as possible.
I want to thank you again for your kind attention to this letter, until I hear from you, I remain.
Sincerely yours
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[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
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November 21, 1965 Box 207 South Carver Massachusetts
Dear Dr. Van Waters
Just a short note to thank you for your help and advice. I am now at the Forestry Camp at South Carver and I'm hopeful things will be much brighter now, especially for my family.
Perhaps, one day, after I have mended my ways, I may be in a position to lead another drive in behalf of Muscular Dystrophy. I should like this to be. You can't imagine how much personal satisfaction I derived from that last campaign, knowing that in some small way I helped a little innocent victim.
With my warmest regards for you and all those wonderful people of your Chapter, I remain.
Sincerely yours,
(seq. 9)
Oct. 26, 1966
Dear Doctor Van Waters,
I had hoped to have seen you by this time, but things have been somewhat busy. I have been working as a pressman in a print shop in Boston, and two nights a week I work as a pizza man in a local restaurant. (I was quite good at making pizzas in my younger days and I haven't lost the touch). So much for working.
My biggest problem is that I don't have a driver's license. Its the parole board's policy not to return a driver's license euntil at least six months after a parolee is released. They do make exceptions for special cases and I'm trying to convince them I need a drivers license, especially where I intend to get back into the printing sales field.
Recently I received the MDAA newsletter, and I must admit it is every bit as good as the Camper. I enjoy receiving it and I hope you keep me posted on MDAA activities. As soon as I get a lot of loose ends tied up, and get back on my feet, I would be glad to help out the Chapter in any way I can. How did the Sept. auction go?
Sincerely yours,
(seq. 10)
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Notary Public
John A. Chmielinski, Special Sherriff Norfolk Couty Deputy Master Norfolk County H. Of C. & Jail
Res: 61 Village Ave, Dedham, Mass Tel: 326 9001
Office 326 1600