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(seq. 26)
[text top right] September-November 1965
SDG NEWSLETTER cont.
It was agreed that the SDG format might be useful there and may be introduced shortly. By members on release, of course.
Professor Walter Clark of Newton-Andover reports that "Grain of Fire" by the SDG co-founder, is still being considered by a national publishing house. The author has a stout sequel in mind. "Let's have it then," we kept telling him. After all, one book doesn't make Dr. Eliot's Five-foot Shelf.
The pricipal of work of SDG goes on and on, namely, helping those who want to be helped, showing how it can be done by doing it, then asking them to pass it on the best way they know how toward the maintenance of our common freedom, once established, and the growth of our movement to every last corner of the prison world.
For now, good wishes from everyone here in SDG.
the self development group
P.S. Dear Dr. Miriam:
Thank you for your two fine letters. I regret that Francis + Rita did not make it to the MD meeting or Bill [Cusakk's?] house. Thanks for telling me the touching story of [Edna] Moore [at] Howard, R.I. Yes, compassion for those who find the road rough. I told Donald the letter you wrote to Howard Dearborn must have been the most difficult letter you ever wrote. Trust our judgement, please; it is the best for him.
Ever with love + respect, Jim Kerrigan
(seq. 28)
[top right] W.Concord, Mass. November 4, 1965
[stamp] CENSORED BY M.C.L CONCORD
Dear Dr. Miriam,
Thank you for your good letter of October 15th, then the beautiful card and message from Bellows Falls on October 22nd. I am glad you were seeing old friends and having a good time going to meetings; and I appreciated Helen's wishes. I never saw that particular train when I was in the CCC's, but recall on occasion riding the rods home to Watertown on the Bellows Falls milk train, comfortable as could be and thinking nothing of it. The train was as much mine as the B&M's I suppose I thought at the time.
Your lovely thoughtful Cards with personal messages to the SDG members made everybody happy here. A delight to each indeed. I do not have to tell you how much we appreciate and love our gracious Co-Worker and Friend from Framingham.
About Howard Dearborn, we understand he is having some difficult going. At the same time, we believe he must make 50% of the effort anyway toward smoothing out the road and being useful. This is the heart of the SDG philosophy. We have learned that we must stress it here at meetings more and more, because the evidence is that the men (myself included) tend to let George do it if there is a George around who will carry the weight. Of course, as you know, this is the world's tendency too. Therefore, we demand of each other as much participation as possible, proportionate to the capacity of each to do so. We feel this is the only way SDG can win. We think this is the only way Howard can win. May he rise to the challenge and acquit himself well.
I returned the Muscular Dystrophy lists to you, so that the envelopes (additional) which came afterwards were not used. I shall return them when Francis comes again, perhaps Saturday. SDG shall have a modest check for the MD Fund in a week or two. I was deeply moved when Rita and Francis told me of the marvelous courage and ingenuity of Ruth Dinneen in her efforts for MD. I would love to meet her some day, and I am sure I will.
I hope you are enjoying this grand Indian summer's day as I am. Please tell Mary Marcin I hope to sample the cookies when I come home; they'd never permit it here.
With love always, Jim Kerrigan
(seq. 29)
[text in pencil top right]Please return
[stamp] CENSORED BY M.C.L. CONCORD
W.Concord, Mass. November 5, 1965
Dear Dr. Miriam,
First, congratulations on your election to Who's Who for 1965. We are all delighted for you. We wish there were an award for What's What as well, because you would surely win that too. It makes us feel great that the newspaper people recognize your work and stature as a power of example, and we have no doubt that those who know you personally love you. Indeed, how could it be otherwise!
Your letter came yesterday. Thank you for all the good news. I am grateful for Mrs. Ehrmann's prediction of a victory for John. That was beautiful about Amy Osman. I am so glad you encouraged her in her consideration of penal work for a career. We need fine young people with heart and vision, particularly in the women's area. I thought immediately of your development of Edna Mahan years ago, and the impact of her present contribution in New Jersey; and now this young lady from B.U. May she enter the field and go on the human tradition established by Miriam Van Waters, and do honor to same as I am sure she will. We have our SDG buffet and smoketalk on December 15th at 7:p.m. It will be great if you bring Miss Osman along, and anyone else you may wish to for that matter. We look forward to a stimulating evening.
God bless you for joining Commonwealth Service Corps. The only thing the rest and myself feel guilty about are the considerable demands on your time by other commitments. How you manage to do so much so extremely well is really beyond me. I know the Corps needs you however, and will love you for letting them use your name. It is my faith that this will be done in the best intersts of all concerned. The CSC people whom I have met are truly wonderful, utterly real like Professor Fuchs and Professor Weinreb - and Miriam Van Waters. Let's face it.
Jim Carter and Mike Thomas went home on parole recently. If you would send their letters here to Mr. Pozerycki, we shall have them mailed to their home addresses. Ok? Lary Trant got itchy feet on the Farm a few weeks ago. He took off and is still among the missing. He had made parole but was notified several days before release that his job and home had been disapproved. Only 20 years old. It was the only reaction he knew how to make. We pray for him.
Saverio Dicresce is here, and probably will get your letter the second time around.
