Miriam Van Waters Papers. Male Prisoner Correspondence, 1927-1971. Correspondence: M, 1935-1936. A-71, folder 612. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

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courtesy, and making the best of it. Other years we have chosen those who nursed the sick, or taught, or did some [conscious?] good thing. But this year single kindliness seemed the thing we were most thankful for.

I handed the girl the cup with her name engraved on it and gave her some flowers to wear : all her fellow students (for what is what we call our prisoners, for I suppose they were sent here to learn, and I don't like the word inmate) clapped and rose to their feet. There was another hymn and everyone left chapel to a good marching tune.

After dinner I took them all down to the big barns where they danced old country Barn dances, and the gymnasium girls did tumbling and stunts. I had my Nephew Leo with me, and my daughter Sarah.

Then I had talks with 12 of my girls who managed to be were troubled about some thing they heard in their letters from home. Finally I sat down to dinner with my family, and afterward the young people played ping pong.

It was a cheeful day in spite of the sadness of so many being away from their homes. Each one seemed to be giving Thanks to go God in her own way.

I am looking foward to my visit in early February. There are many things I want to talk over with you.

I had hoped to have a l for you on Thanksgiving. I send all my good wishes. Thank you for your most interesting letter. My nephew George sends his regards. Ever your friend

Return Please

TO:

NAME Dr. Miriam Van Waters

STREET & NUMBER Box 99

CITY Framingham, STATE Mass.

[STAMPED] CENSORED 2

file BOX 1112

JOLIET, ILLINOIS

December 13, 1936

My Dear Doctor;

I received your letter written the evening of Thanksgiving Day. You gave me a very reatistic description of "Thanksgiving Day in Framingham." I would like a copy of the program if you have one to spare.

You are very good to your girls. They must love you dearly. No one could leave your school hating society because of mistreatment. I suppose you can be sufficiently firm when necessary. You don't like to be sterm. I often wonder how you could have been a judge. I study your picture and find a kind face. I think there is a lack of tenderness about it. Then of course, I know how you really are.

Giving the loving cup to your most distinguished student is an excellent idea. What will she do with it? It was nice of the girls to cheer when you presented the girl with the cup. The boys here would probably do something opposite.

A few days before your letter arrived, I was thinking of George and had descided to jest a bit with him, but as he sent me his regards, I have descided to behave.

I think of you a good many times daily wondering what you might be doing at certain times during the day. I sometimes have imaginationary conversations with you. Sometimes we do what we could, will, would, or should be doing. I find it a very pleasant pastime when I am tired of reality. Now and then a person becomes tired, and likes to be alone with his thoughts.

Miss Binford wrote me a fine letter. She told me about not sending your bird. I know you cannot carry a bird around with you on your way home. Who wants to lug a bird all that distance. She has written to you about it, and by this time the bird should be bumping along in your direction.

The English lessons have the best of me just now. It just growled at me. It isn't so hard, but I am not up to scratch these days. Miss Binford's visit, your coming to see me, and I am doing something else on the side. I shall not tell you today, but it just might concern you. I am not sure tho, so the less said the better. I am afraid I am talking in circles.

Mike is an old father now. He has a boy. The boy will probably be into everything before long. I remember many years ago; Christmas was just a few days away and I thought dad was hiding something on top of a huge cupboard. When I was alone, I made the most of my opportunity. Dad was working in the mine and mother was taking a nap. I pushed a table over in front of the cupboard and placed two chairs on it, one on top of the other, and up I scrambled. I had just reached the very top when a chair slipped. I grabbed the top of the cupboard to keep from falling and the whole thing tipped over. I fell under the table. The cupboard stopped when it struck the chairs. The glass broke, the dishes and glasses, jellies, and god knows what else flew all over the room, all broken. I guess mom thought the house had fallen in, but when she discovered me climbing out of the wreckage unhurt, did I catch it!

Has Sarah read "The White Wolf" by Max Brant? It is something like your "Bob Son of Battle". I enjoyed it very much.

I, too, am looking forward to our visit. We shave only once a week. I hope you wont find me looking to much like a pirate. Of couse, I want to look my best. We shall hope for the best anyway. I have so much to say I wont know where to begin. You will never notice the thirty pounds that I have gained. I am still tall and thin. When you were here before, you asked me about Father and Mother. You had me there. Did you notice? You introduced yourself. Two minutes later I had forgotten your name. I suppose you knew that, also, as you asked for paper and wrote it down.

I will write again before you come. Until then, I wish you the best of everything, and a Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[right] Always, Russell McWilliams 5661-E

December 19, 1936

Russel McWilliams, #5661 Box 1112, Joliet, Illinois.

Dear Russell:

I have just had a most splendid letter from you which, right now, I have not time to answer properly. I will, though, just as soon as I can. We are busy with all sorts of things for Christmas.

I am sending you one of our hand made cards. I hope you like it. I am also sending a small check, which may be of some use to you.

I send you the Season's best wishes, and a dope that you may be able to find and enjoy the real spirit of Christmas.

Faithfully, Superintendent

MVW/K