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.

TO: NAME: Dr. Miriam Van Waters STREET & NUMBER: Box 99 CITY Framingham, STATE Mass. [right] BOX 1112 Joliet, Illinois December 29, 1935

Dear Old Friend:

I recieved your brief letter and your Christmas gift of five dollars. I thought Saint Nick would not be ale to find me this year, but I should have known better, as yet, he has not once forgetten me. I want to thank you very much for sending it and I assure you it will be used foolishly.

On Christmas we inmates had a dinner consisting of Chicken, pie, cranberries, and a few other things. The state gave each ma a cigar and a bag of candy. There was a Christmas tree on the stage in the mess hall, which will remain until after New Years. Each person is permitted to buy what he wants from the store. We had lots of candy and nuts in the cell, and still have a great deal left. I received two magazines and eight dollars from my friends outside. Inside I received a large box of candy and my cellmate, or one of them, gave me the pen I am now writing with. I think that is enough about Christmas. Dad was down the twenty first. We had a fine visit. A friend of his, whom he values highly, brought him down. They are getting along pretty fair or so it seems. My sister is getting along fine in school. She will go to the "Abraham Lincoln Junior High School" from now on. She is in the first year of high school. Mike and Elsie are just find.

[left] And now lets talk about me for awhile. I have been studying arithemetic. I have taken a different course in English and have completed the first two lessons. I received ninety five for the first. made a very foolish mistake. The second has not been returned. Its hard work sometimes, but the reward is great. When I have it completely mastered I certainly will be pleased with myself. Personal satisfaction.

There are several canaries in the cell. "Buster" a very [fab?] bird, goes into a terrible rage when disturbed while sleeping. I sometimes perster him a bit. He was very tired and sleepy last night, when I wiggled my finger at him he ignored me: so I rattled his seed cup, and he charged at full speed, mad as a wet hen. It took several hours before I could find favor in his eyes again. He is sleeping as I write this but I [dassent?] awake him.

Tell me all about yourself and your family old friend. You know I love to hear about you and your's Tell me of the things your students had and did on Christmas. I want to compare their's with mine. As there are fewer of them, they more than likely had a more plesant holliday. Your prison seems more like a large private school. You are no doubt a well liked superintendent. I know I sure do. So: God bless and keep you and your's until we meet again.

[right] Your sincere friend, Russell.

[left] P.S. Just received a nice letter from Mr. and Mrs. Darrow.

[left] TO:

NAME Dr. Miriam Van Waters

STREET & NUMBER Box 99

CITY Framingham, STATE Mass.

[right] CENSORED 1

BOX 1112

JOLIET, ILLINOIS

March 8, 1836

ALL REMITTANCES MUST BE BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER

[left] Dear Dr. Van Waters,

I have received no word from you for a long time. I am wondering what you are doing these fine days.

My good friends haven't written to me or been to see me for quite a long time: and it does become lonesome once in a while. The letter from home have slowed up, too. However, one must make the best of everything.

You will be the first of my friends to knwo about my English Grammar. I have completed the course. I took my examanation Thursday; and my average, whil enot as high as I could like for it to be, is 87. I tried hard but I couldn't raise it higher. I have learned many things, and I found studying Grammar so interesting that I am taking a high school course now. This course covers themes while the other covered letters. they are both very good. I am fond of writing short stories. In fact, I have to write. I have written two stories which I feel sure I could have sold, but threw them away after a few of my friends had read them. Some day I may make use of my writing or attempt too.

[left] My father and sister are having about the same kind of luck. She doesn't seem to like going to the Lincoln Junior High School. The school is about four miles from our home and they live quite a way from the street-car track. It's enough to make anyone disgusted.

You must write me a "plump" letter and tell me all the news and everything about yourself and family.

Mrs. Ray A. Yambert, the mother of my very good friend ["HD"?] Yambert, died last month. She was such a dear, kindly soul, and I thought so very much of her. She was a fine Catholic, and is now with my own mother in heaven.

Well, my fine Doctor keep your chin up for the goose still hangs high.

Sending my best wishes and regards, and I remain as ever yours.

[right] Yours sincerely, Russell McWilliams 5661-E

[left] [?]

A9 [check mark] EB [Matter?] Return

Box 99, Framingham, Mass. March 9, 1936.

Russell McWilliams, No. 5661-E, Box 1112, Joliet, Illinois.

Dear Russell:

Your letter of December 29th does not seem to have recieved a reply as yet. Your description of your Christmas is splendid, and I think you fared very well. I am sure you appreciated the magazines which you recieved from your friends outside. The pen was also a thoughtful gift.

I am so glad that you family is getting along well. It is just fine that your sister is doing such good work in school. Mike and Elsie's progress interests me also.

Affairs at my institution are going satisfactorily. We have recently produced two very nice plays. One was called "Workhouse Ward", and was done by our Poetry Club. It was most amusing. Then we gave a "Gypsy Wedding", and this was done by our International Club. Now the Glee Club is working on an operetta, which is to be called "Pirates of Penzance". This will be given on March 31st. On the 20th, we plan to have a housewarming for the two new cottages. We are occupying them now, but we want to have them properly dedicated, of course.

My family is very well. My daughter Sarah Ann is, this year, finishing Shady Hill School, and the next year she will go to a private boarding school in Vermont. She has chosen the school herself.

I hope you are really interested in arithmetic. Write to me again soon, Russell, and do the best you can.

Every good wish to you, Your friend,

MVW/K