Miriam Van Waters Papers. Male Prisoner Correspondence, 1927-1971. Correspondence: P, 1965-1966. A-71, folder 603. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

Donald M. Painter Box 00 W. Concord, Mass. Oct 3, 1965

Dear Dr. Miriam,

It seems as though I am on a writing spree to-night - which is good as I am lazy when it comes to writing letters. Actually, I am impatiently awaiting the day when inter-communication can be accomplished thoroughly through thought waves. The only complication there is the possibility of hooking up up on the wave lengths of some longwinded politician and not being able to get a though it - brainwise.

But the main reason for my writing you to-night, dear lady, is to wish you continued longevity, for the world needs you and your thoughts. Happy birthday!

My mother sent me a wonderful collection of inspirational verses by Helen Steiner Rice of whom I'm sure you have heard - or for that matter might even know. This is solely

a guess on my part-but it wouldn't surprise me if you did. Anyway, this is the first I'd known of her and I was pleasantly surprised when I came across, "Man Cannot Live By Bread Alone." and the starting line go thusly: He lived in a palace/on a mountain of gold./ Surrounded by riches/and wealth untild,/ Priceless possessions/and treasures of art,/ But he died alone/of a "Hungry Heart./ect.

If by any outside chance you haven't read the poem I will send the rest. I was taken with the simplicity of the lines, but it says volumes. Sometimes the very simplicity of a word or act goes unheeded simply because of its simplicity. This I strive to become aware of more and more.

Two more of our S.D.G. are due for release and one was released this past week. He will do well and by so doing, we of S.D.G. are paid handsomely.

We of the stamp club are still saving our extra stamps for any kids or people in a hospital you might designate.

With much esteem and affection, Donald

Donald M. Painter Box 00 W. Concord, Mass. Oct 31, 1965

Dear Dr. Miriam,

I am thinking seriously of writing the Postmaster-General and asking him if you might have a reduction in your postal rates seeing as you are one of his better customers. The reason for this thought stems from the fact that seven or eight men in S.D.G. have received thank-you notes from you over the past week - including myself. The look of pleasure on their faces should be preserved for you to see, but with your permission I will act as both intermediary and participant. Their smiles were real and I could sense that not many letter were delivered at some of their doors. To say more about it would be superfluous, so I will say no more except that I have the picture of the "Country Store not residing in my album.

We had a tremedous Center group meeting this past Friday. To me, this one was greatly significant in that

much understanding and human growth was displayed. Perhaps I might be considered as being abit over-zealous in my sentiments, but I feel that many of our men in S.D.G. are giong to be better equipped as human beings than some of the human beings in society. This might explain why Jim and I (and many others of course) feel that the movement of S.D.G. is bound to spread simply by the example and beliefs of the men being returned to society. Many of these men want to make it their life's work and of course many of them will. If it could have just a fraction of the import of Frank Buchman's movement, I would be happy. I have just finished reading "Frank Buchman's Secret," by Peter Howard. Did you by any chance know him?

No word yet on "Grain of Fire." Prof. Clark stated last week (Oct 22) that the longer they have it, the better it looks.

Come to think of it, every place you go S.D.G. goes, so the movement is already underway! Love from all of us in S.D.G. Donald

Donald M. Painter Box 00 W. Concord, Mass. Dec 18 1965

Dear Dr. Miriam,

Among the many lessons to be learned from life, I am slowly but surely learning the art of writing a letter. You, in no small part, have inspired me on more than one occasion. The dawning realization that you must write hundreds of letters yearly brought the glaring fact of my laziness into full focus. So, dear lady, because of you, I shall endeavor to write more letters, and with more consistency.

We in S.D.G. are looking forward to the day when we can meet with our friends in an atmosphere where time will not be of complete importance. There were many things left unsaid by all of us, and I'm sure your rapt audience would have enjoyed listening to you for at least another two hours. In fact on of the officers present commented that it wasn't often that he had the chance to listen to someone speak as you did. So we of S.D.G. are indeed indebted to you.