Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: B, 1943-1944. A-71, folder 274. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

ened up, and the bone scraped. I now am sporting four lovely silk stitches and enough wire in my mouth to [?] a hourse. All in all it is very beautiful and painful. The punitive part is anticipating that I have to go through this agony three more times before I am finished!

How is everybody in Framingham and what is going on, I imagine the [industries?] are as busy as bees.

I met Lucille Spaulding in the loby of the Copley last nite. She looks very well and is very happy. Could I ask how [Jobey Foley?] is and what she is doing? She had a heart as big as a house, but too much imagination.

I must close now and try to sleep a little before my girl friend comes home from work.

Please write soon I miss you all the time.

Respectfully Barbara

REFORMATORY FOR WOMEN FEB 18 1944 FRAMINGHAM [stamp]

675 Boylston St. Boston

Feb 16, 1944

Dear Dr. Van Waters:

I have not heard from you for so long. You must be so busy for I can't believe you have forgotten me. I think of you so constantly and thank God for the privilege of once being so close to you. You brought me all the fine things that give me strength I need so much alone as I am.

I have changed my job. I was being laid off when business was slow 1 or 2 nites a week and in there [twice?] one does not have to stand for that. I now work at the Lucerne at North Station. The only thing I can say for it is that the food is excellent. It is so different than the Copley Plaza.

a very different class of people. I get good pay here $35 a week and meals. My hours are from 12 noon til 8 P.M. The people-manager, headwaiter, etc. are very considerate.

I have been keeping company with a Lt. in the British Navy for about a month, but his ship leaves this week. I still hope to get to England before the war is over - via Canada in the summer, [etc?] H. Hughes, has given up his folks address in Somerset to look up. His father is in a Concentration Camp in Germany - isn't that horrible?

You will never know how really happy I was to hear the good news about Mr + Mrs Ralph. Of all the people in the world, they deserve this happiness.

I must go to bed now as it is getting late. Please write soon and reassure me.

Your devoted step-daughter Barbara

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Dear Dr. Van Waters:

How are you and the family? I do hope Mrs. Thompson recovered fully from her operation.

I am very well and really enjoy my gas station work. I love being out in the fresh air all day. Will write more details soon. Barbara

EASTER GREETINGS sincerely Barbara Brown

1944 (file)