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.

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It is as receptionist, sec. in a new photographer's studio just opened here. I thought it would be a good easy job to take for about 6 wks until I got strong. But it isn't as easy as I imagines. I have to pose as stand-in for lighting effects for hours every day under hot lights beside the sec. work and receiving. I also have to keep the place clean. So I guess it isn't helping me any and I shouldn't have gone to work so soon, but my bills worry me so. It only pays $18 a week. 6-10 10-6 daily and 10A.M.-9P.M. Mon. nite.

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I intend to get a job with more pay as soon as I can so I can try to have Beverly with me as soon as I can. I just eat my heart out for that little [lump?]. She is fine and now weights 5 lbs. 8 oz. She has wonderful care but I can only see her 1 hr. a week. She is very strong and eats well and plenty. The lady she is with is crazy about the lovely white sweater - it is her favorite. It was so pretty, and you know I appreciated it so much, but you really shouldn't have done it. I know how you need every cent you have too.

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I do want to talk to you about Beverly's father, George, but I still feel that I don't wish to do anything about it. I love him and always will and I love my baby and God will see that she gets her chance in life. I don't with to do anything to hurt his practice, etc. and make him hate me.

Eleanor left all my clothes at 675 Boylston St. and I wondered if by chance you could get anyone to send them to me Railway Express C.O.D. There are 3 boxes all packed but need to have heavier string. I will send a letter to land lady to you if it is possible. I'd love to see you and talk so much but you know that $8 train fare means a lot. Please write soon.

Love Barbara + Baby

I work at Van Dyke Studio's in case you wish to call during the day.

[E.G.?] note + return

Aug 29, 44

Dear Miss Kelley:

Got your nice long letter today. I've got so much to tell you - I hope my strength lasts to finish this letter today. You see dear I am back in bed again for two weeks starting yesterday I have to have a complete rest and then be re-examined and if I am not O.K. then I have to have an operation. But I may be able to postpone it if I take it easy. over

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You see George did not come to see me after the 5th day in the hosp. and some-one had to sign my release the Sun. I came home. So {Doctor} Bard had to do it - very unwillingly and roughtly. He should never have done a vaginal on the 8th day - not for 6 weeks. Well he ripped my stitches and they came out [?]. I got home that day - So Helen called George and he said they would heal O.K. They did, but not together so in other words I am wide open. After I

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went to work I kept feeling badly so everyone kept after me to go to a Dr. I did and he says I have a complete relaxation of the Bladder, rectum and uterus and ordered this rest, etc. He prescribed [ergob?] + salts to start me to contract no liquids - not even water! I will either have to have to be re-stitched or take it [damn?] easy or I will fall out completley a collapse he calls it. So that is that - you can imagine how I feel.

In the meantime I

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have been offered a wonderful chance. A man is coming to see me this week to talk over a job as his housekeeper. He has a 7 yr old girl and a 4 rm. modern apt here in Pitts. and I can bring beverly with me. He even had a crib, high-chair, etc. I don't know about pay yet, but it sounds grand. What do you think? I will tell you more in my next letter.

Beverly is fine and beginning to get fat. She is so sweet + small and I love her so. I am dying to be able to bathe and feed her and just be able to sit