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.

Oct 4, 1944

Dear {Doctor} Van Waters:

It was so wonderful to see Miss Kelley today. I really do appreciate your having her come to see me - it brings me closer to you I feel. I would so much like to see you and talk with you again. Though in a way I rather shrink from it when I realize what a failure I have been after all you have done for me. When I hear and see the

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the others. The last time I saw you was such an unhappy time. I was afraid that after you would just wash your hands of me but your kindness still continues as ever.

My Beverly is wonderful. I love her so much it hurts. I want to be a perfect mother for her. As Miss Kelley will tell you, she does not look like me. She looks like George. No matter what he has done to me or will not do, I still have beautiful memories of him and I

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am a bigger person from knowing him. I will always love him. I only hope that Beverly inherits his wonderful brain and his musical talent. She can get so little from me. I'm too pliable - I have ideals but seem to lack the something it takes to attain them. I will be a good mother.

I got a lovely letter from George's mother which Miss Kelley read. She seems like a fine person - she has a hard life. I guess being a refugee

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in England. She is very lonesome for him and he just doesn't write to her - just sends checks and a note now and then.

Helen, Mrs. Bannick, may go to Boston soon for an operation. She is not at all well. I may go down to be with her for a while as she will be all alone and will have to convalese for a couple of weeks before she can make the trip home.

The fall is so lovely up here - it reminds me of Hill-Top so much. How are all your family and esp. Susan? Do you hear from Betty at all? I will close now but please take care of yourself - your life is so precious to so many. Sincerely Barbara + Beverly

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Nov. 19, 44

Dear {Doctor} Van Waters:

I have been waiting so eagerly for a letter from you so I didn't write as opften as I should. I know you must be more than busy with Miss Kelley being ill and all the changes on the Parole Board and family affairs. I think of you so much and ask myself always - "Am I doing what Dr. Van Waters "would advise me to?" But I am afraid I am getting deeper and deeper into a mess every day. Miss Kelley probably told you about my debts and condition. I now have another big hospital bill for Beverly and am unhappy over some of the arrangements made by the N.E. Home for little Wanderers. I'm afraid if I decided on something for her myself they would not let me have her until I paid the bill.

Address now: Mrs. B. Brown 37 Melville St. Pitts. Mass.

They can't take her away from me can they? I just live for her and want her with me so much. They disapprove of my taking a housekeeping job - say it will give Beverly an inferiority complex.

Something else is happening also that I have no control over. My Mother is writing to George giving him a certain length of time to do something for Beverly and if he does not do something she is going to take it to the A.M.A. Of course he will be ruined as far as the U.S.A. is concerned. I love him and don't want anything to make him unhappy. But Beverly's future must be secured above all. If anything happened to me I would want her provided for. Mother says I never turned to her either time I was in trouble and she says she wants to prove by doing this that her advise is worth taking. I can't stop her - I only pray it comes out all right for all.

May I call you up soon and get your opinion which is valued above all to me. Please stay close to me spiritually now as I feel to weak to face things. Please write soon. All my prayers for your health + happiness. Barbara

[SMK?] - Her address please - Latest 169 First St. Pittsfield.