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.

Dec. 25, 1944

Dear Miss Kelley:

How are you? Thank you for your nice Xmas card. I am most anxious to hear how Mrs. Van Waters is. I do hope she if getting along without too much pain. I know she must be terribly uncomfortable. Please send me her address as I would like to send her a note.

Christmas was not very gay this year but it was nice in some ways too. For the first time since I was a child I helped trim a tree and had my Christmas dinner with a real family, it Helen's of course. She had a small party the nite before - Georgie S. came but I got mad

P.S. You are forgetting it is Mrs Brown!

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at hime and didn't speak to him all evening. I don't think I shall continue to go with him. He has too many plans for his own family - his mother + father sisters + brothers, etc. to leave room for himself and least of all me. The trouble with Georgie is that he is too good and never thinks of himself which can be a fault sometimes too! I can't wait forever so I would rather have no gentleman friend at all than one who has so many bridges to burn first. Am I right?

My mother got a letter from George V. I didn't see it but - 1 [her?] admits relations with me in it, 2 claims I had other men friends and was far from respectable, 3, I pleaded for him to help me which he did 4, he stood by me when no one else

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woud, 4. said something about suing her for extortion if she didn't stop. That is all I know for now. She is going to the Legal Aid in Boston I believe. I am going to see Mr. [Firot?] as soon as I can arrange an interview.

I am most anxious to see you again for these is so much to go into that writing don't accomplish. But I know you must still be weak and it is a long trip. I get so afraid of the future sometimes I could shiver and you all seem so far away. I keep it all pent up to tell you when you come. I go to church regularly now but it is now the same. I've lost something. Please have

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Mr. Sturges write to me: Maybe he will think I am still good enough for the church.

I have lost 10 lbs in the last month but feel pretty good. Frankly I don't dare go back to my doctor - I know the verdict already. But I do feel good.

I hate to ask this but would you ask {Doctor} Van Waters if she has any clothes she isn't using now. Clothes are something I can't ever think of buying for years ahead as food, and very little of that, is all I have money left for now. But don't think I'm complaining! If you saw my lovely fat daughter you too would say she is worth all that and more too. She is lovely and is sweeter every day. I could eat her. Please write soon. Love Barbara

December 29, 1944.

{Reverend} P. F. Sturges, St. Andrew's, Wellesley, Mass.

Dear Mr. Sturges:

This morning, I heard from Barbara Brown, former R. W. student, whom you may remember as the one in charge of Chapel service arrangements here. You also presented her for confirmation. Since then she has completed Parole. She has a baby girl, Beverly Michele, cared for by the New Engladn Home for Little Wanderers, Barbara paying the board. She is really devoted to this child.

She writes of missing us and her associations with St. Andres. She also asks if you would write to her. An envelope is enclosed which could be used for the letter if you could find time to send one.

Thanks for all of your courteous ministries.

Cordially,

Superindtendent. MVW/K

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Correction Reformatory for Women Framingham, Mass.

Miriam Van Waters Superintendent