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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Dr. Miriam Van Waters May 11, 1942

Again, I want to say that Barbara appreciates very much your understanding, and feels that your kindness has helped to bring her to where she is. But then, her desire is now to go on and, perhaps, there is no time like the present. If your opinion is to the contrary, I would appreciate very much hearing your views on the subject, at the earliest possible date.

Thanking you, I am

Very truly yours,

Max R. Reiser

Max R. Reiser

MRR:DR

May 12, 1943

Max R. Reiser, Counsellor at Law, Ten Tremont Street, Boston, Mass.

My dear Mr. Reiser:

Thank you ever so much for your letter of yesterday regarding Barbara.

She is leaving us Monday, May 17th, to take up a new job at the Albiana Lunch, where she will be a cashier, and receive $18. per week and 3 meals. I understand she will be free afternoons from three o'clock and intents to look for something more to her liking in her spare hours. This is, of course, only a start but as you say, I am beginning to realize that Barbara should have the opportunity to see what she can do and perhaps now is as good a time as any.

your interest in her encourages me and I am sure it must her, also. I have every faith that she will "find herself", and soon.

With all good wishes,

Sincerely yours

Superintendent.

MVW/K

REFORMATORY FOR WOMEN JUNE [?] 1943 FRAMINGHAM

June 15, 43

Dear Miss Kelley:

I am sorry I have been so long in writing to you, but I keep very busy - I don't know what doing tho! The days go by so fast, but the weeks seem slow. I get up at 10 A.M. and do laundry or wash my hair or mend, etc. and before I know it it is 3 P.M and

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time for me to bathe and start getting ready for work. I don't leave the house until 4.45 P.M but I have to be so carefully dressed and nails, etc. so perfect that it really takes all that time. Then I go to work - get there at 5 and eat my supper - the meals are wonderful, 4 course dinners, and then to work at 5.30. There is no actual work to it. Just knowing the reservations and the no. of the table they have and seating them when they arrive. The music is wonderful and the floorshows are very good. I have 15 min rest at 8 P.M for cig and fresh make-up and 1/2 hr at 10.30 for a sandwich milk and dessert. Then

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I work until 12.00 12.30 and am through. Some nites I get out at 11.30 but not often, and some nites I work till 1 A.M. but never later. Then home and bed. Once in a while I go out after work, if I get through early, for something to eat with some of the orchestra players. We go to Child's which is the only nice place