Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: C, 1942-1946. A-71, folder 289. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

[REFORMATORY FOR WOMEN MAR 4 1944 FRAMINGHAM red stamp]

March 1, 1944

Dear Dr. Van Waters :

Thank you for your letter and I do hope this finds you well and rested.

I was unaware that my report was overdue as I was under the impression that I was to write you on the first of every month. I sent you a letter on Feb.1st and this on March 1st. If I am wrong on this impression I had, I most certainly want to be corrected.

I am planning to come up for my things this week-end and am enclosing the key herewith. Sorry it has not been possible for me to get them before.

As for the telephone bill, Doctor, I am puzzled, as I

[red pencil note on top of letter Did it come? enclosing key

EMK [9?]

remember paying Miss Brooks the small amount I owed for October. To date I never received a note in my box or otherwise that I owed anything for November.

However, when I come up this week-end I will look into the matter and if I owe anything pay it.

I am getting along quite well in my new work and like it. My health has been quite good up to this week when I developed a mean sore throat.

I do hope I will be able to see and talk with you soon. Remember me to your Mother and Miss Kelley.

Respectfully yours, Mary Rose Cronin

Key given to Miss K[?]

[REFORMATORY FOR WOMEN APR 5 1944 FRAMINGHAM red stamp]

Tuesday April 4, 1944

Dear Dr. Van Waters:

Here I am again, still absorbing the whys and wherefores of investments, with another month creeping up on me before I realized it. I just could not believe that March had faded and April, teary April was on my doorstep.

I do hope you are feeling zestful and buoyant in anticipation of a spring we may not get as usual.

I met Dorothy Durling a week ago and thought she looked just fine and like her old self. Strangest thing was though, from her conversation she apparently has forgotten that last week-end she spent at Framingham.

I came up to the institution one evening last week and found Miss James was ill when I asked for her. Please convey my regards to

[right page]

been and tell her next time I visit her I expect her to be well.

My work is going fine and it is most interesting and absorbing. So, if you are non-plussed as to securities to in which to invest your millions I would be most pleased to give you my expert (?) advice. Tell Miss Kelley the same goes for her and I know it will provoke a chuckle.

My brother is home until next Wednesday on his last furlough before being sent to a P.O.E. He arrived Monday night and was greeted by a very excited Mother and Sister. It just seemed his train would never arrive as every minute seemed an hour while we waited. He looked just fine and is bronze color from the Southern sun.

I will sure be glad when the warm weather comes, as I cannot

[left page] seem to shake my cold. It has gone into my chest and has made me feel pretty miserable for a couple of days now. No matter how much sleep I get, I just cannot seem to get over being sleepy. Guess it is just spring fever, but how I would appreicate a few days vacation. Probably when my ship comes in I will be able to get up in the country for a few days, but by that time the ship probably will not make port or something just as dire will occur to it.

I will close now, hoping to see you in the near future and asking you to convey my regards to your Mother, Miss James, Miss O'Keefe and my charming and beautiful Miss Kelley.

Respectfully yours, Mary Rose Cronin

[red stamp REFORMATORY FOR WOMEN JUL 18 1944 FRAMINGHAM]

Friday July 7, 1944

Dear Dr. Van Waters:

Still another month has departed Doctor, when it seems it has just begun.

The first day was my brother's birthday, so I spent two evenings last week preparing for it, so he would receive the box on his birthday.

Last Sunday I exulted in the delightful sail to Provincetown and arrived back with quite a [burn?]. Monday I worked as an accomadation for which I will get a day off later. Tuesday I took a grand walk or rather bivouac I guess of fifteen miles. It was such a glorious day and it did seem good to be able