Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: C-Cl, 1932-1970. A-71, folder 278. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge,

Student letter file

February 28, 1951

Dear Hilda:

It was very nice to hear from you. Susan and Ralphie were pleased to have you send greetings. They have had flu, and so has their mother, but all are up and around now.

I congratulate you on the ending of your parole so successfully. We are all proud of you and your good example will help many other girls. I am sure that Mrs. Flynn, your Parole Officer, was a real friend to you.

May your future be bright with success and happiness. If ever you feel like paying us a visit you will be welcome.

Cordially yours,

Miss Hilda Camille 107 New Boston Road East Fairhaven, Mass.

April 19, 1951

Miss O'Keefe, -

Report on Mary Cantwell

I think I should report following to you This afternoon Mary asked me to close her window. After I closed it + locked the window grill she said "I tried to unlock it with my tooth brush but guess it wasn't small enough.

WhenAfter I locked it back I commented on how quickly she had put the 2 picture puzzle to-gether. She said "You know isn't it funny. I can put the hardest puzzle to-gether in a short time but I just can't learn to do things except the things I shouldn't do. I learn from experience like riding freight trains.

When I offered her some more puzzles and asked her to come + look pick them out she backed up against the door + said "I don't want you to go out there. I want you to stay here with me. Then she put her hands on my arm and again said "I want you to stay here with me now" + still with he back against the door so I couldn't go out. Then she said "You know I could make you stay here. "I am very strong, you know I weigh 189 lbs.

During the 10 or 15 min she stood against the door she told about coming in here in handcuffs, the terrific temper she has which always gets her into trouble; said she had hit her mother several times, that her mother had died quote "I guess from its' effects."

Talked about her little girl (3 yrs)

whom she loved + said "Life "She means everything to me." "I'm going to see if I can have her come here + be with me, then I know I could settle myself down + be good + keep out of trouble." Said something about guessing they didn't want her to have it afraid she might hurt her with her temper. Spoke about taking up nursing. Mentioned something about trying to slit someone's neck with a knife. Didn't just get just what it was but didn't ask her to repeat but took it as reference to her temper.

Finally she stepped away from the door + she came with me to get the puzzles. On returning to her room again she said took the wooden bar off

the inside door and said "I think I will take this in my room with me so you can't lock me in". but she gave it back to me.

Each thing she said and did she watched me as if wondering what impression she was making + if I was afraid.

She spoke at all times in a soft voice + smiled while talking but her eyes have a vague + peculiar look which makes one wonder if perhaps she might change suddenly to a fit of temper + violence.

She has asked for scissors twice to-day. I have told my helpers not to give her scissors or a knife. My helper reports when she said "goodnight" last night she said "I won't be here in the morning."

M.A. [Ongood?].