Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: Co-Cz, 1935-1971. A-71, folder 279. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge,

Framingham, Mass. May 11, 1942.

Commissioner Arthur T. Lyman State House Boston, Massachusetts Dear Mr. Lyman: I am taking this opportunity of writing you even before I voice my oppreciation to Mr Boaz Pillar, for the privilege of hearing such music in Framingham that comes only from the Symphony Orchestra.

You have set the foundation, laid the cornerstone, and left it to us to build something of various types of beauty from it, something lasting, some definite foundation that we felt incapable of forming for ourselves.

Don't ever let this edifice crumble, but rather that you have started something so great that hundreds of human hearts and souls are enjoying, deriving courage from, and finding true happiness from truly good music.

Most Sincerely,

Emily Cobb

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STATE OF OHIO DIVISION OF CORRECTION LONDON PRISON FARM R. B. ECKLE, SUPT.

October 6, 1954

Miss Barbara Ann Codair c/o Harmony News Women's Reformatory Framingham, Massachusetts

Dear Miss Codair:

This is to commend you for your article, "FRUSTRATION, OR..." which appeared as a reprint in the October "Exchange Edition" of our magazine, "Agricola", a copy of which I am sendind under separate cover.

Nor am I the only one who finds it worth of praise: my clerk, Joseph A. Howell, especially, referred it to me, and said: "Chaplain, here is something by an exceptional young lady." Andhe began to tell me why he thought so. In the first place there is the fact that you are but twenty years old, and since your incarceration have completed a writing course, two years of English, and a short course in Basic Psychiatry. This fact vouched for so many other fine things -- when added up, make for a beautiful personality.

You will find an article in "AGRICOLA" , under the heading of "Journal of a Prisoner" -- it appears each month, and is written by Joseph. He plans to write a sketch based on the value and meaning of your item, showing that something should be done for such isolated, worthy cases, to assure full growth of talent, and not allow it to be smothered and wasted in prison. He contends that what you have done, the potentialities of future achievement, would be exceptional enough even under ordinary conditions, but in prison it becomes more so; because it conveys a sense of struggle beyond struggle, a reaching out for identity, and to find meaning; also, it conveys thought and sensitivity -- and for these reasons you have probably had more than you share of lonliness and heartache in prison. He is aware of these things because he himself has served over 15 years and has self-educated himself as a writer, thus is able to recognize and appreciate certain qualities where he finds them. He says they are rare enough.

But before he writes the article, using your name, with various quotations from "Frustration, Or.." he would like to be sure that you would have no objections. If you should, he will drop the idea; if not, then he will send you a carbon in advance of publication, for your approval, and if you care to, you make use the blue pencil on it.

Now in closing, let me repeat, we think that you have an exceptional talent. Your phrasing, your choice of words, the thought expressed -- all denote bright possibilities for you, Barbara. I hope you will continue writing. The world needs you. Keep your faith, your sincerity, your courage, always -- don't ever lose them.

Cordially and sincerely yours,

(Signed) Clarence Swearingen, Chaplain The Reverend Clarence Swearingen, Chaplain

cs/jh

Dr. Van Waters

I found the original letter and gave it to Barbara Codair.

[D Lenneher]

10/12/54

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Harmony News Women's Reformatory Framingham, Mass.

by Barbara Ann Codair

FRUSTRATION, OR.......

The first day I arrived in this, my temporary home, I felt as so many other people must have felt; revengful, hateful, and dreadfully lonely.

Two months later, I felt the same, only I kept it deep within myself. One night I saw down, all alone, and repeated over and over, "Now, Barbara, you know if you had not come here when you did, Heaven only knows what would have become of you."

I received mail, I lacked nothing, my people came to see me, "so why be so despondent?"

You know, as bad as some people may say I am, I'm sure that most of us will agree, and say that there is some good in us; in all of us. If I lacked a touch of sincerity, If I lacked a touch of goodness, would God have blessed me with the power to be a mother?

I'm just a kid myself, for I'm but twenty years old; I am of average intelligence, and enjoy the general things of life.

Now that I am here, I have completed a short story course, two years of English, and a short course in Basic Psychiatry. I would never have taken the time to do this outside, and through doing these things, I have found that I can do things I never know I could do.

I hope that this will not sound like a sermon to you, for I am merely trying to tell all the men and women, in the same position as I, to keep the faith, and look at the sunny side of things. We could be out getting into more trouble, you know.

Copy for Dr. Van Waters

May 30, 1946.

Dear Miss O'Keefe,

Just a few lines to you in my liesure time while I have the opportunity.

I hope you don't think it bold of me to be writing to you, but there are a few reasons in doing so. firstly because I have always wanted to and secondly be I owe it to you.

Through your harshness and of the times you had to punish me, I have foundly woke up.

Now that, I am on my feet and on the right roads again I have you and Miss Davis to thank as she is also very understanding.

This letter to you is a letter of kindness, as you have been kind to me in various ways.

You really don't realize but it really hurt me, when we weren't speaking, and through that hurt I cast mypride aside to have the true feeling of a friend around.

And on this day "Memorial Day" I can truly say I have regained a friend, and a true one, I hope that I have met with the expectation of being your friend.

I have learned the hard way, but the hard way is the best, because there is nothing in this institution that could make me take the rsik of ever losing your friendship again, and I really and truly mean every word I am saying.

There must be some kind of maget in or around you that draws me to you, but what ever "it is". I can only say is alright as there always comes a time in anyones life when they need a friend and I had to come here to find one.

[attracts?]

I have no more to say only that I hope you believe this letter and have trust in me to keep doing better as I will always keep trying (honestly.)

Good night and may God pour all his blessing upon you.

Tuth M. Coet

Attitude