Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: D, 1936-1971. A-71, folder 290. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

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the Welfare {Department} gave us help all they could and put back nearly three months rent on our shoulders the welfare won't even pay one months rent to the land lord we went there with the landlord so we know for a fact. We have got our last food order from the welfare {Department}.

Sunday morning February 10th 1957 we have to be out of this house, as notice was served. It is now thursday afternoon February 7th. three days and we with the children will be sitting in the snow bank. Neither one of us are thinking of ourselfs one on thing is on our minds, the children.

Springfield, and Boston Mass, have hundreds of jobs as we see the daily papers. My husband has a steady job which pays $55.00 to $65.00 each week in a very large Restaurant in Boston, but we have not the money to even get there.

My husband worked for this Restaurant {Company} in Boston, was a hard worker and a Gentleman, worked there for a year and left due to the fact that one of my children got hurt while on vacation at moms home, and wanted to be near his son. When my

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husband could not return, he filed compensation but was disqualified. the employer contacted the U.S. employment office here and told them they would not pay compensation but He was a good worker and a Gentleman, and come back to work at any time. Two weeks ago my husband wrote his former employer and he told my husband come back to work and he will see that he has his own job back. These are true facts the U.S. employment office here in pittsfield will stand behind. If you doubt my work kindly contact, Mrs. Eva S. Howland, Division of Employment Security U.S. Employment office North {Street} pittsfield Mass. In fact there is not even one job here in the U.S. Employment office.

I've asked mom, for help but she can not help us, she has a large family and Dad is not working his full shift in the mill due to no work hardly. We've been to the Family Service and received not no help. The Salvation Army here is small and they too are over pressed in helping people.

{Doctor} If we had money enough to get to Boston and an apartment for a week until I draw my

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first pay we would be all set. My husband could start work Monday morning February 11th 1957 and our worries would be over in regards to the children. I know its awful short notice to ask anyones help, we got our notice served Wednesday afternoon yesterday, and Sunday morning is the dead line we have to get out of our apartment. Which is February 10th 1957. {Doctor} can you find it in your heart to help us? Its mostly for the kids sake your our only hope left.

We need money, only to get to Boston by train Childrens fare is nothing as they are under six years of age. I think the fare by train from Pittsfield to Boston is for myself and husband is around $7.00 for each one of us. I'm sure that you will know about fares far better than us. and the apartment to live in until he draws his first pay, wont be over $18.00 maybe less than that. When we lived there in Boston we had three rooms furnished for $16.00 a week course we don't know if we can get into the same place or not. $35.00 would cover fare, apartment food etc.

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the name of Restaurant where my husband will work is Patten Restaurant {Company} 41 Court {Street} Boston 8, Mass.

{Doctor} we will repay you, we are not out to get some thing for nothing in return can you not please assist us. It will be too late {Doctor} if you send a check by mail as we won't be here after Sunday morning February 10th. God only knows where we will be after that if we don't get some help.

Won't you send it by Western Union telegram and that is only 200 ft. from our apartment to the Wetsern Union office, we would get it Saturday afternoon or Saturday night the latest. Sent it to Mrs. Doris R. Jones Western Union, and I'll pick it up at the Western Union office. When I arrive in Boston, I'll drop you a line, and my address and each week if you desire I'll come to Framingham by train with the children while my husband is at work and pay you so much each week {Doctor} would that be all right.

I don't know what to say outside of thank you from my heart and God be with you

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I'm so [nervious?] I can't even think, worries. In closing thanks again and you'll here from me in Boston when I arrive.

Western Union office is on West St. Pittsfield Mass send to Mrs. Doris R. Jones, who resides at 97 Church St Pittsfield, Mass.

If you sent it by letter we wouldn't get it until Monday or Tuesday of next week. It must arrive by Saturday, February 9th 1957 as Sunday {February} 10th; we have to leave this apartment, wihtout money shelter or food.

God Bless You {Doctor} Van Waters, we will meet again and thank you. I'll go to the Western Union office {Saturday} afternoon + night.

As ever Your former Student Doris R. Dewey Now Mrs. Doris R. Jones 97 Church St Pittsfield Mass.

P.S.) $35.00 would cover everything.