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.

[inside of card with religious scene and flowers]

(14 Dec. 1957) As o'er the Manger shone His star To guide the Wise Men from afar, So may His wondrous star of love Bless you forever from above!

[signed Helene Doherty]

GRAYMOOR FRIARS G5102

COPY

Sunday, December 25th, 1949

Dear Miss O'Keefe,

It was an unpleasant surprise to learn of your illness and sudden operation. Everything is strange around here without you presence and the sound of your voice, speaking in that curt way you do cometimes when you want an order enforced. But we don't mind how abrupt you are on occasion - we love it. And we dont' mind taking orders from you and obeying them to the letter. We don't mind, because we know that underneath you are very kind and humane and that what you do is sincerely for our best interest.

Little did we realize when we were running in and out of your office, with our numerous petty complaints etc., and you were patiently listening to us with understanding and ironing out our mental wrinkles for us - that you were suffering silently.

How selfish we have been. When you looked tired and sick, we thought to ourselves, "Oh she just has a headache or a cold coming on, nothing serious". She will listen to my problem and I will get hew viewpoint or counsel on the issue today. We did not realize that you had problems too and mightlike a little rest from the buzz of our never ending beefs. It took something like this to make us realize how very much you mean to us.

You are a close second to Dr. Van Waters in the category of a humanitarian. Both of you are the pillars of the mansion builded here. Without you both the place would crumble and the remains would be tragic. it would again become a place of torture, heartache and misery ruled by devils instead of two guiding angels. There would be no more happy faces and sounds of music and laughter everywhere. This place would again become a cold and silent prison with hundreds of sad eyed girls. Suffering and pain would be written on their faces and one glance would tell that they were too stunned with sorrow and grief to even contemplate on a sound future for themselves. The sound of crying would be heard daily. Laughter would be a rare thing. I think most of us realize all this and what a precious gem you are in our setting here.

So please get strong and well and come back to us soon.

Your devoted student

/s/ Madeline Donnelly

2-8-50

Dr. Van Waters:

Mary Donnelly has received some hair bleach from her family. Apparently Miss O'Keefe previously gave her permission to have it, but since it is on the contraband list the deputies will not O.K. it.

Miss Foster has left the bleach here and would like your approval or disapproval. Mary is going out next week.

hmo

yes M.V.W.

To Cheer You "To smile your way through cloudy days Is much the widest thing to do For when you make the best of things They cannot get the best of you!"