Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: E, 1932-1957. A-71, folder 295. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

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Hilltop Farm, Deerfield, Mass. June 25, 1951

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Dear Miss Gladding:-

I intended to write you as soon as I got your invitation to the party but just never got it done and it's a good thing I didn't as I would have told you I'd be there and things have happened since that to prevent me from coming.

I had intended to drive down and bring Beverly and "Sonny" if he wanted to come, but my husband quit his farm job here a week ago and so we have to move again. We were getting our tenement with the job so of course when you get through it means we have to move. This is the worse farm job we ever hit are there arethree other men and they don't cooperate at all. Lester is working by the day on a farm in Conway at present but places to live are sure hard to find. I have seen some empty places but when I inquire they want to sell and won't rent.

I want to stay not too far away as Beverly has just one more year to go to High School and she wants to finish it in Deerfield. She did 2 1/2 years in Hopkins Academy in Hadley and the last half her third year hear.

I have worked the past two seasons at the State University in Amherst in the Vetinary Science Laboratory. It is where they do blood testing of chickens. The first year I began in Nov. and worked til Christmas. Last year I began July 10 and had to quit Jan. 20th, when we moved up here as I hadn't at that time gotten my driving license, could have worked til Feb. 1st, if I'd had transportation. I'm in hopes to go back next month if we can find a place to live which isn't too far to drive from.

I would really like to see you all. Everyone was so good to me during my stay there. Time sure flies. It don't seem as if it were 15 years ago. -I came home from there. Beverly will be 17 in Dec. Sonny will be 11 in Oct. They are all I have at home.

My two oldest boys Charles and Bernard are both married and each have a daughter. Charles little girl is Brenda Joyce, she is 3 1/2 yr old. Bernard's baby is Marcia Jean and is 6 mos old. Of course they are about perfect to me. They all live in Shelburne Falls. Donnie the youngest of my three boys is in the Army and is in Aschoffenburg, Germany. He is 18 years old and enlisted. in Feb. 1950 and went overseas in July 1950. I usually hear from him every week but my last letter was June 8th.

I lost my Dad May 23rd. Hewas 84 years old and had been in poor health for several years. We had expected it for a long time but it was still a hard blow when it came, I was to see him the nite before he died and he was feeling quite well. Then the next morning my youngest brother came for me at 4:30 A. M. and Dad was gone.

Donnie feels real bad because of course he has made his home with my folks since he was about 9 years old. The Red Cross sent a cable to him for me but the last letter I got from Donnie he said he never got the cable and didn't know of Grampa's death until about two weeks later when he got a letter from me telling him about the funeral. My mother still lives in Shelburne Falls. My youngest brother 20 years lives with her. The rest of us are all married.

I have a big garden started here. Hope to be able to have permission to come back and get my stuff as it rippens. If not, Ill send it to the owner. I enjoy working in my garden and always have a good one. It saves a lot on the food bill both now and in the winter as I can a lot.

Well guess I have said enough so Ill close for now. Ill be thinking of you all Thursday and wishing I was there. Remember me to everyone and hope I'll hear from you all again soon.

With love

/s/ Sarah and Beverly Maynard [Emerson]

May 4, 1942

Dear Mr. Lyman:

I would like to write to you to express my appreciation, personally, for the marvelous music played by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. I do believe, that every member of the Institution is enthusiastic about their playing, including myself.

One cannot help but be moved, by the music, and the way it is played. The expression of music means so much to listeners, and these players are artists at it.

We do not mean to be gluttonish, Mr. Lyman, but we would certainly love to hear the Symphony Orchestra Players as often as we can and as often as it is possible for you to have them play here.

Again may I repeat that we enjoyed it so much and want to thank you for your thoughtfulness and kindness.

Sincerely,

Manecia Estey Massachusetts Womens Reformatory

July 25, 1950

Dear Mr. Genghagan:

July 25, 1950 I wonder if you would be interested in the campaign of Dr. Warren Stearns, former Commissioner of Correction, and Dean of Tufts College

Miss Manecia Estey Westboro State Hospital Westboro, Massachusetts

Dear Manecia:

I was glad to get your letter a short time ago, and pleased to learn that you are helpfully working about the hospital, and live on an open ward.

You know we at the Reformatory have no authority or responsibility for your release. To me it is a very wonderful thing that you are in a modern hospital where true mental health is valued. I think you ought to have every confidence in their decisions. It is very likely that if you are free from strain and worry over a long enough period of time, you will recover.

We are carrying on here as well as we can. Everyone is well and cheerful for the most part. You will be grieved to hear that Miss O'Keere's mother is seriously ill, and she is absent from us for a few days.

Recently I saw Mrs. Chase at the Wellesley Social Institute. She asked for you and wished to extend the greetings of friendship.

Very sincerely yours,

Miriam Van Waters, Superintendent

MVW/hmo