Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: L, 1937-1951. A-71, folder 312. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

State Hospital Worcester Mass Nurses Home Aug 2, 1939.

Dear Mrs Van Waters,

No, I havn't forgotten you, how are you. I am planning to come down soon, as Dr Van Waters said, I could play for a dance some night.

It will make me very happy to be allowed to do that.

I was very happy to be able to talk

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to you on my last visit and I thought you looked very good.

How is Dr Van Waters Will you give her my love and tell her I shall love her always and never, with Gods help let her lose the one thing she had in me, "confidence."

I can never forget her, "Dr Van Waters," who has helped hundreds and yet goes right on doing it.

I treat my patients

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just like Dr Van Waters treats her students. "Kindness." she taught me that, so how can I do my work any other way. How fortunate I was to have met her, going along as I did.

Dr Van Waters not only helped me, but she also helped me to win back the love and respect of my brother before he died, and my boy who is almost 18 yrs old.

also Dorothy, a girl who absolutly no out-look on life. She is a very kind girl and I know she is gratefull

So tonight, my Dr Van Waters, has made us three thankfull to be living God Bless her always.

Always your friend Mary Lee.

Please give my love to all. xxx.

Nurses Home State Hospital Worcester Mass.

[Envelope dated Oct 30, 1939]

Dear Mrs Van Waters,

Just a few lines to say your lovely Christmas card was received and I want to say I was very happy to hear from you.

How are you and how is Dr Van Waters, I haven't heard from her, but I know she is busy

Do you still have the biography class

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I am sorry I didn't have a chance to see you the day you were here, but I will come down to see you and I will enjoy that very much.

Did you go away for the holidy. I bet that they all (students) enjoyed Xmas at Framingham I know I shall never forget the two I spent there, every thing was wonderfull.

Mrs. Van Waters will you give my love to Dr Van Waters and

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your students in Biography class.

I would love to hear from you some time when you have time I am on day duty and every thing seems so different than working nights.

Enclosed you will find a messenger, and I was so happy to read it and find my name in it.

I enjoy playing piano for ward parties, the patients enjoy dancing.