Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: M, 1950. A-71, folder 322. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

4-24-50

K

Dr. Van Waters:

Frances Marston said a telegram came yesterday from the Springfield A. A. Group, saying they were unable to get here, and she did not receive it until this afternoon.

She said she sat out in the Front Office waiting for the group to arrive, and Miss Keefe, who was on duty, did not tell her about the telegram.

Could some arrangement be made whereby a telegram of this nature could be delivered without having to go through Research the following day, when it is too late.

hmo

May 15. 1950

Judge Hames A. Donovan 12 Ridge Road Lawrence, Massachusetts

My dear Judge Donovan:

I am very much concerned about a young woman, Frances Marston, aged 28, committed here January 8, 1948 on a charge of Lewd and Lascivious Cohabitation. Her problem is primarily alcoholism. On February 23, 1949 she was given parole and failed, and the Board voted her maximum. Her sentence will expire by good conduct release March 23, 1952. I have asked the Board to reconsider her case and was refused about four months ago.

The reason I am writing you is as follows: the girl wanted a hospital job, and as the Parole Agent had none available she was placed in a home for the aged. She said if she had known she would not have accepted parole. She became quickly discouraged, and she had no friends.

Since her return she has worked very hard in our hospital. She is exceptionally strong and industrious.

She has a friendly visitor, Mrs. William Z. Ripley, 38 Bracebridge Road, Newton, who has been able to get her a hospital job in Newton, if released.

Of course there is always a risk that a woman who has been alcoholic will not keep parole, but I have watched Frances work so hard and get so discouraged lately, that in the interests of the girl and the Reformatory I appeal to you.

Mrs. Ripley will contact the Board in the State

May 15, 1950

To: Judge James A. Donovan

House if I can get your approval.

Respectfully yours,

Miriam Van Waters, Superintendent

MVW/hmo

May 29, 1950

Mr. James A. Donovan, Chairman Board of Parole State House Boston 33, Massachusetts

Dear Mr. Donovan:

I enclose a letter from Frances Marston, whose Friendly Visitor, Mrs. Ripley, came to see you.

Miss Gertrude Loud, from the hospital where she will be offered employment if the Board is willing to grant her parole, will be her supervisor. Miss Loud is a visitor at this institution, and knows all the details of Frances' record.

There is, of course, always a risk in recommending an alcoholic for parole, but this woman is now in excellent condition, a hard and industrious worker, with an attitude greatly improved. Some of the most successful parolees have been women who failed once or twice, having long records, and proved favorable. This does appear to be the case now with Frances.

I do not wish to seem to press the matter, but I feel it is my responsibility to present to you all the facts as I see them.

Respectfully yours,

Miriam Van Waters, Superintendent

MVW/hmo Enclosure

June 9, 1950

Dr. Miriam Van Waters, Superintendent Reformatory for Women Framingham, Massachusetts

Dear Dr. Van Waters: Re: Frances Marston R.W. #18533

This is to acknowledge your letter of May 29, 1950 concerning the above subject.

If you will please give the Board Miss Loud's address we will be pleased to explore possible placement.

Very truly yours,

James A. Donovan CHAIRMAN

RCL