Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: Mc-Mz, 1934-1956. A-71, folder 319. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge,

[Shirley Mello Rodrigues] [1995]

Dear Dr. Van Walters,

I would like To ask a great favor of you. Will you be kind enough to send me reference in regards To day work. I would like To do this kind of work in my home Town and majority of poeple like references. I would appreciate this very much. I was at Hodden. Please send my regards to Mrs. Thomas the day work woman that was To be your scretary.

Since I have been out I got married. I live at 570 Fourth Water St. New Bedford, Mass.

Thank you kindly, Mrs. Shriley Rodrigues Single Name (Shirley Mello)

June 13, 1955

Mrs. Shirley [Mello] Rodrigues 570 So. Water Street New Bedford, Mass.

Dear Shirley:

It was very good to hear from you. I am glad that your planning to find work and I have asked Mrs. Thomas to write a reference for you. Congradultions on your marriage. I wish you much happiness and success.

Sincerely,

Miriam Van Water, Superintendent

MVW:DFL

et

Mrs. Charles E. Thomas

June 14, 1955

TO WHO IT MAY CONCERN:

Mrs. Shirley Rodrigues was employed in home one or two days a week for a period of several months to do housework. She was a methodical thorough worker. She was especially good in that she liked small children and had a nice way with them. I found her entirely satisfactory and would gladly emply her again if she were living near my home.

Yours very truly,

Mrs. Charles E. Thomas

Copy

M.S.I. Fiske Bldg. Tewksbury, Mass. July 7th, 1935.

My dear Commissioner;

I am a released D.D. girl and Miss Cahill was my agent.

I have no relatives and June 21st, 1935 my only brother Harry died at the Boston City Hospital leaving me all alone at Tewkaburry and I am on the danger list.

Miss Cahill came to my aid and claimed my brother's body and had him buried for me and did all she could for me, and visits me. She attended to His funeral and is going to see that His bills are paid.

I have no Insurance and she has hold me that she will attend to my burial as it is my earnst desire to be buried with my mother and brother.

If it hadn't been for Miss Cahill coming to my aid I guess it would have killed me, also. She certainly has been a wonderful friend to me, for I am unable to leave my bad or the hospital. She has done everything she possibly could for me, and I wish you would thank her personally for me.

Sincerely, Mary E. Messenger