Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: T, 1937-1948. A-71, folder 342. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

B.T.

Dr Van Waters:

Last Wednesday I had a telephone from Mrs Cadman (landlady of Bessie Thornton) saying Bessie was drinking steadily, asked another roomer to go out and buy her a pint, and was causing a disturbance in the house.

I called Miss Cole and asked her to go there the next day. Attached is Miss Cole's report.

Yesterday I received the attached letter from Bessie, in which she admits taking a drink.

What can be done now? Bessie left here in good spirits, better health and with the resolve to help herself - yet Mrs Cadman stated she started drinking shortly after her return to Newton.

8/6 [1946]

[August 1946]

Miss [Waikeng?]

Stopped at Bessies on way out. She was not there having left at 6:45 AM. in "an intoxicated state" according to Mrs. C. Mrs. C produced sheets covered with [service?] to prove her statements said she had lost [?] on account of Bessie & that unless Bessie straightened up soon - would have to leave. Will try to see her again on Sat or Mon when [Im?] out the way

B. Thornton 21 Hovey St. Newton 58 Mass

Sep 5 1946

Reforamtory for Women Sep 6 1946 Framingham

Dear Dr. Van Waters

Hoping you and your mother are well I have had quite a time my [drink?] was broken into [my?] [unintelligible] I wrote Miss Weinberg some time ago never answered my letter. I also wrote Miss Cole in Boston no answer.

I thought I would drop a line to [unintelligble] don't know what is the reason. it as been quite a job for me to get things straightened out They are not as I want [From you?] everything I had was a [mess?] would be pleased if you would drop me a line - Kind regards to you and your mother

Affectionately Bessie

B. Thornton 21 Hovey St Newton 58 Mass

Nov 3rd-11-1946

Reformatory for Women Nov 4 1945 Framingham

My Dear Dr. Van Waters

I was pleased to receive your letter so long since I heard from you, it kind of helps me to know someone as a little thought for me. I am lonesome the [libary?] I [so?] most every day I [month?] [to?] [Boston?] one [day?] thought. I never would get back I was so dizzy. Don't know what it is. I am days worse than [others?] It will soon be Thanksgiving Is your invitation still [unintelligible?] to hear your Mother is not so well What kind of candy does she like I have something came from England would like to put some Candy in thought if it a long time how is Miss Kelly I know you are busy and I am only one [amongst] so many that I feel you cannot sometimes write me. Any way drop me a line once in a while.