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.

Bessie Thornton file -

June 13-6, 47

B. Thornton 21 Hovey St Newton 5-8 Mass

My Dear Dr Van Waters

Received the fruit very good of you to remember me I thought I was forgotten I thank you - sorry I was not in the house to receive it So warm in my room no sleep last night - over go I went to the Park yesterday in the afternoon I got so lonesome - how is your dear Mother. Miss Weinberg was going to see me soon in her last letter

As not arrived yet, I think of you every day, I will come to Framingham - on the 4 July all being well - if you will be there I hope you are well. enclosed small hankerchief my things are getting a [trouble?] to me

some I dont like to havewith - I have had them so long - they seem part of me your card very pritty thanking you again All my love to you and your dear Mother

Affectionately Bessie

August 31 - 47

B. Thornton 21 Hovey St Newton 58 Mass

Dear Dr Van Waters

Am going to Hospital Wednesday if all is well - I hope you will come and see me. I am very nervous how is your dear Mother, I thank you for all you have done for me, If anything should happen, my wish is Creamation - [As her? Ashes?] Mothers grave

I Love You Dr Van Waters

Bessie Thornton

October 16-1947

B. Thornton 21 Hovey St Newton 58 Mass

Dear Dr Van Waters

I have been very sick - and weak; since seeing you I am eating a little better, not vomiting it back, my legs not so good, will od the best I can every one get tired of sick people, here are many [younger? stronger?] a new landlord, no hope for me, one old lady taken out Tuesday mmight, the woman in attic with me got the room on see and floor, I was mortified to go to Hospital week ago a Miss Sullivan from City Hall took me, kept me waiting in [?] most [?] hours, every minute I felt I would fall then I did not see hospital [?] wanted me to stay in hosital for x days, came back here, another bad week said for me to go again Monday, I dont feel like going: I feel now I might fight it