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.

I keep trying to go, not able so far, you seee my next how not paid for six weeks City Hall sent no check for the last of August have been back in this room three weeks to morrow all I got was $100.00/00 my check is due to day for the first 10 days of October I understand Miss Weinberg is away, my appetite poor I hope you are well. how is your Mother my kind love to you

Respectfully Bessie Thornton

PS Weight in Hospital lbs 100 106 next 100 last Friday 95

Nov 25-11-47

B. Thornton 21 Hovey St Newton 58 - Mass

Dear Dr Van Waters

Your most welcome letter received, I had a very bad week end, I thought my time had come I was taken to hospital Monday, I am loosing weight my weight now - 90 lbs

Appetite poor, I am discouraged If I come to Framingham I will try to get 8-30 Car that would be in Framingham 9-30 a.m, If not on that car I would be coming, if I come can you spare me, a little of your time my love to you also your Mother

A Happy Thanksgiving sincerely yours Bessie Thornton

P.S I will take a [lax? tax?] at Framingham

file

Dec 25-12,-1947

B. Thornton 21 Hovey St Newton 58-Mass

Dear Dr Van Waters

Sorry not to be here when Mr Keefe came, Christmas is one time, I am so lonesome and before I went to the Library Mr Goodwin carried your presents to my room, so many nice things some Ill have to give away. I cannot eat them all, my appetite so small I have no one to share, with me as I am alone Mr Goodwin as asked me to dinner, you know, I feel happier to be by myself. memories come to me, of years gone I may not be here next Christmas I hope not, if my condition is not better, and living here is terrible, they say nothing will change unless the Police take, do something you right not to have sent so much food, I have no way of keeping it, very thoughtful of you I had something I wished you to have, if Mr Keefe had seen me would you let me know when he will call, Miss Weinberg sent me a nice letter, also 5.00/00 to get what I may like to eat, so

I am fortunate, to have you and Miss Weinberg, also Miss Cummings sent some bedroom slippers, cannot whare them here, I hope Christmas for you is happy, please let me know when you will be able to see me I still have to go to hospital they feltch me, and bring me back I get so tired, most food dont agree with me, The [stairs?] are getting to much for me I thank you again for the good things, also Mr Keefe, remember me to him accept my sincere Love

Respecfuly Bessie Thornton [&?] A Happy New Year

P.S. I put your Christmas tree on a small table, I look at it, reminds me of you remember me to all your people

PS drop me a line when you have this