Schlesinger Library

CENSORED 5

To: Name Dr. Miriam Van Waters Street & Number Box 99 City Framinham, State Mass.

REFORMATORY FOR WOMEN APR 5 1939 FRAMINGHAM

BOX 1112 Joliet, Illinois April 2, 1939

Dear Dr. Van Waters.

I sem to ohave made a mistake as to when I would write. One week either way makes little difference.

I thought surely I would have heard from you before this time. You must be a very busy woman these fine days.

Miss Rice visited me two weeks ago this Monday, I enjoy her visits very much. I regret that she is thinking of leaving Chicago to finish her studies in New York. Of course she knows best what is good for her.

This is Saturday vevening. Today I pitched horseshoes for a while to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, and I am pleasantly tired tonight.

You probably are anxious to know about our dog. Well, she has no puppies, and what is more, she isn't even full-waisted. Perhas she has gone modern.

Last night I received a letter from hom. Mary Bell says they are getting along pretty well, and Dad's health is much improved. He has a job of some kind which enables them to keep going. I shall write to them next as they are beginning to wonder why I haven't written for so long.

I've been thinking about that magnifying glass, and is undoubtedly must have appreaded to be a childish request. The warden may think that. Perhaps I shouldn't have asked. Something of importance may develop one day and when asking favors, one might as well ask for something that is important. I suppose your girls have people and friends who are always asking favors of you.

Our Governor Horner has been a very sick man. He may not be in office much longer. Stelle who is our Governor until Mr. Horner comes back, is reported to be a very humane and sensible sort of person.

Do not mail currency-Money Orders and Checks accepted. Foodstuffs and Packages are not accepted at any time.

Visits every two weeks by relatives only.

He, Mr. Stelle, may be our next governor, and if this comes to pass, everything would seem very favorable. Of course, one never knows just what he would do for us. At best it is worth hoping ofr. Don't you agree?

My brother-in-law has entered a hospital for an operation.

No doubt Mr. Mandino is hard at work raising his tomatoes. Do you know the Cecil Brummer rose is called the Sweetheart Rose? I have never seen one outside of pictures. I think it is very old because it is mentioned in only one of my flower books, and very briefly there. I have learned many things Have you every heard from MIss Hilda Hinkly who married a I suppose neither is much good without the other.

I had a good laugh yesterday. A man was pushing a truck load of light-weight flats (small boxes) up a steep incline. The boxes were pield high and as the load was pretty heavy, he took a running start. When he was nearing the top o fthe hiill, the boxes fell over and came tumbling down on top of his head. He looked so surprisedstandingthere with boxes scattered all around. Can you picture it and see how funny it was?

Have you ever read Green Mansions? A beautiful but sad ending story. I read it for the first time almost a year ago.

How is Sarah doing at school? I am sorry one of your girls died. Was she very old? It is tought to die in prison, and almost as bad to be seriously ill, "Asprin tablets cannot cure all ailments." I know you would do everything possible to help one of your flock, but you aren't like many other officials - thank heavens!

No one has written to me from Chicago except Miss Rice. She sent a folder about the International House. A good place for a short stay.

Have you ever heard from Miss Hilda Hinkley who married a doctor? Also the problem child who married so many in so few days I don't know just what my interest is in her case, but my thoughts are friendly regardless.

I haven't much space lift, Doctor. Have you been in good health? I wish you would write often if it is only a few lines before going to bed.

Best wishes to you always, Doctor. Russell McWilliams 5661-E

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CENSORED 4

To: Name Dr. Miriam Van Waters Street & Number Box 99 City Framingham, State Mass.

REFORMATORY FOR WOMEN APR 20 1939 FRAMINGHAM

BOX 1112 Joliet, Illinois April 16m 1939

Dear Dr. Van Water;

Thank you for your letter of April 5. A letter from you is always a great pleasure. I appreciate your wanting to write me good letters, the kind you know I like to get. I prefer the good ones, but a few hurried lines are better than nothing. I try my best to do as much for you. Sometimes I fall a little short I'll admit.

You were very good to send me $5.00 for Easter. I wasn't in need of anything at the time. Mostly, I appreciate your spirit + good thoughts which prompted the action.

Miss Rice was here yesterday. She wore a new "blue" coat and looked very well indeed. We had a wonderful visit, although the place was crowded with people. I think she is an exceptional young woman. She has a lot of common sense, very sensible, a nice personality, and she said she likes to visit me. I felt partly good before she came, but much better after visiting with her. Sorry day when she goes away to New York.

My father was here one week ago and told me many interesting things. Do you remember what I wrote some time ago about Mrs. William Sagles of Rockford? Well, so far as she is concerned, everything is going to be alright with me. He also spoke of Mike. I realize now that I misunderstood Mike and harbored thoughts for which I am sorry. Mike is doing very well in Madison. When the time comes he will lend a hand. Dad caught Mary Bell playing hooky from school. Every thing was lovely until one evening the traunt officer called in person to investigate Mary's absence. I can imagine her embarrassment as this horrid person began talking to Dad. Mary says she tell me "every thing" in her letters, but she didn't mention that! He didn't whip her, although Mrs. Kerrison, whom he cosulted on the matter, strongly advised it. Dad is more intelligent. He told Mary that she wouldn't sit down for a week if it happened again, and she knows he means every word. She seems to have settled down now tho. I wouldn't think of asking such a personal questions, but I "wonder" if a certain Doctor ever ever played hookey just once! I don't suppose she ever thought of it in those days.

Do not mail currency-Money Orders and Checks accepted. Foodstuffs and Packages are not accepted at any time.

Visits every two weeks by relatives only.

They gave a play at the school in which she took part. Before she came on the stage, she had the job of sitting just off stage to prompt any one who might forget his cue or what he was supposed to say. It was a spooky play and she tired of sitting in one place, so she tood up and accidentally kicked her chair over backwards. It fell down a long flight of stairs and made a terrible lot of noise. Although it wasn't in the script, the accident turned out to be just what the play needed to liven it up.

Some months ago I bought a notebook for my English courses. I thre them away and use it for unusual notes on Floriculture. I arranged the pages alphabetically, and every time I run across something very interesting or something I might forget, I write it down. This makes learning easier and much more interesting.

I found an intructor who is willing to help me with my arithmetic. He prepares the lessons and corrects them which is a big help to me.

Thank you very much for answering my questions. I am glad Miss Prague is not restricted. Does she speak English well, or is she just learning? You know so many interesting people. Perhaps some day I can meet some of them - Not in here. I wish the governor would commute my sentence to about twenty-five years. Just think I could be paroled in less than two years from today. Wouldn't that be nice?

What would you say if Dad married Mrs. Kerrison? That scratch is supposed to be a "K." You probably wont care to ocmmit yourself on this subject. My handwriting is getting so terrible I doubt if Miss Rice could read this letter. I try not to influence Dad, but at the same time, I have never discouraged him. I asked him outright if he was going to marry the girl (She is fifty, good looking and very nice) Dad didn't know what to say. I think my question caught him off guard.

I am glad Sarah is home with you. Your family seems to be scattered. I am sorry you don't see them more often, Doctor. When does Sarah graduate from high school? What will she do then, go to college? I think she should if possible.

How soon will Margaret be with you again?

Did your lilies bloom in time for Easter? Our did not! They had enough time! I wanted to write to you today. I may write home to Dad next time. I enjoy writing to you so much that I neglect everyone else if I am not very careful.

Love and best wishes to you always, Doctor. Russell McWilliams - 5661-E

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To: Name Dr. Miriam Van Waters Street & Number Box 99 City Framingham State Mass

REFORMATORY FOR WOMEN MAY 24 1939 FRAMINGHAM

BOX 1112 Joliet, Illinois May 21, 1939

Dear Dr. Van Waters;

I regret that I haven't written for almost a month. As you know, I used my last letter to write hom.

Your business in Washington was very interesting. I am so glad you keep me informed as to what you are doing. It strengthens friendship I think. I hope the President pays attention to your suggestions.

If only you knew how your reformation pleased me, Doctor! Your last two letters have a very satisfying quality. I hope "those people" leave you alone for awhile. They are responsible for hastily written letters.

Miss Binford was here today "Saturday." We had a very nice visit. We discussed everything, and she spoke of finding out how the Governor feels in regards to our case. She won't trouble him until his health improves at any rate. She assured me of Judge Holly's friendship. He will visit me before long.

Miss Rice visited me one week ago. You know how our visis are! A few weeks ago an order came out which stated: anyone having two fountain pens must turn on in at the office. Rather than do that, I gave my spare one to Miss Rice. I wanted to do a little something and that, I think, was my only chance. I still have the blue pen you gave me almost two years ago, and I will keep it always. I never heart of/nor abou saw a [Lebauf?] pen before, but it is an exceptionally fine pen.

The new Deputy interests me. I wonder if she is anything like Miss Rice.

Yes, we have a prison newspaper. I don't even read it. I suppose you could get it upon rquest. Anyone can submit an article for publication. I have not!

My correspondence studies are not coming along. I gave them up because they interferred with my Floriculture. This fall I will have more time for study. and then I shall start again. Floriculture means bread in the basket as it were!

Do not mail currency-Money Orders and Checks accepted. Foodstuffs and Packages are not accepted at any time.

Visits every two weeks by relatives only.

Miss Binford mentioned seeing you in Washington, but said she didn't have a chance for much conversation. She was very sorry about it, as she had hoped for a good long talk with you. She said you were looking very well.

Warden Hill is a fine man. I don't rember remember ever seeing him. I suppose he would remember me considering the circumstances.

Sooner or later I knew you would begin to wonder about Patsy. I caught a big rat for her last week. The rat, incidentally, almost caught my finger.

You asked about tooth ache and my weight - First, I am sorry your tooth is causing trouble. I have never had a tooth ache. Three were filled long before they could hurt. I weighed myself last week - 165 - a gain of four pounds. I am very careful and do not play strenuous games on hot days.

Today we planted a flower bed which required 1,157 plants. A few such beds would probably ruin Mr. Mandino. Neither do I like his sticky plants. We have beautiful double petunias. They are not sticky you may be sure. He should get Salpiglassis. They are oily. There certainly is a lot of work to be done around here.

Oh, yes, I read in the Tribune that Mr. Reeves had a new position. A good Chicago-man wont do us any harm. I just feel that everything is going to be alright.

Do you know how much power and authority a Federal Judge has? According to what I have heard he can act in almost any case if he sees fit. Is this true?

Is college very expensive? I would like to know something about the cost.

Miss Rice told me a great deal about your institution, and once again you get the fatted calf. I would recommend your shcool to my girl friends if I had any such persons for friends!

Mr. Knight our Rockford attourney has a chance of being elected circuit judge. He is the only Demo. candidate. There are three Republicans running.

You have always been a good friend an dcorrespondent, Doctor, However, if you want to do better, I am all for it. You will get my next two letters as a a reward. (You would get them anyway!)

Thank you very much for your good letters and thoughts. All my love and best wishes for your good health are yours. always, Russell McWilliams 5661-E

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CENSORED

To: Name Dr. Miriam Van Waters Street & Number Box 99 City Framingham State Mass.

REFORMATORY FOR WOMEN JUN 9 - 1939 FRAMINGHAM

BOX 1112 Joliet, Illinois June 4, 1939

Dear Doctor;

Your letters of May 21 and 30 pleased me very much. You forgot to tell me about Mrs. Thompson and Vivian Pierce. I did want to hear about them because they are good friends of yours.

I am very sorry about the three deaths of your institution. No one here ever seems to give it a second thought. Mostly it is said, "well, his troubles are over and he has nothing to worry about." Or to that effect.

The Snow White program came with your last letter. I wish I could have seen the play. Was your Deputy the Miss O'Keefe connected with the bird calls? And who is Miss Stevens - an employee?

Today I received a letter from Miss Rice. She didn't have much to say except that she will visit me the 15 ot 16 - for the last time. Know - her has been a pleasant chapter in my life. I wont miss her so much now that you have reformed. You have written every week for the past month, and I want you beliefe to believe me when I say this has made a world of difference to me. I can't very well tell you, Doctor, what you mean to me. You have been and are such a wonderful friend. I think you understand thoroughly. No doubt your understanding and knowledge are largely responsible for your goodness.

Some time past a bill was introduced at Springfield which would give trial judges much more power than they now have. There were only three votes against it. The President noticing the insane trend throughout the country made his speech. YOur conversation probably gave him confidence to say the least and in all probability inspired him. The bill was brough up again last week and it failed by one vote, so here is evidence of his speece

Do no mail currency-Money Orders and Checks accepted. Foodstuffs and Packages are not accepted at any time.

Visits every two weeks by relatives only.

I didn't have enough space to answer your question "do I want you to send a copy of Harmony News." Yes I would liek to have it, Doctor, but I am not at all sure I would be permitted to have it. Send it along and we will soon find out.

You also asked if I can keep my own books. No one is permitte dto have a private library but there is no objection to books of "proper" taste.

Is the new Deputy crass? You know, when I was expecting Miss Rice to visit me the fits time. I thought she would surely be a crak with no sense of humor. What a surprise I got when she came.

We covered our plants every night if the temperature dropped too sharply. You had bad luck with your tomatoes. They grow rapidly tho. It is nothing less than terrible to have to start all over again. Next week we [?] our Chrysanthemums and Ponpoms. They will bloom from October until Christmas. Aphids are at them now, but I fear they are in for much discomfort as I am spraying every other day. some white fly and midge are also on them. We have been very busy outside and he who was supposed to care for the houses neglected everything. I'll keep everything in good shape, now that things have changed a bit.

My sister hasn't written for ages. I'll wager dad doesn't know about it.

Was Snow White your best looking pupil, or did she will she do in a pinch?

Have you finished with the dentist/ And are you now in good shape?

I am very glad you may visit me in November. Such a visit is a wonderful thing and we must figure it all out beforehand so as to get the most out of every moment. We have plenty of time to lay our plans. I want you to talk to Miss Binford and Judge Holly if you have enough time. More about this later.

I have been feeling so well lately, Doctor, that I have a chance to play baseball. I have lots of stuff this year but am wild as a hawk. I think there is too much work ahead for me to think of baseball. "Stuff" means curves not ability. I am actually a terrible ball player and you musn't think otherwise. My next writing day is June 18th, and the letter is yours. I await your next letter with great anticipation.

My love and best wishes to you always, Russell McWilliams 5661-E

CENSORED 3

To: Dr. Miriam Van waters Street And Number Box 99 City Framingham, State Mass.

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REFORMATORY FOR WOMEN JULY 19 1939 FRAMINGHAM

BOX 1112 Joliet, Illinois July 16, 1939

Dear Doctor.

The month which has passed since I have written has seemed an age. During that month your faithful letters have arrived with the regulation of a clock. I certainly have enjoyed them, Doctor; and the last one always seems better than the one before. You know how and what to write!

Too bad about Miss Okeefe's keeping her thoughts to herself. I am glad tho that she shows possibilities.

My hadnwriting is worse than ever this week because my thumb is bandaged and pretty stiff as a result. I hope you can figure it out.

June 2nd I wrote to Miss Binford, having what I call important business to discuss. I wanted her, Judge Holly, and you to visit Gov. Horner for an informal talk. If Miss B. could arrange it for when you visit Chicago. This was just an idea of mine which might accomplish some good. The same week I had an answer. She will see the Governor when he recovers his health. She said little about anything else except that a long letter was to follow. Many times I have wished you could talk to him or to someone of influence. DO you mind?

What am I to do with you and your sticky petunias? I cannot detect any on ours. I guess I'll to get transferred to Framingham and take care of your garden. I suggested that to Miss Rice and she thought it a good idea in "certain ways."

What a fine break for me is the return of Miss Rice to Chicago in September. She wrote me a very good letter last week and spoke of visiting you and the girls. Your descriptions of the assembly were similar except she didn't mention how well the girls received her. She mentioned talking about me but didn't enlighten me as to what was said. Will you tell her that I have been given permission to write to her?

Would you consider getting rid of the cats? To save your lovely flowers? I could give you a mixture of stuff, or maybe you think cats are as good as flowers.

Do not mail currency-Money Orders and Checks accepted. Foodstuffs and Packages are not accepted at any time.

Visits every two weeks by relatives only.

Our Rubrum lilies are in full bloom and they fil lthe air with their heavenly fragrances. I am sure we can agree on the beauty of this wonderful flower.

I just happened to think - stage a raid on Mr. Mandino's insecticide cabinet and get a bay of tobacco dust, scatter it in your catnip beds. The cats may keep out of it.

Larry Giong can't manage his own wedding. Hazel sounds liek a nice girl, but what on earth does she see in him? I suppose he has some good points.

For how long will you teach at Columbia U.? Quite a few subjects are taught here; I care for none of them. I want more knowledge on flowers. You asked what I would like for my birthday. well if you give me my choice of things permitted; I would like to have a book on plant insects + disease, their cure and prevention. I don't know where you could get such a book.

There was a ball game here July 4th, or at least I think there was.