Schlesinger Library

There isn't a whole lot of work in the greenhouse just now. The Chryysanthemum season has passed and ours was very successful. Our Christmas plants are almost ready.

My father expects to visit me, likewise Mike. Of course, this is very uncertain.

Mis binford has not come. I intended writing to her, but decided against anything that could be integrated as a reminder of the season, so I'll wait until the new year.

The treasury contains $3.14. Honestly, that is plenty. What you would send might very well save a fine tree on Hill Top. A tree surgeon charges for what he knows sometimes. Monday I do my Christmas shopping. I like to celebrate as do my cell partners. We'll buy a lot of rich foods, and I suppose they will get sick. You see this form of celebration never causes me to lose any sleep. Already, I have the spirit for the occasion. There probably will be little or nothing in the way of entertainment, but I dont mind. It never is very much like Christmas anyway, but I like to draw as near to it as possible and get as much good as is possible out of the day.

For Thanksgiving dinner we had chicken cranberries dressing and sweet potatoes. I ate so much that I felt as though I had swallowed an intertube and it had somehow blown up inside me.

To keep my mind exercised and in good condition I have taken a course of Latin. What's that? Well anyway, it's going alright for my first three lessons. I received grades of 96-85-90.

As there wasn't hardly any work this afternoon, four of us teamed up and played handball. My partner and I won the first three games and lost the next four to lose the series. Like you, I like to run and exercise my lungs. We certainly don't want to forget to protect our health.

I am very glad Mrs. Thompson's daughter will come home for the holidays. This will make Mrs. Thompson happy, and such a good person, who thinks of others, deserves to be happy.

Of course we shall take good care of "Lady." She will have a warm house "up there". Should we add a tennis court? After all, we must provide for the entertainment of your guests. So long as the cost is small the farm might as well look like an estate. I should not think too much about Hill Top as yet, because I may not get there right away.

Perhaps I have misjudged Mr. Dewey. His speech was very good, I thought. He seems to have the right idea. At any rate, we could stand a change for the better.

You will not hear from me again until early in January. But I wish you well and hope you have a splendid holiday. I know your students will if you have your way. As an added offering, I give you my interest in your ex cook. You need not thank me too much. Give my love to that crank of yours. You can guess as to who it is. I do like the crank though.

All my very best wishes are for you, always. Russell McWilliams 5661-E

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

Joliet, Illinois January 7, 1940

Dear Dr. Van Waters:

I was please to have your letters during the holidays. The best one of all you wrote on Dec, 31. This letter contained all that I like to hear. You seem to know what I like most of all.

You must have had a nice Christmas with Sarah home for a visit. I am glad you got lots of presents - goes to prove you have many good friends. What you said about my letter made me feel as though I had really done something worthwhile. Our letters have improved because our friendship has improved; we understand and know each other better, and this helps us along when it comes to writing.

My sisters were here today. (This is Saturday night) Mary Bell sure has grown. She is about as tall as I and just as heavy. I told them about you, Hill Top, and told them I was going to work on the farm when I get out of here. I told Mary Bell the cat she is to get is very valuable and that his or her ancestors came over on the Mayflower. Our visit was very pleasant except for the news of Dad. His heart is starting to cause him a little trouble again. Of course, he isn't bothered much if he takes medicine and does not over exert himself while working.

Harmony News for December came yesterday it is filled with interesting things. It is getting better all the time, and bigger too. I haven't had time to read all of it, but I saw the praise your artist drew for the picture of you on last month's cover issue. Frankly, I did not like the nose of that drawing, what did you think about it? Otherwise she is remarkable. Miss O'Keefe made the news again in sports. I am sure I would like her. She is too good a sport to be a crank. That reminds me of the other crank whose identity you have asked me to reveal. Since my last letter I discussed her with Miss Rice who said the person in question was far from being a crank; in fact, a very likeable sort of person. How can I name her now that I know I was mistaken? Besides she may read this letter before giving it to you! The Latin is toughh but so far everything is going reasonably well. I do not need a Latin dictionary. The test has one which covers the entire course. Nor do I think the book "Old Fashioned Flowers" would help me, [Doctor], you are giving

Dr. Miriam Van Waters Box 99 Framingham Mass. May 6 1945

Dear Doctor. Your letter came Friday evening and was good enough to win first prize in any contest- It is little wonder you are able to write books of highest quality I am very pleased that you enjoyed my last letter so much. I like to know when my letters are extra good. I think that we each inspire the other to try harder all the time. It is true tht we have a lot in common.

I shall be happy to have the French+Wagnals encyclopedia My old one was confiscated as I could not prove ownership. A fellow inmate gave it to me years ago. Natrually the permit was not in my name-So----The new one will give me great pleasure and I'll bring it with me. Right now I have very little time for anything but work. Well, I will be ready and waiting for the slack season. I want to thank you for being such a comfort to me.

I finally discovered "Bert's" name! I thought she came from chicago-she came from a state where people think

By this time you and Mrs. Thompson hav e enjoyed a few days rest at Hill TOp. I wrote to her last week.

I feel badly that you and she are not better informed about our case. I can picture you at Hill Top. Not knowing what is being done-or when it will be done.

It may comfort you to know that we are all in

the same boat as I know no more than youHow happy I would be if I could give you some good news about our case. But I know nothing either.

I think I will write again to Mr. Blomberg this week so they will know that we care, but are being patient.

Miss Rice visited me Saturday the 5th-she is well and has gained a few pounds-She was pleased when I remarked that she was as "fat as a mink" - "135"

My goofy cousin is generous to a fault-No good looksWas 30 years old before he discovered about the "birds + bees etc." He would do anything for me. I taught to ride a bike. swim, fish, hunt, drive a car, shoot and took him camping all night. My aunt is not tickled to death about the coming child for the single reason "Berl" has been away too long for that.

I don't need the "Nation" but received a circular and was curious. Have you noticed anything different about Commonweal lately? I t has had some article pro. Jap. Miss Rice's Nephew "Chuck" is home now on furlough.

I am very sorry your mother is not making rapid gains. I continue to hope + pray for her complete recovery.

You gave me an excellent account of the Nation's editor. It seems way back in my memory I have heard some opposition.

Your next letter should be equally good as you will have seen Mrs. Thompson and had a fine visit.

This is Mothers Day 13th. So I'll send you my love and wish your and your mother-Bert + Sarah (all mothers) many happy returns. May all of your wishes be granted! The planting season is almost here. Wish I were there A Blue Jay flew over just now; screamed at me - "MACK" I must go now. Doctor I wish you lots of good luck. I should write again soon - Yours always-- Russell McWilliams 5661-E

TO: NAME Dr. Miriam Van Waters STREET AND NUMBER Box 99 CITY Framingham STATE Mass. May 20, 1945

Dear Doctor; I have your letter of May 10 + 15 which were very good. at times you are more than busy around there somehow you always find time to write to me, tho now and then one may be a four days late your letter make me feel good.

The archbishop's visit seems to have done good did finally offer a movie projector to the students!

I thought you looked fine, hale + hearty in the picture-pretty small for one so smart! I guess Ralph must have gotten more than his share at the family table. yours was a busy week but a good one.

I am pleased that you and Mrs. Thompson had two days at Hilltop to yourselves.

Last week I received a long letter from Mrs. Thompson she sent a picture which included herself and the poodle standing by the front piazza. Any a small portion of the house was inside. It must be very large. I appreciated the picture and her fine letter very much.

Even before you get this letter Miss Rice will be in Framingham for at least a month. The entire family is sick and in bad shape which explains this early vacation. She visited me Friday 19, and we had a long talk. Oh yes, she will get after you good about

a couple of pictures of you at H.T. So if Ralp [?} does not take them she will- so there!

Now about the extra special encyclopedia you are sending me. I am glad it is a good one. I will bring it to H.T. when I come. It will be handled very carefully. The name is new to me but you always know what is best-Why is the Old Corner Book Store so famous? I appreciate you sending me this fine book. and will have more to say after it arrives.

No news has come from Rockford. I wrote to Mr. Blomberg again last week. I am sure I'll have news next time.

You should n't become angry at the Red squirrels. After all, what the one did is not sufficient reason for shooting them. I thought it was funny . + so will Ralph

We are setting out quite a few plants. The place will look nice this summer to visitors.

Our friends in Rockford may be able to accomplish more, quietly and without any publicity. With no prominent persons helping. Let them if they want it that way- If we fail then we can talk business!

Explain to Mrs. Thompson that Mr Brandon was not on the parole board- rather the board of public Welfare His release means nothing to our case at this time.

I want to thank you for the encyclopedia. When it comes I will give you my thoughts, but I know it's good.

What is your mother doing these days? She will be getting about more now that the weather is warmer. As soon as there is news you will know about it. The Nation should be interesting from all I hear. No more space dear Doctor so take care of yourself.

All my love to you, Russell McWilliams 5661-E

NAME Dr. Miriam Van Waters STREET AND NUMBER Box 99 CITY Framingham STATE Mass. June 6, 1945

Dear Doctor The large encyclopedia came almost two weeks ago. It is the best one I ever saw, and I am more than pleased to have such a remarkably fine book. As you said, it is probably the best that can be had. I can not begin to express my appreciation of this fine generous deed. I will take good care of it and bring it home with me when and if I ever get out of here. It is up to date and has a world of information. It is no doubt expensive. I am glad you sent the best. This encyclopedia, the blue pen, and the big Garden Dictionary all of which came fom you represent my earthly wealth.

Miss said she telephoned you and that you had a cough. I hope you are taking care of it. You stay on your feet until you fall over. You need an overseer, like me to make you care for yourself as you care for others.

The "Nation" arrived and I like it. It speaks out openly instead of concealing the truth in order to create a certain opinion favorable to special interests. Seems to me every now and then some some writer for Common [Weal?] is being payed by the enemy and there is lots of truth in that. A lot of big people over here are on the jap pay roll. I favor a liberal policy with the enemy, but first make them regret their

Dr. Miriam Van Waters Box 99 Framingham, Mass. June 17, 1945

Dear Doctor; Your letters have been very nice the last two weeks. I am pleased to know your mother is finally on the mend.

We too are having "unusual" weather for anytime of year. You got the last letter off on time for which you deserve a pat on the back. I understand how busy you really are, and I know busy is not an excuse but a fact. I don't get discouraged when you are only a little late!

The fat check suprised me as I had not expected any money until the encyclopedia had been deducted. I thought I would be due a check around Christmas! You are a true blue little lady who has no equal. I am grateful for a little money at regular intervals. It certainly does help a great deal. Until I can do better, I'll simply say "many thanks."

My sisters, Mary + Fraze, visited me Saturday the 9th. They are doing alright as is my father except for troubles he gets into which prove costly-I explained that they shouldn't get angry as he requires some wory [?] to keep him happy Fraze's boy came home with the 8th airforce. We got two silverstars, air medal and there oak leaf cluster-Don't know why or what.

Imagine Ralph's being a captain! He's getting up in the rank-A captain is really big stuff in the army-He will be able to order you and Bert around now! He can have Bert, but you I will deal with personally in due time!

I am feeling a little homseick for Hill top - the fresh clean air, the woods, cool + green with many strange plants, the sound of rain beating on the cabin roof---

Let me thank you too for giving the Rice family some assistance. I guess Miss Rice was at the end of her rope + wits Annie is very devoted to them and works very hard to make things easier for them. I wish annie lots and lots of luck.

Yes, I enjoy reading a novel now and then. Unfortunately, I haven't had sufficient leisure the past two months to really sit back and enjoy the materials you have sent me. The encyclopedia will need a special shelf-a good stout one!

I feel no reaction at all after giving blood-I take it easy afterwards-not because I feel that way, but because I think I should.

Michael Reese's hospital, Chicago, pays the money- The Red Cross doesn't come anymore-The R.C. gives a fellow a good show with refreshments, wonderful conversation, lotsa glamor. Mr. R. H. is polite, but no refreshments at all_no snappy conversation and few nurses; little glamor, but they give everyone a $5.00 check.

I am sorry you lost such a fine parole board member.

Tell young George I can cut hair quite well and as he is so fond of you he can be my private customer.

I am very glad that I have no reason to worry about your health-you are always working too hard it's a wonder you aren't sick more often.

Well, I haven't smoked since early November. Most of my money goes for eats. I think my sister left some money.

When you and Miss Rice each give reports on the other, I get a truly fine report. She also has trouble getting films so maybe I won't have any pictures for awhile.

Give my love to your dear mother twice each day

Maybe we will have news soon. Lots of love and all good wishes to you-Yours, Russel McWilliams 5661-E-

TO: NAME Dr Miriam Van Waters STREET AND NUMBER Box 99 CITY Framingham, STATE Mass. July 1, 1945

Dear Doctor; I am very sorry to learn of the death of Annie's little girl. I can understand a little of the grief you all feel, and I offer my sympathy.

Your letters have been excellent and they do hit the spot and make me feel satisfied.

This is Saturday and Miss Rice visited me today. We had a nice talk about you + Mrs Thompson and so many other things that had been stored up. She had a good talk with you and Mrs. Thompson, Mrs T has some fine ideas in regards to our case, but first we must wait on the Rockford people.

In a short while Miss Rice will find out what is being done for us. Itf no news is forthcoming from Mr. Bloomberg she will see see the head man and have a talk. Then we will know where we are! Doctor I am of the opinion that this man can get me out of here in a fairly short time. If nothing shows up in a few weeks (very few) Miss Rice will go see Mr. To.

Of course it pays to keep bridges in good repair in case one washes out there are others. I am pleased Mrs. Thompson keeps other doors open. We truly have a wonderful set-up. If these people are one the square-we cannot possibly fail! So let us please return