Schlesinger Library

of the more important reasons for wanting "Florists Exchange." as it shows every move that is made. Friends, fads, the latest equiptment-supplies In short it has almost everything, I don't think it's sale is restricted either.

Whn I wrote of your being chairman of the Women's Committee at the Prison Conference, I was just using sense- you are without any slight doubt the most capable person in the field. Most prison officials are simply jailers with political connections. With you sort of setting an example these people stand to learn something.

Some changes were made on our parole board, but Mr. W. E. Jones is still chairman so it means nothing. I will explain everything when you visit me. You will know more then about everything-also why we failed last time There is only one way to win, and while it is not an easy or simple matter it can and has been done, and it can be done again. All of this you will know as soon as possible.

Give my love to your mother. I am so glad she is even stronger. She must be a mighty sweet woman to have such a fine daughter.

Miss Rice was here the 6th and we enjoyed a very pleasant visit. I thought she looked well.

This is Sunday the 7th. Most of the day we spent relaxing and playing hand ball. We have lots of work to do getting every thing ready for winter.

I hope you had a happy birthday Doctor- I am glad you understand why I do not send you presents.

Soon we will surely see each other and have the best visit we ever had. In the meantime letters will have to do. My best wishes to you always. Yours, Russell McWilliams 5661-E

[11 Oct. 1945]

Russell's [pte?]

[?] Tuesday

Dear Doctor,

I'm sending the picture under separate cover. I was disappointed that it did not turn out to be as clear as the original. I left the picture unpasted so that you could cut one side down if you wanted to have more pool or more flowers.

When I was debating today as to whether I should choose

a larger folder, the salesman pointed out that the choice depended on whether I wanted to show the man or the flowers. I decided the man was more important.

If, however, you ever have occasion to mention the picture to Warden Rayer, by all means stress the beautiful grounds!

With love, Lois

TO: NAME: Dr Miriam Van Waters SREEET AND NUMBER Box 99 CITY Framingham STATE MASS

BOX 111 JOLIET, ILLINOIS Oct 21, 1945

Dear Doctor Your last two letters arrived in reverse. The one of the 13th came on the 15th and the letter of the 7th had a post mark on the 15th and arrived on the 16th. Someone may have carried it around in his pocket for a week too! Never the less both were dear letters and made me feel very good.

I love the way you write about Hill top. The dome of heaven and nature's carpet of beautiful plant life. Your Hill Billy sounds pretty sharp - Tell me Doctor did you ever eat a cat? They are reported to be very nice indeed.

I hope Mrs Thompson pays you a visit this month You should try to find out about the Hague business To learn if it is good and how far and strong she will go. Anything less than an all out, 100 percent effort is of no value at all. If she can be invested in our cause He will know how to go about getting the desired result. The two factions need not know about each other. I am afraid that, while our friends in Rockford could almost demand favorable action and get it, they may not be willing to go all out. Of course sound judgment must be used and we can stand no friction - But then you know how to go about the job.

The Flourists Exchange has not come - I could have ordered it my self and should have instead of bothering you with it, as I have enough money. To me it seems

that I am always asking you for something. You think just the opposite is true - I have not time to read all I get. The agreements for and against giving away the atomic bomb secret are quite heated - the smart people in Washington talk of everlasting peace, but the 'dumb' average citzen realizes that it cannot ever be on this earth - already the people of Java are revolting against the Dutch, Palestine, India + Argentina are about to burst their bonds Russia placing her polices only on the ballots in the Balhons. She made a bid for Lybia, She has most of Europe and wants part of [Jajoon?] Most of all everyone wants the new bomb - Hardly for peace -

I shall be glad when member of your household settle down and stop running back and forth. I feel sure they must eep your mind off more important matters - Me for example! After all you are only one person and can't be everywhere and do everything all at one and the same time.

Miss Rice said you got the picture and thought it alright, I will be glad to know what you think when you write?

Mr Butterworth need have no fears of competition as I know nothing about orchids and will stick to my own flowers.

Give my very best wishes to Mrs Thompson when she comes I hope you two have a fine, restful tuesday at Hill Top. You are very good friends and each enjoy the others company. I would give almost anything to be sitting in the cabin and take part in talks, work, eas, and fun. Maybe that will be possible someday, God willing (and I can't see where he should have any serious objections to my being there)

I am well and feeling good, but a little impatient at delays which shouldn't be permitted to exist.

All my love to you and Mother -- ever yours,

Russel McWilliams 5661-E

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

Nov. 18, 1945

Dear Doctor.

I received your letter containing the picture of you and Mrs. Roosevelt - also the account of her visit. Truly she is a very great woman as well as good one. Shespoke in Chicago Friday evening but I did not get to hear her. All of our big state officials were there to pay her honor. One thing I like about the truly great is that they are always themselves.

The American Prison Conference is about over for this year I read where the head man (Some one from a Mid-Northern state) advocated the hiring of in service men in penal institutions. We are fortunate that you are the leader of the women's half. Those know-nothings should be kept in the background. Imagine any sensible person making such a suggestion! You being there in in a highly official position will save the conference. The last time a meeting was held in Illinois our Lt. Gov. got up in part of all the people and suggested the adoption of a public whipping post!

I suppose you talked to Warden Ragen at the meeting, and I am sure you spoke a word or two in my behalf.

Miss Rice was here yesterday and we had a nice visit she has promised to write more often to Mr Blomberg - just to keep our cause constantly in his mind. She plans on visiting our friend in Rockford the first of the year and talking this thing out. After all too much nonsense is plenty.

The Magazine "Florist's Exchange" has not arrived.

I hope your splendid mother continues to be well. Thank you for keeping me in touch with her - I wonder if she still thinks of me as a young boy or a mature person?

Say "Hello" to anne for me. I have a high opinion of that girl.

Your letter of Nov. 13th just came. Thank you for the check which arrived in plenty of time for the holiday. I appreciate very much the fact the you are always so thoughtful and concerned about my welfare.

Doctor, I wish you the best of luck on your N. Y. trip. I pray that maybe you will be an inspiration to many others who are not as wise nor as adventurous as you.

Yes dear friend I have plenty of reasons to give thanks this year - First come my friends - specially you - We are all in pretty good health physically and mentally - then too there is reason to expect some favorable action soon in our case.

Very soon I shall write to Mrs Blomberg and build him up for your visit - possibly in the spring of next year. In this state social work is are not well received by our public officials - get the Rockford powers forgave Miss Rice for being one! My job is to sell you to them and get them to accept you as one of us. Then we can really move the mountain!

For Thanksgiving here we will have a chicken dinner (is tradition is upheld) and a movie. I know you and your students will go all out on this day of Thanksgiving - I wish you well.

You have been constantly rushed for quite some time. I have sensed that you were writing which glancing at the click to be sure you weren't late for some appointment.

I must go for now, but you have my best wishes constantly.

Yours always, Russell McWilliams. 5661-E

NAME Dr Miriam Van Waters STREET AND NUMBER Box 99 City Framingham, STATE Mass Dec. 2, 1945

Dear Doctor: I have heard that there has been lots of snow over in your country-you will be pleased as now you can use the show shoes en route to Hill Top and enjoy something different.

Thank you for giving me news of Mrs. Thompson. I am happy to know you found her looking very well. We three do have many things in common. So many of the same "like."

You seem to have done a good job in N.Y. at the American Prison Congress-I will grant you cant take a stick and beat people over the head (wouldn't be lady-like) but I am positive your influence will be felt in many places

Our friend Roger Baldwin of C.L.U. was in Chicago Friday the 30th of November and made two speeches on at least I read where he was scheduled to made them

My cousin, Berl, has started divorce proceedings against his wife, Hazel. Which I do not approve, as I think he is listening to his prejudiced family and relatives instead of making his own decision and standing on his own feet.

Miss Rice will be home for Christmas and will see you. She is keeping in contact with the Rockford people and plans to visit them the first of the year. To see is some satisfactory plan of action cannot be put into action.

Christmas is almost here once again. So far we have had no real cold and only a few snow flakes which fill

on the eve of Thanksgiving Day. We had a chicken dinner that was very welcome. I suppose there will be another Christmas.

Your fine letter of Nov. 28, came last night. The letter head was very impressive and your name under "President" was where it should be as you are a natural leader.

Perhaps I should not have wrote about clock watching, but you were having so much business to attend to and relatives and members of the family coming and going at all hours. I am glad you forget all about those distractions when you sit down to write my letters. All of that is important I'll admit, but not so important as our correspondence or friendship.

Yes, we will have many things to discuss when you visit. So far I have failed to make much of an impression on those people in Rockford, but we can figure it out when you get here.

I am glad your dear mother is getting stronger. Give her my love and best wishes. I hope to see her one day not far distant.

One copy of Florist Exchange came two weeks ago. I hope it comes every week as is supposed to as it is every thing I hoped it was - No green house grower should be with out it. Already I saw a note about our friends the Butterworths. Miss Rachel Butterworth was made secretary to the womens divison of the "S. A. F." Society of American Florists.

I hope no body sends me magazines for Christmas, as I am hard pressed to read the ones you send me along with 4 newspapers.

The weather is gloomy and damp here. 1/4 of all school children in Cook County CHICAGO are absent due to colds, flus, etc.

My father may visit me before Christmas.

My space is gone and I have enjoyed talking to you. I send you all my love - Sincerely yours, Russell McWilliams 5661-E

Dr. Miriam Van Waters Box 99 Framingham, Mass. File Please Return Dec. 16-, 1945

Dear Doctor: Your last letters have been completely satisfactory. Thank you for telling me about Roger Baldwin-I know Mrs. Thompson had a lot of influence with him somehow.

I am pleased that your mother is beginning to move about. Soon she will be completely well and visit our Hill Top. She will have to be there when I come home, Otherwise I might spend my time hunting red squirrels instead of working!

Outside the temperature is a little below zero as the first real cold wave of the winter moves in on us.

You sure had a bad storm over there-I have an idea tho that you are like me when it comes to heavy snow and cold; If so, you loved it and enjoyed the experience.

Thank you ever so much for the invitation to "King Lear." Unfortunately, I had made other plans and couldn't cancel them.

I am suprised at Anne playing the part of the villian in King Lear. What does gently Anne know about villany? I would like very much to be there and see what goes on! I think of her as being one of my good friends-One of the best.

You must give my best, happy wishes to all my friends there. Some - (one or two) aren't on the pay roll either!

About the Magazine Florists Exchange. Only one issue dated Nov. 17th came and it's a weekly - Will you write and have them remember me? (A.T. Dec La Mare Co, Inc. 438ts 448 West 37th St. N.Y. 18 - N.Y)