Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: F, 1936-1966. A-71, folder 296. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

9/20/ 48

Mrs. Stoechle

1 set of capes please --and draft ans' tu Estelle for me to sign /MVW

[Sideways in margin] Return this l 1/

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MIRIAM VAN WATERS BOX 99 FRAMINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS September 20, 1948

Dear Estelle,

Miss O'Keefe has showed me her letter from you. I am happy to know of your continued interest and confidence in us. The present situation is not pleasant, but we are hoping that the investigation will result in new legislation for us. Thank you for your kind letter.

Cordially yours,

Miriam Van Waters Superintendent

3-22-50

Dr. Van Waters:

Phyllis Fleming was in, and said she has dropped her work with AA, and is not going to be in the play.

She said there is altogether too much talk in the Staff Home. When I asked her how she knew, she said one of the officers told her. She did tell me that the ones doing the talking are Mrs. Holbrook and Mrs. Bryden. She said that Mrs. Bryden also talks to all the girls, and tells them everything that goes on. She would not tell me the officer who told her this.

hmo

4/6/50

Phyllis Flemming failed to report for work in the barn again this morning. She told the night officer that she had Dr Van Water's permission to stay in from work in order to study her part in the play the Dr. is putting on.

This sort of thing may be alright in some departments, but it is imporssible in this department when the animals are dependant upon humans for their care, feeding etc.

Since she has been in the barn, she has been absent from work during some part of almost every day because of rehersals for the play, punishment, permanents, etc.

Because of the above + also due to the ill-feeling toward her on the part of the other students in this dept., I feel it [work?] be best to remove her from this work dept.

Laura M. [Handy?] Barn Officer

APRIL 7: 50

DR. VAN WATERS:

THIS IS TYPICAL OF PHYLLIS FLEMING'S ATTITUDE SINCE SHE WENT TO WORK IN BARN (AFTER MAKING REQUEST FOR THIS CHANGE) IT IS NOT AN ENCOURAGING PICTURE/ THESE ACTIVITIES (THE REASONS SHE GIVES) HAVE NOT BEEN THE REAL REASON FOR HER DISINTEREST OR REFUSAL TO REPORT BUT SHE WILL USE THEM AS EXCUSES. SHE GROWS MORE SELFISH AND SELF CENTERED WITH NO CONSIDERATION FOR OTHERS. I SHALL REMOVE HER FROM THE BAR N AS THE OFFICER REQUESTS/ SHE WILL BE FREE ON MAY 4. M.O'K