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.

So I will say thanks anyway no matter which way you say to me I am applying for the job as ward [maid?] in the City Hospital and the Boston Sanitorium on Long Island Hospital. But being on the Civil Service I will get all three I guess to choose from. But I will perhaps get a call to go to go to all of them at once. So I will have my pick. So I will say Goodbye and Good luck and God Bless you and all the luck in the world to you my dear

Your Student

Mary P. Flynn

Write soon and let me know the answer to everything will you please thank you

[2 Oct. 1932]

Dr Van Waters

Will you please give your permission for a meeting of the West Wing girls every Sunday Morning after singing [H?]

Mrs McKernon preside and give the girls a good talking and have an understanding about the rules and regulations I personaly think it would do the girls a very great deal of good.

Gertruda Foley

5/23/40

Dear Dr. Van Waters.

I hope you enjoy this bit of prose. I got the inspiration from Miss O'Keefe's smile.

a Smile cost nothing, but [?] much; It happens in a flash and the memory of it lasts forever, It can't be begged, bought, borrowed nor stolen ; But it is something that is no earthly good until given away. So, if in your hurry and rush you meet someone Who is to weary to give you a smile, Leave one of yours in return For noone needs a smile quite as mush as the one who has none left to give.

I'm writing this during the meeting so if it isn't very legible please over look it.

I hope you have a very speedy recovery and are back with us a a short while.

Respectfully, Toby Foley.

May 17, 1956

My very dear M. V. W. --

Although I have not received any personal letter from you that would have meant so much to me, I am very happy to get in an indirect way an answer.

I am happy, in a sense, that Mrs. Clarke decided -- (too late?) to tell the

truth. I know that somehow you did this. Too many women have fallen for wrong men.

I hope you can do the same for the blonde girl from Somerville. If you remember, the first time you saw me I was 29 -- and had been involved with the same kind of people.