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.

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(seq. 26)
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(seq. 26)

can say I realize the mistakes I've made in running away, I don't know if I'll ever get over those feelings but I sure will control them, I've messed up my life and I realize its up to me to make up my mind as to, if I ever want to get out of here the right way. all I ask is for a chance to go home and do good, I know it will take time but if I knew you were on my side, I'd feel very much relieved. and please forget about the note I wrote earlier. (about the Jail) Sincerely Yours, Rose Ferguson

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(seq. 27)
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(seq. 27)

[M?] 198 Woodrow Ave, Aus 12-1-48 Dorchester, Mass. Nov. 29, 1948 former student

Dear Dr. Van Waters:

Excuse my not writing sooner as Mother and I have been taking turns in being ill but now I feel pretty good.

I have read some of the articles in the newspapers regarding your administration at the Reformatory and I must confess it has made my blood boil to think that such lies can be told and under oath at that.

As a former student and now a happy married housewife I must give my full loyalty to you regardless of what it

Last edit over 4 years ago by Susalie
(seq. 28)
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(seq. 28)

2 may cost me in future happiness for after all most of my incarcerations were through lies and if it weren't for you and your staff members many a girl would have gave out bitter instead of rehabilitated

I have never known of any rooms to be dirty nor food served that wasn't fit to eat. Even in homes of their own food may be burn't but never have I known it to be served in that manner.

I guess I've worked in about every department at Framingham and can well inform the Commisson on the doings at the

3 institution. If people want to commit suicide its no ones fault as well as on the outside. If decent wages were given to hire the necessary help lots can be prevented but no one is a mind reader to know what one's actions are going to be. and as for as the immorals I guess it would take an officer to watch each and every one. Rome wasn't built in a day neither can they over come things like that even in years especially when all kinds are put together and I must say the Staff does a good job in trying to place the individuals. In

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the first place where has it ever been heard of drunks, stubborn and misdemeanors placed in a Women's State's Prison? Instead of looking for trouble why don't they put in effect laws to take care of such things.

You should be given the greatest of credit for putting the girls out to work. It then shows the unfortunate one that the world isn't against them. That they know and can earn their own living instead of wasting away for months brooding and thinking how dark everything is.

There are plenty outside that should be in and lots that are in should

Last edit over 4 years ago by Susalie
(seq. 30)
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[29 Nov. 1948]

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be out.

I noticed during the war time emergency when you did have student officers there was no trouble at all because we all worked together knowing we all had a number along with our name.

If only some of these people that are so condemning would taste a little bit of that medicine they may sing a different tune.

Can't they realize that even the President of the United States has someone to confer with before he can do anything same as you have your superiors?

Last edit over 4 years ago by harpermc
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