Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: Mc-Mz, 1934-1956. A-71, folder 319. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge,

[Shirley Mello Rodrigues] [1955]

Dear Dr. Van Waters

I would like to ask a great favor of you. Will you be kind enough to send me reference in regarde to day work. I would like to do this kind of work in my home town and majority of people like references. I would appreciate this very much. I was at [Hodden?]. Please send my regards to Mrs Thomas and the day work woman that was to be your secretary

Since I have been out I got married. I live at 570 South Water St. near Bedford, Mass.

Thank you kindly

Mrs. Shirley Rodrígues

Single Name (Shirley Mello)

CT

Write her a reference You [?]

June 13, 1955

Mrs Shirley [Mello] Rodrigues 570 So Water Street New Bedford, Mass.

Dear Shirley:

It was very good to hear from you. I am glad that your planning to find work and I have asked Mrs Thomas to write a reference for you. Congratulations on your marriage. I wish you much happiness and success.

Sincerely,

Miriam Van Waters, Superintendent

MVW : DFL

CT

Mrs Charles E Thomas

June 14, 1955

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Mrs Shirley Rodrigues was employed in my home one or two days a week for a period of several months to do housework. She was a methodical thorough worker. She was especially good in that she liked small children and had a nice way with them. I found her entirely satisfactory and would gladly employ her again if she were living near my home.

Yours very truly,

Mrs Charles E Thomas

Copy

M. S. I. Fiske Bldg. Tewksbury, Mass. July 7th, 1935.

My dear Commissioner;

I am a released D.D. girl and Miss Cahill was my agent.

I have no relatives and June 21st, 1935 my only brother Harry died at the Boston City Hospital leaving me all alone at Tewksbury and I am on the danger list.

Miss Cahill came to my aid and claimed my brother's body and had him buried for me and did all she could for me, and visits me. She attented to His funeral and is going to see that His bills are paid.

I have no Insurance and she has told me that she will attend to my burial as it is my earnest desire to be buried with my mother and brother.

If it hadn't been for Miss Cahill coming to my aid I guess it would have killed me, also. She certainly has been a wonderful friend to me, for I am unable to leave my bed or the hospital. She has done everything she possible could for me, and I wish you would thank her personally for me.

Sincerely,

Mary E. Messenger.

[CoH to Dr Van Waters ECRB?]