Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: T, 1948-1971. A-71, folder 341. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

[left] For [illegible] [It MO?] (is she still here)

[right] Irene Trefry West Wing (shirt room) Dec. 18, 1950

[left] My dear Dr. Van Waters,

I wanted to write to you before the Commissioner came again. I talked with him in November and was greatly disappointed. In my case time is nost valuable as my husband has asked for a divorce.

I pleaded with the Commissioner for a release but he was under the false impression I wanted a divorce to marry someone else.

When my husband abused me I often said I would leave him, if he did it again. Divorce never entered my mind.

My husband's last words to me were that he loved me and never would forget me.

2.

I love him too and have told the Commissioner so.

I am a Catholic and strongly oppose to divorce. I married until death do us part.

I appeal to you, Dr. Van Waters, to help me to get a release before March to hope for a reconciliation. I feel I must do everything in my power to save our marriage.

My husband doesn't want a divorce anymore than I do, I am possitive, he is only confused. His mother in Novia Scotia has heart trouble and this worried him.

I can ask her to live with us and I can get work. I'm sure she will be most happy to be with her son, as he left home at the age of 14. It will also make my husband happy to see the two women in his life getting along. It took me a long time to see this, but its the only thing God would want me to do.

3.

I always wanted my motherin-law to visit us but I wanted all the worldly goods first, then I intended to invite her. My false pride for finer things kept my husband and his mother apart.

May God forgive me for this, I only pray it is not too late.

Dr. Van Waters, I promise to attend the nearest A.A. meetings as I think they are doing wonderful work. It opened my eyes, and heart to God. May I help someone else as the A.A. has helped me. I promise you I can stay away from drink and make a good wife. We can both be happy and live a clean life.

I trust I have done right in asking you, Dr. Van Waters, to help me in the greatest crisis in my life.

May God bless you.

Sincerely, Ireme Trefy

12/19/50

Research [please?] comment briefly and return.

M. V. W.

[?] is granted to husband 11/[?]1/50 on grounds [social?] and [abusive?] treatment, final May 21, 1951. [Com.?]. hearing will be March. She has an attourney whom she wrote last week demanding alimony. He had explained to her that the Court would not grant while she is here.

[L.T.D.?]

Jan 31, 1950 Dear Dr. Van Nalers I am writing to ask if when I go home, that I may have one of your Angara Kittens.

I am a member of Mrs. Reeds art class, and she has suggested that I write you a notes, and she can tell you how I love cats.

I can assure you

it will have the best of everything + live like a king.

I have hopes of leaving in March - and want so much to take one of your lovely kittens home.

Please may I have your answer?

Sincerely, Simone Trudel Grade I.