Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: U-V, 1932-1957. A-71, folder 346. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

December 9, 1954 Mrs. Mary J. Punty Stow Rest Home Stow, Mass.

My dear Mrs. Punty:

I was sorry I could not see you yesterday but it was impossible at that time. I have given you letter thought and prayerful consideration. I am delighted that Margaret Upham is with you and that she is being kind and considerate to your patients. I am well aware of Margaret's probpem of alcoholism is deeply complicated by her tendency to be dependent on Terry but it would, I feel, be crushing to Margaret to prohibit the visits and correspondence.

Here at the Reformatory we can supervise the situation. If it were abruptly terminated and by authority, I fear Margaret would crack up. I have consulted our Psychiatrist and he agrees for the present the visits should be permitted.

I so deeply appreciate your care and concern for our girls and I want you to know that I consider it a privilege to work with you.

Sincerely, MVW Miriam Van Waters, Superintendent Student [illegible] letter file MVW:DFL

9119152 339 Marlborough St. Boston Mass. My dear Miss O'Neil: I have at long last found a place to live-- It was a foot-sore job to find what I could pay and large enough to accomodate all that luggage of mine. Would appreciate the delivery of it as soon as possible. I am home Saturday afternoon, but I realize that Mr. O'Keefe does not work Saturdays. If he could deliver it in the morning I will ask the landlady, Mrs. Cunningham, to

stay in in the morning this week, and next until it is delivered -- or better yet, she can stay in Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings, this week, and I will telephone you Friday noontime this week (after I telephone her to find out if it is delivered) and you perhaps can tell me what day next week Mr. O'Keefe will be able to deliver it - if he has not done it this week.

I went to work on the day I left there, I worked in the afternoon and found a room after work, and have been working every day ever since in the same place as a double needle stitcher, making sleeves. As yet it is a grind, 75c an hour (am learning) and I am tired!! I have worked some overtime and that helps boost that pay check. Incidently was not paid for two weeks and lived on one jar of peanut butter for sandwiches and tomorrow - no - I would not like any peanut butter - thank you!!

Well - best of luck - and please ask the men who deliver the luggage - not to say where it comes from -

slightly embarassing. Tell Dr. Van Waters I will send her the 11.52 I owe her next month and will send 84 cents to Mrs. Sheldon this week (when I am paid) Friday. Regards to Dr. Van Waters and you will hear from me again later.

Please do not give my address to anyone. Thank you Sincerely Retta Van Alstyne

[On paper with flowers down the left side]

January 31, 1957 My dear Dr. Van Waters - Christmas! I never could have believed it if I had not experienced it here! Every time I turned around someone was inviting me to a party - or else thrusting a gift into my hands! It was truly unbelievable!

The lovely stole [Maud?] Ophelia has come into use many timesand sat in my room and the nice warm scarf from the Rayers has been out many times with me and I thank you sincerely for them both. They are only two of the many gifts I received.

We are all most happy to hear of your continued climb back to good health again. May you have many more years of accomplishment and success with