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.

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want trouble Dr. as I have and am a good mother to my baby and don't want what is past brought to the limelight.

If its like that I'll have to stay on welfare for a while longer if they allow me and in the meantime try to get work some-where so as to save a few dollars to go away but I have no friends and no one to help me. Please advise me what to do Dr. because I'm so discouraged. I've tried the

[June 23t, 1952]

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Salvation Army and I go to services Thursday, Saturday, and Sundays. They have used me kindly something of which I only wish more people would use me so.

I haven't asked them for aid only when my gas and electric light bill comes around and the captain told me he will supply me with food when those bills come in view.

Well Dr. I'll

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close now hoping to hear from you and I only hope I don't bother you with my letters as I know you will befriend me and will not hurt me as I have so been in the past.

Good - bye now Respectfully yours ever - Marion Ann -

Jan 29th 1935 Monterey Mass.

My Dear Dr. Van Waters.

I received your nice letter and was so glad to hear from you But so sorry to hear you have been sick and hope you are better now. My Mother has been very sick with her heart. She is some better now. But it will be some time before she will be her self again. I try and comfort her all I can because she is old and sick. I have put away every thing

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that my children had so she wont see them. You see she had all the care of my little girl and she was just like her own. In regards to vegetables. I have plenty. Also a barrel of meat and smoked hams and can fruit. I am always glad to show any one what I have in my celler if they wish to look. I only wish I did have a chance to prove in some way that I could take care of my children. I have my

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little grandaughter living with me. She helps to fill the vacant spot in my heart. But I feel that if I am able to take care of other children I can take care of my own. Her Mother don`t want her so I have her. I am telling you this because I want to prove to you that I can take care of my own. And besides I have the little girl and I feel that God will deal with me in regards to my children as I do bye others.