Gladding, Anna Spicer, 1906-1992.

Gladding was born in Providence, R.I., in 1906 or 1907, graduated from Vassar College, and studied early childhood education at the Merrill School in Detroit. In 1932 she began a 42-year association with the Reformatory for Women in Framingham, Mass., where she was involved in the mother-child program and served as prison librarian, organist and choir director, and leader of the literary and nature study clubs. She also directed theatrical productions and was the head of the prison's volunteer organization known as the Friendly Visitors. She died in Ashland, Mass.

Miriam Van Waters was born in Greensburg, Pa., on October 4, 1887, one of five children of George Brown and Maude (Vosburg) Van Waters. She received a B.A. in philosophy (1908) and an A.M. in psychology (1910) from the University of Oregon, and a Ph.D. from Clark University in 1913.

Her most noted work was as superintendent of the Reformatory for Women in Framingham, Mass. (1932-1957). Her liberal views on penal reform brought her both praise and condemnation. In January 1949 she was fired because of alleged administrative failings, such as condoning lesbianism among the "students" (as she called the prisoners) and failing to supervise a work-release program properly. After a lengthy hearing process she was reinstated. Van Waters was the author of Youth in Conflict (1925) and Parents on Probation (1927). Van Waters also served as director (1919-1920) of El Retiro, a school for delinquent girls in California, referee (1920-1930) for the Los Angeles County Juvenile Court, consultant for the Wickersham Commission (1928-1931), and on a number of other boards and commissions.

Although Van Waters never married, she adopted a daughter, Sarah Ann, in 1932. Sarah Van Waters died in an automobile accident in 1953. For additional biographical information, see Notable American Women: The Modern Period (1980).

From the description of Papers of Anna Spicer Gladding and Miriam Van Waters, 1855-1992 (inclusive). (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 232007709

Anna Spicer Gladding was born in Providence, R.I., in 1906 or 1907, the daughter of Royal and Anna (Spicer) Gladding. She was a graduate of Vassar College and studied early childhood education at the Merrill School in Detroit. She applied her education first as a teacher in the Smith College Nursery School, and then in the nursery at the Reformatory for Women in Framingham, Mass., where she was hired the same year (1932) that Miriam Van Waters became superintendent. In 1957 she became the reformatory's librarian. She was also director of the Friendly Visitors' program, organist and choir director, and leader of the literary discussion and nature study groups. She retired in 1984, and died in Ashland, Mass., on May 29, 1992.

Miriam Van Waters was born in Greensburg, Pa., on October 4, 1887. She was one of five children of Rev. George Brown and Maude (Vosburg) Van Waters. She received a B.A. in philosophy (1908) and the A.M. in psychology (1910) from the University of Oregon, and a Ph.D. from Clark University in 1913. After suffering a debilitating bout of tuberculosis, she served as director (1919-1920) of El Retiro, a school for delinquent girls in California, referee (1920-1930) for the Los Angeles County Juvenile Court, and consultant for the Wickersham Commission (1928- 1931), and on a number of other boards and commissions.

Her most noted work was as superintendent of the Reformatory for Women at Framingham (1932-1957). Her liberal views on penal reform brought her both praise and condemnation. In January 1949 she was fired because of alleged administrative failings, such as condoning lesbianism among the "students" (as she called the prisoners) and failing to supervise a work-release program properly. After a lengthy hearing process she was reinstated. MVW was the author of Youth in Conflict (1925) and Parents on Probation (1927).

Although MVW never married, she had close family ties. She adopted a daughter, Sarah Ann, in 1932; her brother Ralph and his wife Bertha lived nearby, and after the death of MVW's father, her mother went to live with MVW. SAVW married Richard Hildebrandt; they had three sons and later divorced. SAVW died in an automobile accident in 1953. MVW died in a hospital in Framingham on January 17, 1974. For additional biographical information, see Notable American Women: The Modern Period (1980).

From the guide to the Papers, 1855-1992, (Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute)