Letter from Lorena McClure to Fannie Swift, May 22, 1948
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| Sender’s Address | {{{sender_address}}} |
| Date Written | May 22, 1948 |
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Summary
[edit]This letter, dated May 22, 1948, was written by Lorena McClure while institutionalized at Gowanda State Hospital to her daughter Fannie Swift, who had just given birth to Patricia Jean Swift. Lorena learned of Patricia’s birth only through a newspaper clipping shown to her by hospital staff. She expresses her joy at hearing the news and relief that Fannie survived the delivery, while also revealing her worry and hurt at not being informed directly.
Lorena notes that Patricia was born on her own father’s birthday, and she speculates about what name Fannie will give the baby. She reflects wistfully on how she wishes she could have cared for the older children during Fannie’s hospitalization, and apologizes if her letter from the hospital causes Fannie any embarrassment.
The letter also touches briefly on current events, noting recent rains and tensions in Europe, and closes with warm maternal sentiments and thanks for a Mother's Day gift.
Transcript
[edit]Gowanda State Hospital, Saturday, May 22, 1948 Dearest Fan, Through the kindness of some of the O.T. workers, I got a notice in the Jamestown paper that you had a little girl born last Saturday in W.C.A. hospital. She was born on my father’s birthday. I had hoped you would send some kind of an announcement or a little note yourself. Perhaps you have not felt well enough to do that. I was so worried because I could not seem to get in touch with you at all. I asked God to let me know somehow if you were even alive. I have been wondering who took care of the other children while you were away. How I wish I could have done that for you. I’m sure she is real cute. What are you going to call her? Perhaps I should not have written from here. It might make you ashamed to have nurses in hospital know you had a mother in here. We have nurses in here from W.C.A. and they have been real nice to me. I hope you did not have too hard a time. It is now the loveliest time of the year. We have had a lot of rain. That makes it hard for the farmers who want to plant their fields. I read some items in the library about current news. Communism still seems to be threatening a lot of countries over in Europe. All of your children seem to have been born in the same months as your own family except Patricia. I was glad to hear of your grandmother Mrs. Cleric passing. She certainly lived a long life to be ninety-three. She had bright skies a long time. She is probably happier in heaven wherever that is. I have some other things to attend to so I will finish this letter. I hope to go to movies. Thank you again for Mother’s Day gift. I wish I could see you this minute. A big kiss for yourself and the little one. Your mother, (Mrs.) Lorena McClure
Analysis
[edit]This letter demonstrates several recurring themes of Lorena’s correspondence: her deep maternal love, her feelings of exclusion and stigma due to her institutionalization, and her attempt to maintain dignity and connection with her family despite her isolation. Her comment about possibly making Fannie “ashamed to have nurses in hospital know you had a mother in here” reflects the powerful stigma attached to mental illness and institutionalization in the mid-20th century.
Her awareness of family milestones, world events, and even the weather outside contrasts with the limitations of her own daily life in the hospital. This duality—of isolation and connection—is a hallmark of Lorena’s letters. The tone is both proud and apologetic, loving yet quietly anguished.
Notable mentions
[edit]- Patricia Jean Swift – Fannie’s newborn daughter.
- Diane Swift – Fannie’s elder daughter, mentioned indirectly.
- W.C.A. Hospital – The hospital where Patricia was born.
- Gowanda State Hospital – The institution where Lorena resided at the time.