In 1981, John S. Stokes, Jr., founder of the Mary's Gardens movement, wrote a series of letters to Jane A. McLaughlin, the parish historian at St. Joseph Church in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. These letters outlined the history of the movement, particularly focusing on the creation of a Mary Garden in Woods Hole. Each letter contained numerous enclosures, including photographs, article clippings, and copies of correspondence. Together, they provide a thorough history of the movement and its founder.