December 31, 1913 - Attorney Shapiro Advised Business Men

Here is one of the articles that I found from today in 1913.

Ansonia Sentential Dec. 31, 1913

EXPLAINED  NEW MEASURE.

Attorney Shapiro Advised Business Men Concerning, Compensation Act

The members of the Shelton Business Men's association and several of their friends were treated to a fine exposition of the new Workingmen's compensation act and their privileges and liabilities under that act, last evening, by Attorney Joseph Shapiro, prosecutor in the local court, and so well pleased were they with the explanation given them that they gave a unanimous vote of thanks to the speaker at the conclusion of his talk. He was introduced to the audience by Pres. D. N. Clark and said he wished to talk to them as though they were all in one as his client and he was advising them over his office desk.

He said that an act simple in itself soon became complex when a multitude of learned men get at it and read into it their opinions. He had refrained from listening to any of the various addresses given on the subject and tried to study out the real meaning of the statutes. He gave a brief history of New England legislation showing how in a number of cases privileges that had apparently been guaranteed people by the constitution have been abrogated. This is done by the use of what is known as the police function of the community. He told of several of these such as the Married Woman act of 1877 and other changes that have been from time to time made along similar lines. It is through this police function that the present act is declared constitutional, as people have realized that the "Fellow Servant" act; the "Contributory Negligence" clause I and the "Assumed Risk" defence have become out of date with the vast changes in industrial conditions. There is moreover a "Joker" in the act itself that specifies that should any one or more portions of the act be pronounced unconstitutional the rest of the act shall apply.

He then took up the act itself and very plainly told its provisions and what should be done by all employers of labor. He commented on the opinion of Attorney General Light, which he says stands unless overturned by the courts and he advised all employers of labor to heed this.  This is, that those who employ less than five must, if they wish to preserve their present privileges notify each of their employees of that fact and also the commissioner of compensation. He took up the act section by section and explained the provisions in such a manner as to make them perfectly plain, or as plain as the act itself permits. He answered several questions asked by Judge Dillon, O G. Beard and others and produced a number of blanks to be used by employers of less than five.

At the close of his talk Pres. Clark arose and said that he wished all who had heard Prof. Fisher might have heard the talk of Attorney Shapiro, the contrast was so great between the two, and asked that all  feeling thus would rise and extend a vote of thanks to the speaker. It was made unanimous and after a brief social session, the meeting was adjourned.


I look forward to continuing our journey together into 1914. Happy New Year!

December 26, 1913 - The best laid schemes of mice and men . . .

One year ago I was busy working to set up this blog and excited to launch the beginning of a five year journey with Joe and Helen. These letters have been filled with more surprises that I had expected.

Here is the last letter from 1913. Since most of the letters were written from his office in the Meig's Building I thought it would be fun to show you a photograph of that building at about that time.

December 26, 1913
Dear Helen,

I have several matters to take care of in the city tomorrow that will keep me there; and so will not be in New York.

I have a deposition to take in the city on Monday, but have court engagements all next week except Thursday.

From this you can easily understand I will be unable to get down to New York on Friday or Saturday; and so will have to call off my opportunity of witnessing the musitrel and also "Butterfly".

Things at present point to my going to Charleston S.C. on January 4th; so if I have any spare time, I'll have to use it getting matters in shape to leave for a couple of days.

Saltman is in New York and fairly begged me to go along as he is to be there three or four days; but the fates are "agin it" (Remember Hubbard?).

But doesn't this illustrate quite apropos that

"The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft aglee"*?

Some of my Bridgeport friends in New York at present, who were here for diner yesterday, have extended me an invitation to take in the opera next week.

Sometimes you can't get a seat for $10; at other times you can't use them even if given to you. It reminds me that "Some have meat, and we can eat and so the Lord be thank it."**  I have invitations but "can't eat," figuratively speaking only, of course.

I trust that you are enjoying the vacation, and also that your mother is too.
Sincerely,
Joe

* Gang oft aglee - is Scottish for Often go wrong. Quote from a Robert Burns poem (see below).
** Quote from a Robert Burns poem.

I hope you have enjoyed following the blog so far and there is much more to come. Some of the coming year is sparse with letters. I have lots of newspaper articles from 1914 that I will use to fill you in on what was going on in Joe's life. Work was most likely playing a major role as they continued to build their law practice.

The next letter will be on January 11.

December 24, 1913 - Salvation Army bells ringing away, autos honking . . .

It is Christmas Eve in 1913 and Joe's description of the evening sounds in downtown Bridgeport are still very familiar today. Helen and her family had headed out of New York City to the country in New Jersey for the holiday.

December 24, 1913
Dear Helen,
Replying to your third letter, I must say that the anniversary dinner planned for Sunday was called off very abruptly.

When I called home Saturday night, I found my mother all upset, with the appearance of having had a good cry. My sister was in the same mood. Of course, as it was about two in the morning it didn't require much ingenuity to learn or suspect something.

What do you suppose happened? On Friday Barnet's kindergarten had Xmas exercises. He took part and somehow caught cold. On Saturday, while I was absent, it developed into tonsillitis, and during the evening they thought it looked like diphtheria and so all the folks were scared.

D. Rosen worked all night on him and by morning had the throat clean and free from infection; but we didn't dare start anything in the house. That was one reason the affair was called off. Here's another. Mrs. Kronholtz of Stamford was confined to her bed with a severe attack of pleurisy, and naturally her family couldn't get away. Since then Barnet and she have been recovering and are well along the road to normal health.

Last Monday I had "dug out" my old Othello and read it. I remembered having seen Daniel Ryan in the title role and at the time made many marks and remarks on the booklet; that recalled many vivid scenes again as I saw them.

I smiled at the difficulties that you wrote.

And now, as I write this, I can hear the Salvation Army bells ringing away, autos honking, cars clanging, newsies yelling "Wextry*" and a conglomeration of noises that would make Bedlam sound like a lecture in a deaf and dumb institute.

You speak of rain. Why last night it rained cats and dogs! I didn't leave the office till after eleven and had to phone a friend to take me home in his auto.

I don't wonder that you enjoyed the play. Forbes Robertson naturally is the peer in that line, and besides you had excellent company that made the environments all the more pleasant.

I am almost certain that nothing had to distract your attention during the play; for I consider Robert a dandy young man whom anybody could spend a pleasant time. Hartman is another of that type, so I don't wonder that on Sunday you again had a bully time.

You said that Robert was to spend a week end with you; so I think I ought not butt in. And in addition you say that there will not be room at the hotel. Further even, I have a load of work here that will keep me right on the job.

You ought to make the best of your vacation, as you have a long spring term of work ahead.

Tomorrow is Christmas and the spirit of good will ought be manifest everywhere.

I hope that the day is bright and that you enjoy it to your own wishes.

With compliments of the season I am
Sincerely,
Joe

* "Wextry" was Joe's way of trying to sound like the newies when they yelled Extra Extra


 The next letter is on December 26.

Barnard College Sophmore Show

Here is a fun photograph that I found of Helen from November 1913 when she was in the Barnard College Sophomore Show. I also located the mention of it in her graduation yearbook for the Bernard Class of 1916.

Since Barnard was all girls it is funny to see all of the parts are played by girls and not by boys that they might have brought in from Columbia.

If you look carefully at the yearbook page you can see where she underlined her name - the line indicates that she did this when she was quite old and came upon the yearbook.

The next letter will be December 24.

December 2, 1913 - One of the weaker sex . . .

So here we are in December 1913,  almost at the end of the first year of Joe's letters. This month there will be three letters. This letter contains a funny story of a handkerchief.

December 2, 1913
My Dear Helen,
Strange what peculiar co-incidences occur. Last night my brother and his family and Dr. Rosen and I went calling on our minister.There were several more callers there and we had quite a party of it. Later in the evening, the hostess served refreshments, and in spite of the violent protests of Barnet's mother, I partook of my share. She claimed that it was not becoming to be stout. I agreed with her; only I added that stoutness while perhaps not becoming, had apparently come and was  here, so what's the use?

Well, as I started out to say, towards evening (11 or so) we were starting for home. I should say here that I happen to be wearing the same suit last night as Saturday. One of the weaker sex asked me what that black string was, and gave one yank. Out came the glasses and the embroidered edge of something I could not recognize. Of course, being in and from the country, they all in unison saw the same thing that I did! For a moment I couldn't tell where it came from; and then - Eureka!

You surely would have laughed at the fun it started. And of course the women and girls began guessing whose it may be. And the answers. O tempora, o mores! But the most surprising thing was how I should happen to have a girl's handkerchief in my pocket.

When I reminded them that perhaps they were overlooking the fact that it might be my mother's; someone suggested it might be; but it wasn't.  And then and there I made up my mind to re mail it to you in the morning.

And when morning came; your letter mentioned the  kerchief. So you will find it enclosed,unsullied. I was sorry to hear that your cold was so troublesome and was causing you such torture. But it's one of the things that this part of the country is famous for and we have all got to have them once and a while. There is a Yiddish play in town tonight, and I have been asked to review it for one of the papers. My brother, Doctor and I will go and see what's what and I imagine we'll have some sport out of it, at that.

Oh yes! One of my clients  told me yesterday that he, with  several others, were expecting to hear "Tosca" Saturday night because Farrar and Scotti sang the title roles, and asked whether I would be there with them. I replied that I expected to be in New York during the day on business, and had made no definite plans; and also that I had seen Tosca only a few weeks back. Comprenez? (Whatever that is).
Sincerely
Joe

The next letter will be on December 24th.

November 3, 1913 - The Optimist

So far, this is the most difficult letter to transcribe. But it was very creative. So I hope you can follow this 5 part correspondence.

Here is the view that Helen got when she held the letter up to the light.

November 3, 1913
Dear Helen,

1

While in a wholesale grocery house today I saw a little book called "The Optimist". If you hold this up to the light and look via the back of this page you will see what I saw. Then I opened the cover and beheld this - without comment. To be accurate I changed the quote slightly.

2

While on the trolly I was reading the Journal. Gadzooks! And here is what I saw (arrow pointing to article).

3

Everybody here is talking about the bad team Yale has. Everybody has their hammer out, and are not afraid of the sound. For that reason this clipping in this mornings New York American was music to my soul. I remember you asked how a tone could be dark; how colors could be soft. Well, how about hearing with the soul? Has this survival value? On my life - No!

4

I don't know what that impression that remark about the smell of fallen leaves, burning brush etc. conveys to you; but in these parts in the residential localities you can see piles of dark brown, yellow red and green leaves smouldering away,perfuming the air with an incense tinted aroma indescribable.

5

I will be in New Haven tomorrow, and will endeavor to see what arrangements are being made for the Princeton game. The cashier of the Bank today asked me to favor him with two tickets.I replied, says I, "if Yale plays as rotten as it has, you can have mine". But I had not seen this then. Say, what kind of a pout-pouri is this anyway?
Joe

We can think of the departed summer without regret on these glorious autumnal days that smell of fallen leaves, burning brush and roasting chestnuts. Going to the football game next Saturday 15th?

Big Seat Demand for Football Games

Any doubt regarding- the popularity of intercollegiate football is removed by the deluge of applications pouring in upon those in charge of the ticket distribution for the big games of the season.

From present indications the seating capacity of the various fields upon which the Yale-Harvard, Army-Navy, Harvard-Princeton, Pennsylvania-Cornell and Princeton-Yale games will be played will be unequal to the demands already being filed by alumni, undergraduates and their, friends

---

The Yale back field looked particularly good on the offense during the march down the field in the second quarter. The play off tackle and runs were almost irresistible.  Another bright spot in the Yale offense was the splendid kicking of Knowles.
Undoubtedly Yale's kicking will be a big factor in the game with Princeton and Harvard, for given a rush line that can withstand a strong attack arid a good consistent kicker, any team can hold off a much stronger opponent. Yale has plenty of first-class material and with proper handling can round out a team in two weeks that will surprise the football world.

Below is an ad for Campbells's Soup from 1913 that you can see in Joe's letter.

The next letter is on December 2.

October 28, 1913 - The political situation here . . .

In this letter Joe gives insight into what was happening in the political arena in Bridgeport, CT as election day was approaching. From his tone about the Republican party vs. the Progressive party it is not much different than politics today.

October 28,1913
Dear Helen,
Here's the blue paper again. It was handy, so I used it.
I have made arrangements to be in New York Friday and Saturday of this week; and I might be induced to stay over Sunday. If I am not mistaken Dr. Wise will speak anent* (concerning; about) political times on Sunday morning.

The political situation here is a cross between a flaming caldron and perdition itself. All the parties are split into factions, and they in turn into classes. For example, I am a Republican. So is my brother. Yet his father-in-law is a Progressive and is on the Progressive ticket. It looks almost like father against son. To liven matters, my sister-in-law was proposed as a candidate for the Board of Education on the Progressive ticket. She was persuaded to decline the nomination for many reasons. On of the strong ones was, that she has two babies and plenty of work, as it is, at home, outside of the Republican affiliation of her hubby. But instead, Mrs. Davis is running for that position. She is the wife of the President of the Locomobile Co. of America.

But, then, you have your school work to do, and I shouldn't take up your time.
So with kindest regards I am
Sincerely
Joe

Here is a portrait of Rabbi Stephen Wise taken between 1920 and 1940.

Above is an example of an auto in 1913 made by the Locomobile Co. of America


The next letter will be on November 3rd.

October 23, 1913 - Murder in the second degree

Joe continues his professorial teasing in response to Helen's letter. This shows the much experienced 27 year old now six years out of college, teaching the 20 year old college sophomore. Following the transcription of the letter, which has some links to interesting information, is part of the Yale News.

October 23, 1913
Dear Helen,
As I was reading your letter and thought of a reply, my eye lit on this paper.I presume there is a box of it around somewhere, and will ask my sister for an envelope.

To settle the question whether I expect to be in New York next week, I can say yes! In fact, as matters appear at this distance, the probabilities are that it will require two days in the city and I shall endeavor to arrange accordingly.

It made me feel good to learn that you enjoyed what seemed to me to be a dull and ordinary letter, but the the good parts must have been the quotations from Service. But it made me smile to read about the three sizes of paper you have for writing.The letters I generally received were cute affairs  on stationary in direct competition with the size and proportion of a parcel-post stamp. But even so I marveled at the great abundance of news you could get into so small a space, and the volume of information you could import in such close quarter.

Do you remember "In all for the Ladies" Sam Bernard in being introduced to nobility, in reply to their 'we are delighted to meet you' he answers 'the pleasure is municipal?' That is the reply I feel like making to your expression of regret at my inability to visit New York Saturday.

And I regret even more so that I couldn't be in New York City Sunday (of course I passed thru on the way to Jamaica but I don't mean that part of N.Y.); especially when I read:
"I spent last Sunday afternoon lying (since when have you become professional?)[rather reclining]on the couch in the library while Butz held my hand . . .". I will make absolutely no comment whatever in addition to what I have already said.

Yet I must say that it is good to learn that some surgeons were disappointed in not carving you into a frazzle for appendicitis, and I am glad that the "attack" is playing in 42nd Street and not at 111th.

I have just mailed my application for the tickets for the Yale-Princeton Game and will probably know in a week or so how many will be allocated. The game, you recall, is to be played at New Haven on November fifteenth.

For the past three days I assisted in the trial of a murderer. The man went up to an enemy who was supposed to have broken up, or tried to at any rate, his home, and shot him.

I assisted the prosecution, and after the jury deliberated for a long time, they returned with a verdict of murder in the second degree. He was promptly sentenced to life imprisonment. That was my first really serious case that arose while I have been Prosecuting Atty.

Referring to that session you had with Butz.last Sunday, Watt's Poem might be appropriate

"My willing soul would stay
In such a place as this
and sit and sing herself away
To Everlasting bliss".

If you want to answer this you can refer to Peg's statement to Jerry on the subject.

Barking dogs don't bite, you know. The best time, says Elbert, to stop talking is before you tell all you know.

Here goes. Regards,
Sincerely
Joe


Below is the front page of the Yale News from November 19, 1913. This is the date that Joe mentions that they will be going to the football game. Yale did not win but neither did  Princeton.

 

In the eight page paper that was handed after the game it is interesting to note that the ads were either for clothing, mostly shirts, or smoking. Here is an example of some of the tobacco ads. The Fatima ad was a full page.    

The next letter will be October 28th.

October 13, 1913 - As seas of ink I splatter . . .

This letter weaves Joe's work, religious life and his interest in a well known poet, of the time, into  an interesting story. As we are about to observe Columbus Day we can see from his letter that in 1913 it was not a federal holiday. Enjoy the poetry and his mother's words of wisdom.

October 13, 1913
Dear Helen,
    I have just finished up for the day. You see in these country places patriotism is rampant, especially when it means that you are exempt from work. You would actually think 'twere Sunday.

    My reason for writing is this. I wish to thank you and your folks as sincerely as I can for the kind invitation to spend the Yom Kippur services with them and for the generous hospitality accorded me. In my enthusiasm to pass the queen of spades with the ace and King of hearts, I forgot the first principles of a gentlemen and a guest. But who ever accused me of such anyhow?
    Referring to Robert W. Service _ the Poet of the Yukon - who I am reading these days, I can recall one of his verses apropos of my writings.

"I have no doubt at all the Devil grieves, As seas of ink I splatter, Ye gods, forgive my "literary" faults,The other kind don't matter".

    This poet has also been called the Kipling of Canada. He deals with the icy north, where everybody is out for gold and then when they get oodles of it, lay down and die like dogs in their tracks. That's what he meant when he says:

"Yet look you, if I find the stuff it's just like
so much dirt;
I fling it to the four winds like a child.
There's a city, there's an airing (hear them shout)
There's the gold there in millions, but I haven't
got a cent.
And oh, it's me, it's me that found it out".

    When I read those trials and tribulations and their hardships and never ending suffering, I look out of my  window on this cold and bleak October day and thank heaven that I'm alive. His poetry just grips your heart and gives it a slight turn.
    But this is not an essay on Service; at least not intentionally so.
    And a moment ago a friend of mine called me up and asked if I thought he ought to get a copy of The American Bible or "The Message to Garcia." Know what I told him? To use Barnet's words, I said, "get bofe."
    Mother was delighted to hear that I attended Orthodox services. She had a twinkle in her eye as I told it to her, but then I've known her a long time and so can see what she was thinking. Then she said something about once a Jew always etc; and more of that same talk. Bur here is a thought that she has that's a hummer. She says that the English boast that it takes three generations to make a gentlemen. And she adds this corollary. "But it takes a thousand generations to make a Jew. So son, there is a heritage you Jewish young men ought to be thankful for." Some mother, that!
    Well, I started out to thank you for your kind invitation. I had a delightful time. I fear to become too eloquent, thinking of Jerry and the remark Peg made to him. So convey my regards to your folks and save some for yourself.

Sincerely,
Joe

Here is a photograph of Joe's mother Esther Spitz Shapiro. "Some mother, that!"

Below is a photograph of Robert W. Service in 1905 at the age of 31. Quite a dapper man known as the renown poet of the Yukon.

The next letter will be on October 23.

October 8, 1913 - Ye gods and little pui fishes!

Here is a long funny letter from Joe topics that I could search and find links to for your amusement. He mentioned the World Series so I will start the post with an illustration from the 1913 series between New York and Philadelphia.  After the letter I have included some more photos pertinent to this letter.

Sad for Joe Philadelphia won the series.

 

 

October 8, 1913
Dear Helen,
How I regret that I ever said I would not criticize any more of your letters. Ye gods and little pui fishes! What would I do to the last one. For example you said that "last night I wrote you a four page epistle" etc. How strange! Monday night I think I was reading Paul's Epistle to the Corinthians.

Then you say you returned home and found a friend waiting, and forgot to mail(underline) the speeches - one being to a girl. From that I assume there must have been some class to the fellow who was waiting, for you to get so ruffled (as Shakespeare put it) as to forget to mail (get the gender) the letters.

But I said I wouldn't do it , so I'll pass up the remainder of the letter; except to reply to it. I shall be very glad to accept the invitation to spend Yom Kippur at Temple with you. I think that idea of preventing your mother from fasting a good one. Do you think you could trust me to look after her diet that day?

You ask for my plans. I will leave Bridgeport Friday afternoon about 4 so as to arrive in New York about 5:30. In all probability I will stop at the Elks as usual, though I may, for convenience, check up at some first class place (Hotel), uptown, if I can find one. Presumably Kol Nidre will be said about 8P.M. nicht wahr*?  Or do you commence earlier? After I arrive I have no definite plans, but to stay til Sunday or Monday as the case may be.

Outside of having loads of work ahead of me that seems almost unsurmountable, I am very much interested in the World's Series. If Florrie will ask my namesake, he'll tell her to tell you what I mean by that.

It made me smile when I read that your rabbi has such a beautiful voice, for last night  against my consent I was persuaded to go to an opera here called "Aida." Hadst thou ever heard of it? To say that their scenery was horrid, is only complimenting them. But when you think of the soloists, mon dieu! also Ishgabible!*** My entire vocabulary of vituperation** is exhausted before I begin to comment. Out of pure respect for my sister-in-law who was with our crowd I stayed through the performance. It was the worst I ever saw.

I'm glad you like the "Sweden" song. And I'm more than happy to learn that Lillie has got something else besides "Mammy Jerry's" and "Good Bye Boys" to pound away at.

The Chief of Police of Shelton just phoned that the have a brace of dips that he wants examined. That means two pickpockets and I'll run over and quiz them about the whereabouts of some valuable purses that have disappeared here lately.
Kindest regards from

Yours sincerely
Joe
Oh! (That's your way of saying N.B. - which stands for no bull) I am enclosing  Barnet's picture. He's the fellow with the white socks.

* nicht wahr means "isn't that so?" in German
** vituperation means bitter and abusive language
*** Ishgabibble (Ische ga bibble) means I should worry.  See link above.

This photograph was taken at the Polo Grounds after the third game information is linked here.

What an amazing crowd gathered at the Polo Grounds for the World Series. The close proximity of the teams was most likely a big help for the east coat crowds.

Notice the price on the ticket.

This is the cover of the sheet music for "Isch Ga-Bibble" a popular song from 1913. See above link for more about Isch Ga Bibble.

The next letter will be on October  13.

October 3, 1913 - "Three little love bees."

October 1913 brings a little more correspondence from Joe. This first letter was written to send good wishes for a Happy New Year (Rosh Hashana) which was celebrated on October 2, 1913.

October 3, 1913
My dear Helen,
I am very grateful for your kind New Year's wishes; and reciprocate them.
I would have sent you a card, but I haven't sent any for the last few years to anyone. I used to do it, but occasionally would forget someone, and then never heard the end of it. So I do not send out any. Sauve! or Compranez?

I regret that I could not stay over till tonight; but I must have caught cold in the storm Tuesday, for I felt very indisposed Wednesday night when I came to New York, and was rather out of sorts yesterday. For that reason I thought I'd go home, but feel O.K. again.
Joke. Listen! I met those people I saw last Sunday (the green hat in Rockfall) while on my way to the train yesterday. Another jest. An opera company will give Aida here Tuesday night.

And say, what do you think? Within the past fifteen minutes, I've caught three big fat bumble bees. As Barnet would say "I skeesed 'em to deaff." It seems as I were in it to be stung. Why, they've nearly got my angora. This phrase appears in the October Philistine in the article on chick raising I believe. But I know how they arrived.

On Monday the Spring Maid plays here, and they must have been the "Three little love bees." However, their days are no more.

I am hopeful of being in New York a couple of days next week to see the great ball games, if I can get tickets.

With kindest greetings for a Happy New Year filled with lots of happiness and health, I am

Sincerely
Joe

The next letter will be October 8.