Here she is with one of the cats and Joe's nephew Barnet.
Happy times for Joe, Helen and both of their families.
Friday, September 30, 2016
September 30, 1916 - Helen visits Joe's family in Connecticut.
Here is a photograph of Helen when she took her first trip to Connecticut to meet Joe's family.
Here she is with one of the cats and Joe's nephew Barnet.
Happy times for Joe, Helen and both of their families.
Here she is with one of the cats and Joe's nephew Barnet.
Happy times for Joe, Helen and both of their families.
Thursday, September 29, 2016
September 29, 1916 - I can hardly wait for tomorrow to arrive
Here is the letter Joe sent Helen as she prepares to go out to Connecticut to meet his mother for the first time. He wants to make sure she gets the royal treatment on the train.
September 29,1916.
My darling:
I am enclosing ticket that you will use on your trip tomorrow, I tried, in the few seconds at my command last night to get a Parlor reservation, but it was too close to train time, and I didn't think I had time enough. So I think it would be best if you got one at the station yourself, and I am enclosing the wherewith, I am not certain whether on the fast train you are to take, the cost is the usual thirty five cents or a special rate that applies on some trains of one dollar, but give you the benefit of the doubt.
When I told my mother that you were to go back alone you should have been present to have heard what was said, I may stand in with your mother, but it looks to me that at this end, you have beaten me to it; for she simply said that this would never do, but that I should take you back to the City. She was willing to have me go down to get you also, but the former proposition rather agitated her.
That train will arrive here at 4:35, as I understand it, and I'll be at the depot to see you arrive.
I'11 probably write you later in the day, but have a number of things to clear away at present.
The train ran in on time last night, and I had a real chance of getting some sleep.
I can hardly wait for tomorrow to arrive,especially the matinee session of the day. And to think that you will actually be here Sunday too.
Well,girlie,I hope that you have entirely recovered from that little blue spell that you had, The atmosphere was well charged yet it has passed away again,and by the morrow everything will be lovely.
Your,Joe
N.B. If you call at Grand Central Station at the Pullman window of New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Co. and give your name together with about 35 cents, you'll get the Pullman seat I've reserved for you from this end.
The next letter will be October 2.
My darling:
I am enclosing ticket that you will use on your trip tomorrow, I tried, in the few seconds at my command last night to get a Parlor reservation, but it was too close to train time, and I didn't think I had time enough. So I think it would be best if you got one at the station yourself, and I am enclosing the wherewith, I am not certain whether on the fast train you are to take, the cost is the usual thirty five cents or a special rate that applies on some trains of one dollar, but give you the benefit of the doubt.
When I told my mother that you were to go back alone you should have been present to have heard what was said, I may stand in with your mother, but it looks to me that at this end, you have beaten me to it; for she simply said that this would never do, but that I should take you back to the City. She was willing to have me go down to get you also, but the former proposition rather agitated her.
That train will arrive here at 4:35, as I understand it, and I'll be at the depot to see you arrive.
I'11 probably write you later in the day, but have a number of things to clear away at present.
The train ran in on time last night, and I had a real chance of getting some sleep.
I can hardly wait for tomorrow to arrive,especially the matinee session of the day. And to think that you will actually be here Sunday too.
Well,girlie,I hope that you have entirely recovered from that little blue spell that you had, The atmosphere was well charged yet it has passed away again,and by the morrow everything will be lovely.
Your,Joe
N.B. If you call at Grand Central Station at the Pullman window of New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Co. and give your name together with about 35 cents, you'll get the Pullman seat I've reserved for you from this end.
The next letter will be October 2.
Monday, September 26, 2016
September 26, 1916 - I am your Joe
This is the first letter with what became Joe's signiture on his letters and led to the name of the blog.
It has been almost 3 years to get here!
Tuesday
My dear,
You know how difficult it is for me to read your letters when they are not on engraved paper. Somehow I am unable to understand what you say; else why the profuse apologies you are making? Ish gabibble also mox mwouse about the engraving; it's your specimen that does the trick.
Naturally, I was sorry to hear how late your company kept you, but, you are punished by your sins not for them. You are so agreeable and pleasant that they do not like to go away and so they linger longer. Of course I'm judging by my own standards; and not think of the pinochle game in the dining room at all when I say it.
It's refreshing to read such fine letters as you send; always so full of information and cheer.
You recall the threat you made, or was it I, that we would excuse anybody from a present that was actually surprised. Well we've found a job for Diogenes, I guess. Where does that friend live, in Crete, or Borough Park? Surely not near New York.
Don't think much about the chill in the weather. The Giants won 21 straight, and that's warm enough for anybody. Smashing all kinds of records.
As I have suggested I'll leave here 4:40 tomorrow arriving 6:06 or thereabouts at Grand Central.
I have a case to try this afternoon, and will start looking over papers in a few moments. So, with kindest regards to the folks and lots of love to my dearie,
I am Your Joe
The next letter is September 29.
It has been almost 3 years to get here!
Tuesday
My dear,
You know how difficult it is for me to read your letters when they are not on engraved paper. Somehow I am unable to understand what you say; else why the profuse apologies you are making? Ish gabibble also mox mwouse about the engraving; it's your specimen that does the trick.
Naturally, I was sorry to hear how late your company kept you, but, you are punished by your sins not for them. You are so agreeable and pleasant that they do not like to go away and so they linger longer. Of course I'm judging by my own standards; and not think of the pinochle game in the dining room at all when I say it.
It's refreshing to read such fine letters as you send; always so full of information and cheer.
You recall the threat you made, or was it I, that we would excuse anybody from a present that was actually surprised. Well we've found a job for Diogenes, I guess. Where does that friend live, in Crete, or Borough Park? Surely not near New York.
Don't think much about the chill in the weather. The Giants won 21 straight, and that's warm enough for anybody. Smashing all kinds of records.
As I have suggested I'll leave here 4:40 tomorrow arriving 6:06 or thereabouts at Grand Central.
I have a case to try this afternoon, and will start looking over papers in a few moments. So, with kindest regards to the folks and lots of love to my dearie,
I am Your Joe
The next letter is September 29.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
September 25, 1916 - Tempus fugit. Also pigeons.
I have been anxiously awaiting to post this letter. What a classic opening line.
Enjoy the letter.
Monday afternoon,
My darling,
Tempus fugit. Also pigeons. And mayhap as Myra says 'kittas', who wont have 'becksas'.
I spent all morning and part of the afternoon in Court, and have jut written a letter to Dr. Neumann thanking him for his good wishes and accepting an invitation to have dinner with them - you included. Was I correct in this?
Just so that you may feel assured that I've thanked Mr. Kronholtz properly I'm sending you a copy of my letter to him. My how I wish I could properly express my gratitude; but with your influence and inspiration, may, and undoubtedly, will improve.
Shush! I heard my brother talking about getting some samples of Patrician style of Community silverware for us to look over. I don't know how it will materialize, whether you will like it, I mean, but it listens mighty good.
All I've seen today in the line of animals are Collies. What's the idea?
Weren't Saturday and yesterday ideal days? It's pretty cold today, but have hopes of it getting warmer tomorrow.
I expect to leave for New York Wednesday afternoon arriving about 6:06 if that train is on time. I don't like to ask you to trouble yourself to meet me, but it sure would be grand if you did. I arrive at that hour unless you hear to the contrary.
I have several busy nights ahead, and now that the news is spreading, have many pleasant greetings exchanged.
My brother is much pleased, just as I had anticipated. He thinks so much of your mother and sisters too. Well your dad and Abe will simply have to be home next time.
Probably by Wednesday our maps will be in proof form. I almost hate to think what mine will be like. And following out another idea, Mr. Keen asked me just when we were coming to Shelton. What do you think I told him? And this morning my mother asked me why I don't invite you down for a week end. That applies to the rest of the "fambly" too.
I never knew how wonderful life was, before. Last night when I said my prayer, you were the chief concern. The sun seems so warm, the days so pleasant, and the nights so refreshing, that all I want to make it a perfect, complete, and beautiful entirety, is you.
Well, dear, it's getting near six, so must move on.
Your Joe
Letter to the jeweler about Helen's ring.
September 25,1916.
Dear Cousin Sig:
To start with I want to thank you for the exquisite ring that you had made up. By George, I've always admired your taste, but this time, you broke all records and apparently outdid all your previous good work. The ring is certainly a work of art, just as you predicted; and you cannot begin to realize how glad I was not to interject any of my ideas, but to rely entirely upon your judgment.
You know that language was made to conceal thought; else I might be able to properly express my gratitude to you for your kindness. Still, you'd be twice as happy to hear of the fine things Helen is saying about you. As the Good Book said-she quotes-"by their deeds shall ye know them.”
I was very sorry not to be at the phone yesterday when you called, but Charles invited us out for the afternoon, and so missed your call. I am terribly sorry, but will make it up later.
Elbert Hubbard once said that the four sweetest words ever composed that brought the greatest joy to man's soul were these: "Enclosed please find, check.” It shall be my pleasure to sing that harmony to you if you will kindly send the bill, as in my present happiness, I’ve discovered that I did not take a memorandum of the exact amount you stated.
With kindest regards to Cousin Sallie, the children and yourself,
I am
Sincerely
The next letter will be September 26.
Enjoy the letter.
My darling,
Tempus fugit. Also pigeons. And mayhap as Myra says 'kittas', who wont have 'becksas'.
I spent all morning and part of the afternoon in Court, and have jut written a letter to Dr. Neumann thanking him for his good wishes and accepting an invitation to have dinner with them - you included. Was I correct in this?
Just so that you may feel assured that I've thanked Mr. Kronholtz properly I'm sending you a copy of my letter to him. My how I wish I could properly express my gratitude; but with your influence and inspiration, may, and undoubtedly, will improve.
Shush! I heard my brother talking about getting some samples of Patrician style of Community silverware for us to look over. I don't know how it will materialize, whether you will like it, I mean, but it listens mighty good.
All I've seen today in the line of animals are Collies. What's the idea?
Weren't Saturday and yesterday ideal days? It's pretty cold today, but have hopes of it getting warmer tomorrow.
I expect to leave for New York Wednesday afternoon arriving about 6:06 if that train is on time. I don't like to ask you to trouble yourself to meet me, but it sure would be grand if you did. I arrive at that hour unless you hear to the contrary.
I have several busy nights ahead, and now that the news is spreading, have many pleasant greetings exchanged.
My brother is much pleased, just as I had anticipated. He thinks so much of your mother and sisters too. Well your dad and Abe will simply have to be home next time.
Probably by Wednesday our maps will be in proof form. I almost hate to think what mine will be like. And following out another idea, Mr. Keen asked me just when we were coming to Shelton. What do you think I told him? And this morning my mother asked me why I don't invite you down for a week end. That applies to the rest of the "fambly" too.
I never knew how wonderful life was, before. Last night when I said my prayer, you were the chief concern. The sun seems so warm, the days so pleasant, and the nights so refreshing, that all I want to make it a perfect, complete, and beautiful entirety, is you.
Well, dear, it's getting near six, so must move on.
Your Joe
Letter to the jeweler about Helen's ring.
Dear Cousin Sig:
To start with I want to thank you for the exquisite ring that you had made up. By George, I've always admired your taste, but this time, you broke all records and apparently outdid all your previous good work. The ring is certainly a work of art, just as you predicted; and you cannot begin to realize how glad I was not to interject any of my ideas, but to rely entirely upon your judgment.
You know that language was made to conceal thought; else I might be able to properly express my gratitude to you for your kindness. Still, you'd be twice as happy to hear of the fine things Helen is saying about you. As the Good Book said-she quotes-"by their deeds shall ye know them.”
I was very sorry not to be at the phone yesterday when you called, but Charles invited us out for the afternoon, and so missed your call. I am terribly sorry, but will make it up later.
Elbert Hubbard once said that the four sweetest words ever composed that brought the greatest joy to man's soul were these: "Enclosed please find, check.” It shall be my pleasure to sing that harmony to you if you will kindly send the bill, as in my present happiness, I’ve discovered that I did not take a memorandum of the exact amount you stated.
With kindest regards to Cousin Sallie, the children and yourself,
I am
Sincerely
The next letter will be September 26.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
September 22, 1916 - You have excellent taste in using your judgement of selection of all things.
Well as you can see now with a commitment to marriage the tone of his letters have changed. From these two letters, written the same day, I sense that she had not yet met his family but he seemed well acquainted with hers.
Friday noon
My darling,
I felt somewhat like the cat that swallowed the canary this morning, when I recalled what a lovely disposition you had, and I teasing all the time. I really didn't intend to do it, but had been tired from a hard day's work, and you were so charming I couldn't resist the temptation. That's one of the multifarious reasons I love you.
That scarf pin is magnificent. My brother spotted it today and is delighted with it. He immediately called up Stella to tell her what an elegant pin I had received. The more I think of it, I believe I may have it set on a platinum ring for my little finger. What do you think? It is so brilliant and dainty in the sunlight that it merely corroborates my previous idea that you have excellent taste in using your judgement of selection of all things.
Doctor Rosen has gotten that letter for tomorrow and says the ring will be ready. Let's hope so. Notice the whole family is participating? Doctor was out autoing and took a spin to Stamford & so brought the letter.
My brother Charles may go to New York to a meeting and if so I'd like to have you meet him. He has a dinner engagement and returns on the midnight, but maybe we can get to him near six; I hope so.
I feel so good that I think I'll take a poor photo; good looking people never take good pictures. You know, so mine are bound to come out splendidly, and as usual yours will not suit you, but me - ah! that's different.
Lovingly,
Joe
Friday afternoon
My dear,
Special Bulletin #2
My mother - and soon yours too - has just called me up and said that while visiting Stella, she was told of the exquisite pin you gave me. And I have decided to keep it just as it is, because it is so dandy. Several fellows have remarked about it already. The more I see it, the better I like it - if that is possible, and I wish I could really tell you and your dear folks how delighted I was to receive it so unexpectedly. I can feebly thank them, but I know your capabilities and would appoint you as a committee on thanks to do it for me.
I've been tempted to write and couldn't resist so here you are. Tomorrow is a long way off isn't it dear? Good news - I may know tomorrow when I can take you here for a visit to get acquainted and that within a week or two. Some one said this will not be a severe winter. Great guns!
Your,
Joe
The next letter is September 25.
My darling,
I felt somewhat like the cat that swallowed the canary this morning, when I recalled what a lovely disposition you had, and I teasing all the time. I really didn't intend to do it, but had been tired from a hard day's work, and you were so charming I couldn't resist the temptation. That's one of the multifarious reasons I love you.
That scarf pin is magnificent. My brother spotted it today and is delighted with it. He immediately called up Stella to tell her what an elegant pin I had received. The more I think of it, I believe I may have it set on a platinum ring for my little finger. What do you think? It is so brilliant and dainty in the sunlight that it merely corroborates my previous idea that you have excellent taste in using your judgement of selection of all things.
Doctor Rosen has gotten that letter for tomorrow and says the ring will be ready. Let's hope so. Notice the whole family is participating? Doctor was out autoing and took a spin to Stamford & so brought the letter.
My brother Charles may go to New York to a meeting and if so I'd like to have you meet him. He has a dinner engagement and returns on the midnight, but maybe we can get to him near six; I hope so.
I feel so good that I think I'll take a poor photo; good looking people never take good pictures. You know, so mine are bound to come out splendidly, and as usual yours will not suit you, but me - ah! that's different.
Lovingly,
Joe
Friday afternoon
My dear,
Special Bulletin #2
My mother - and soon yours too - has just called me up and said that while visiting Stella, she was told of the exquisite pin you gave me. And I have decided to keep it just as it is, because it is so dandy. Several fellows have remarked about it already. The more I see it, the better I like it - if that is possible, and I wish I could really tell you and your dear folks how delighted I was to receive it so unexpectedly. I can feebly thank them, but I know your capabilities and would appoint you as a committee on thanks to do it for me.
I've been tempted to write and couldn't resist so here you are. Tomorrow is a long way off isn't it dear? Good news - I may know tomorrow when I can take you here for a visit to get acquainted and that within a week or two. Some one said this will not be a severe winter. Great guns!
Your,
Joe
The next letter is September 25.
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Sepeteber 18, 1916 - If she's your choice, you'll be happy.
Well Joe and Helen are engaged! Her birthday was September 17 and as best I can figure that is when they officially became engaged. Here is a loving letter he wrote sharing how he spread the good news. I have also included a letter he received from his speaking engagement that he gave at the Derby Grange.
Here are their engagement portraits and also her date book that mentions the engagement on September 17.
Helen just turned 23 on September 17.
Joe was 30 years old.
September 18, 1916
My darling,
Today was a wonderful day. In the morning, we received a letter from the Legal Department at Chicago of Armour in reply to our successful determination of a case in their favor, involving a tax question thus, among others.
"We wish to thank you very much for your efforts in the matter and for the very satisfactory manner in which you handled it. Will you kindly send your bill for services when we will remit."
The folks here are so happy too, that I realize that it's a reality and you're the cause of it all.
It's late, and I have a speaking date for tonight, so must hurry, but drop you "at least a line" as you say.
I told Mr. Keen today and he emotionally said "Joe, I'm sorry to loose you as a pal, but glad to get another friend. If she's your choice, you'll be happy, and don't forget, your friends are still expecting your company occasionally. It's great to think now that your a regular man."
Lots of love and kisses Your
Joe
N.B. Remember Shelton, Conn. in your announcement
Mr. Joseph S. Shapero, Att'y at law, Bridgeport, Conn.
Dear Mr. Shapero:—
I wish to take this opportunity of thanking you in behalf of the Shelton Grange for your most excellent address last Saturday evening. It will be remembered as one of the finest talks ever: delivered before our Grange.
Again thanking you, I am Yours very truly,
F.G. Shace
Well he did not get his name spelled correctly but that was a common problem.
A note of interest: Fifty-nine years after this happy occasion Joe died in Fairfield CT. They were married for 58 years.
The next letter is September 22.
Here are their engagement portraits and also her date book that mentions the engagement on September 17.
Here is Helen's date book marking her special day. 
September 18, 1916
My darling,
Today was a wonderful day. In the morning, we received a letter from the Legal Department at Chicago of Armour in reply to our successful determination of a case in their favor, involving a tax question thus, among others.
"We wish to thank you very much for your efforts in the matter and for the very satisfactory manner in which you handled it. Will you kindly send your bill for services when we will remit."
The folks here are so happy too, that I realize that it's a reality and you're the cause of it all.
It's late, and I have a speaking date for tonight, so must hurry, but drop you "at least a line" as you say.
I told Mr. Keen today and he emotionally said "Joe, I'm sorry to loose you as a pal, but glad to get another friend. If she's your choice, you'll be happy, and don't forget, your friends are still expecting your company occasionally. It's great to think now that your a regular man."
Lots of love and kisses Your
Joe
N.B. Remember Shelton, Conn. in your announcement
Mr. Joseph S. Shapero, Att'y at law, Bridgeport, Conn.
Dear Mr. Shapero:—
I wish to take this opportunity of thanking you in behalf of the Shelton Grange for your most excellent address last Saturday evening. It will be remembered as one of the finest talks ever: delivered before our Grange.
Again thanking you, I am Yours very truly,
F.G. Shace
Well he did not get his name spelled correctly but that was a common problem.
A note of interest: Fifty-nine years after this happy occasion Joe died in Fairfield CT. They were married for 58 years.
The next letter is September 22.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
September 14, 1916 - those three little words "I love you" are so full of affection
September 14, 1916
Helen dear,
Tonight a local p;playwright and friend of ours, is in charge of a Shakespearean Masque to be performed in one of the beautiful parks here. A large amphitheater has been constructed, and the folks have got a box; so I guess I'll go. Isn't it too bad that you aren't here to take it in? Never mind though, tickets for the Pageant in New Haven will be sent us soon, and you'll attend that. I don't know what time of the day it is; but eve if in the evening, you can get back to New York all right on the theatre trains that undoubtedly will run.
I am enclosing a clipping from tonight's paper describing a case I prosecuted on behalf of the State. It was the first trial of the Term, and I'm glad that I was successful.
Your letter was bully. I received it before I began the trial and it sure did buoy me up. Those clippings too are wonderful and then your wonderful affection certainly made the day complete for me.
I afraid I am unable to express my affection as eloquently as I should want to; but - those three little words "I love you" are so full of affection that I can't improve on them now. You know that motto at the head of Felix's editorials in the Fra. That's how I feel exactly.
I am about to prepare for my talk on Saturday night.
Sincerely,
Joe
The next letter will be on September 18.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
September 13, 1916 - Your letters were so refreshing
My dear,
I was very anxious to get a letter out for you, but you guessed correctly that Monday is a long day. Yesterday our Bnai Brith lodge opened for the season, and there were so many things to do to have an interesting beginning.
Court comes in this morning, and I'm down to the office early (7:30) to get things in shape so that I may be away all day.
Your letters were so refreshing and the cartoons so interesting that I'm still having a good smile. And oh! that fat man's article? I'll return it later, but I have a good place to use it first.
That Grange affair is Saturday night, without a doubt now. I spent some little time with the president, but Saturday evening is the only time they have set aside; so that's it, which means that I'll spend tonight and tomorrow night preparing my extemporaneous address.
On Sunday morning there is a train leaving here at 8:57 arriving in New York at 10:30 A.M. That's the one I'll take. Do you think you'll be able to get down to see it come in?
The clipping about Arliss' new play cast a little dullness over the rest of the letter. I had anticipated so much from the announcement, and more so because some girl friend of yours raved over it too.
What did you think of the returns from Maine? Doesn't that show how the political wind is blowing?
Gently call your father's attention to his remark that it would be a closer vote, to the real fact that it was overwhelmingly G.O.P.
This pen doesn't slide as easily as your new one, and the office "force" is beginning to arrive, so it looks like quitting time for writing.
I don't suppose you saw the Harvest moon last night. But it was a dandy. On arriving at my mother's there is the broad moonlight, on the couch hammock on the veranda, who do you suppose I found. Mrs. Tabby Kat and her five young ones, together with Tousny Kat and Lady Kat her other son and daughter, all named thus by Barnet.
Your Joe
The next letter is September 14.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Sepetmber 6, 1916 - Summer will be over - a shadowy memory.
This letter is an obvious follow up to the previous letter You will see that as you read about his weight. Things are starting to take shape in their relationship. This will be a busy September.
Wednesday the sixth
Helen dear,
I was more than surprised this morning to learn that you intended returning home so soon. Especially since you have been enjoying the rides so much, and receiving so many letters. Wont it feel rather strange when you take the "9:58 tomorrow morning." But your mother will not be surprised for you have just spoken to her on the phone.
I hope that you have completed packing your trunk, for it must be sent at once, and by Saturday, when you arrive home this "summer will be over - a shadowy memory." I'll bet you'll be glad to get home once again, to hear the old subway and see the Drive again, to say nothing of the Bus.
You probably think I'm out of my mind, eh? No, that is merely what I might have written last week; but since the letter you mailed last Friday only arrived late this afternoon, I couldn't answer it much sooner. Holy smokes, I'm not surprised at Nettie"s Passover card any more. I shall not be surprised sometime Thanksgiving to receive the letter you probably mailed yesterday.
By Jove, the mail man has just brought a letter from you, what do you think of that?
Yesterday, was a very busy day. Ans at night our lodge opened and naturally we had a big session. Today, in court all morning., and in the library with my brother to get up statistics for some campaign work. Tomorrow in court all day.
Somebody told me today I'm not fat. It was the elevator man in the City Hall, with whom I joke when I take a "lift," and he couldn't be convinced he was wrong. This cost me a couple of good cigars, because anybody who can seriously take his position and advance the arguments he did, is worth it. I brought him two of the best there "was" as he said.
Of course I didn't say anything about that ?*!+*!? train, that was almost an hour late in arriving. I haven't had time to read the Fra, but just in glancing at it, makes me think it's a good number. I'll read it on the way home tonight probably.
The phone just rang, and conveyed the cheerful information that the folks are waiting with their supper for me, so I'd better hike.
Do you recall the enclosures of your letter? I am herein enclosing a few like them, and if they seem too few, maybe I can scare up some more.
Your,
Joe
The next letter will be September 13
Helen dear,
I was more than surprised this morning to learn that you intended returning home so soon. Especially since you have been enjoying the rides so much, and receiving so many letters. Wont it feel rather strange when you take the "9:58 tomorrow morning." But your mother will not be surprised for you have just spoken to her on the phone.
I hope that you have completed packing your trunk, for it must be sent at once, and by Saturday, when you arrive home this "summer will be over - a shadowy memory." I'll bet you'll be glad to get home once again, to hear the old subway and see the Drive again, to say nothing of the Bus.
You probably think I'm out of my mind, eh? No, that is merely what I might have written last week; but since the letter you mailed last Friday only arrived late this afternoon, I couldn't answer it much sooner. Holy smokes, I'm not surprised at Nettie"s Passover card any more. I shall not be surprised sometime Thanksgiving to receive the letter you probably mailed yesterday.
By Jove, the mail man has just brought a letter from you, what do you think of that?
Yesterday, was a very busy day. Ans at night our lodge opened and naturally we had a big session. Today, in court all morning., and in the library with my brother to get up statistics for some campaign work. Tomorrow in court all day.
Somebody told me today I'm not fat. It was the elevator man in the City Hall, with whom I joke when I take a "lift," and he couldn't be convinced he was wrong. This cost me a couple of good cigars, because anybody who can seriously take his position and advance the arguments he did, is worth it. I brought him two of the best there "was" as he said.
Of course I didn't say anything about that ?*!+*!? train, that was almost an hour late in arriving. I haven't had time to read the Fra, but just in glancing at it, makes me think it's a good number. I'll read it on the way home tonight probably.
The phone just rang, and conveyed the cheerful information that the folks are waiting with their supper for me, so I'd better hike.
Do you recall the enclosures of your letter? I am herein enclosing a few like them, and if they seem too few, maybe I can scare up some more.
Your,
Joe
The next letter will be September 13
Saturday, September 3, 2016
September 3, 1916 - There was a certain cold spring in the lake of friendship that was remarkable.
Here is a very interesting long letter that Joe wrote Helen after visiting her at camp. As you will see from here on the letters will be more frequent.
Wednesday the third (Really Sunday the third)
Dear Helen,
Of course you wont (will not is too correct) mind the paper! The exclamation mark shows my own surprise at such language. It is all I have at hand just now. It is the kind we make drafts of arguments, pleadings and notes on; and having finished some work thought I'd take a moment to drop a line. Bite?
Do you recall anything I said while in Wingdale? Possibly you noticed the prolonged and vociferous silence I maintained. Pauline did and told me so; in fact, asked about it. But of course I did say a word now and then. I was trying out Lincoln's thought of being a fluent listener. And one of those words were that I did not get a chance to talk to you hardly at all. Remember that?
And while I think of it, it strikes me as if you were not over generous with your expression of ideas. Can it be that you were taking the same exercise? Or was it that you put on the brakes - called "maidenly reserve" in one of your letters once - and were running on low gear? I cannot account for it, try as I might. There was a certain cold spring in the lake of friendship that was remarkable. I thought I detected it as I swam around in the warm hospitality so generously extended to me; and imagined how surprised or startled (I can't say which) I was when I heard a couple of women - at the giving of Schless metals (spelled advisedly) - pass the remark - not aware that I was drinking in the conversation - that it was "odd how cool she treats that Shapiro after he came so far to see her." You remember I told you I had inadvertently overheard some gossip. But what surprised me was what they meant by cool. What did they expect? And why should they expect or suspect anything? To be sure Albert had been there prior to my arrival, and perhaps comparing anything to his display of affection, anything would be frigid. This conversation had taken place - if you can recall it - at the time you were sitting "high on the seat of royal state" in the window of the alleged ballroom while I was down below and asked you to go out for a stroll, which request fell flat. And such a line of talk by people who are trying to obtain the right to vote was only one of the reasons for my suggestion to go out.
Never having been a physician, and with no intentions of studying for one, I am a poor hand at diagnosing. And so, as we say in law, I have sort of reserved decision - whatever that means.
But if there was any frigidity present, even then I can account for it. And it's all my fault. There is no one else to blame. And what is more, I had fair warning of the fate that would come. And I did not use steel cars, so to speak, to prevent the trouble. I should have expected it from what was told me long ago. For I recall once upon a raw and gusty day, Caesar said to me 'darest thou Cassius leap. Say what am I trying to do rehearse Shakesfellow?, as I said I recall once you said, when I was down to about 120 and was sailing South for a little health, in wishing me bon voyage to acquire all the health I could, but not to gain too much weight, you added "I don't like fat men." I wish I had that letter so I could quote it all. And so I say, having disobeyed your admonitions and come to Wingdale with 160 pounds wearing white socks and your favorite red tie, I should have known what was in store for me.
I have been to Hartford, and return early tomorrow morning again to continue. I had this in my system and thought it time to get it out.
I was very much surprised to hear that you had not received The Philistine, especially when you wanted it, and it was promised you. Will you overlook anything that has been said that might sound "crool", and accept it from another friend, who will try to make good his promise? All right, I thought you might. So I have today notified Elbert to put you on his mailing list for a year. And noticed in one of his ads that with the subscription, he also gives a bound copy of "A Message to Garcia." I have instructed him to send that to you also - you can't get enough of the good stuff. I might have done this sooner, aye, I thought of it, but feared that I'd be intruding on another's prerogative - *ob das meint etwas. Hope you have a good time at Coney Island tonight.
Sincerely,
Joe
* Means If that means something.
He was really workingthis experience.
The next letter is September 6.
Dear Helen,
Of course you wont (will not is too correct) mind the paper! The exclamation mark shows my own surprise at such language. It is all I have at hand just now. It is the kind we make drafts of arguments, pleadings and notes on; and having finished some work thought I'd take a moment to drop a line. Bite?
Do you recall anything I said while in Wingdale? Possibly you noticed the prolonged and vociferous silence I maintained. Pauline did and told me so; in fact, asked about it. But of course I did say a word now and then. I was trying out Lincoln's thought of being a fluent listener. And one of those words were that I did not get a chance to talk to you hardly at all. Remember that?
And while I think of it, it strikes me as if you were not over generous with your expression of ideas. Can it be that you were taking the same exercise? Or was it that you put on the brakes - called "maidenly reserve" in one of your letters once - and were running on low gear? I cannot account for it, try as I might. There was a certain cold spring in the lake of friendship that was remarkable. I thought I detected it as I swam around in the warm hospitality so generously extended to me; and imagined how surprised or startled (I can't say which) I was when I heard a couple of women - at the giving of Schless metals (spelled advisedly) - pass the remark - not aware that I was drinking in the conversation - that it was "odd how cool she treats that Shapiro after he came so far to see her." You remember I told you I had inadvertently overheard some gossip. But what surprised me was what they meant by cool. What did they expect? And why should they expect or suspect anything? To be sure Albert had been there prior to my arrival, and perhaps comparing anything to his display of affection, anything would be frigid. This conversation had taken place - if you can recall it - at the time you were sitting "high on the seat of royal state" in the window of the alleged ballroom while I was down below and asked you to go out for a stroll, which request fell flat. And such a line of talk by people who are trying to obtain the right to vote was only one of the reasons for my suggestion to go out.
Never having been a physician, and with no intentions of studying for one, I am a poor hand at diagnosing. And so, as we say in law, I have sort of reserved decision - whatever that means.
But if there was any frigidity present, even then I can account for it. And it's all my fault. There is no one else to blame. And what is more, I had fair warning of the fate that would come. And I did not use steel cars, so to speak, to prevent the trouble. I should have expected it from what was told me long ago. For I recall once upon a raw and gusty day, Caesar said to me 'darest thou Cassius leap. Say what am I trying to do rehearse Shakesfellow?, as I said I recall once you said, when I was down to about 120 and was sailing South for a little health, in wishing me bon voyage to acquire all the health I could, but not to gain too much weight, you added "I don't like fat men." I wish I had that letter so I could quote it all. And so I say, having disobeyed your admonitions and come to Wingdale with 160 pounds wearing white socks and your favorite red tie, I should have known what was in store for me.
I have been to Hartford, and return early tomorrow morning again to continue. I had this in my system and thought it time to get it out.
I was very much surprised to hear that you had not received The Philistine, especially when you wanted it, and it was promised you. Will you overlook anything that has been said that might sound "crool", and accept it from another friend, who will try to make good his promise? All right, I thought you might. So I have today notified Elbert to put you on his mailing list for a year. And noticed in one of his ads that with the subscription, he also gives a bound copy of "A Message to Garcia." I have instructed him to send that to you also - you can't get enough of the good stuff. I might have done this sooner, aye, I thought of it, but feared that I'd be intruding on another's prerogative - *ob das meint etwas. Hope you have a good time at Coney Island tonight.
Sincerely,
Joe
The next letter is September 6.
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