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.

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.