October 30, 1916 - Shall I tell you all or a part of the nice things that I've been hearing . . .

Ending the busy month of October Joe's family and Helen's family have met. Joe certainly had a busy work schedule.

Monday afternoon about six.

My dear:

It is just about time to start for supper, and in view of what I'll tell you in a moment, you'11 see that this is a good time to write.

I have just returned from Court, having spent the whole day there on one case that had to be adjourned to Friday at two, because unfinished. And as I was thinking a minute ago that I should probably make arrangements to find time to go to New York tomorrow night, I received a card from Shelton that tomorrow night a special meeting has been called of our lodge, requiring my special attendance. Tomorrow morning I will argue the first case to be taken up by the Supreme Court, and that win probably take till one o'clock. In the afternoon, I think I'll take an hour's review of some reading matter and get some data for an address for the evening.

Wednesday morning two oases are assigned in the Court of Common Pleas before two different Judges, so that the prospects that at least one will be tried, and either of the two down on the list are good for the day. That evening, don't get peevish, I was informed this morning, has been set aside for a get together gathering of the candidates on our ticket to prepare for a large rally to be held, and I have been requested to come prepared with a few suggestions. The personal pronoun is getting so prominent in this letter that you'll think Teddy is writing to you, but you said you wanted me to tell you what I am doing this week.

Thursday morning I have a case set down in the Court of Common Pleas that will probably take the morning; and that night the Association of Credit men here hold their annual banquet at The Stratfield etc. By the way did I tell you that I was appointed a member of the National Committee on Legislation and also of the National Committee on the Investigation and Prosecution of certain classes of violations of the National Association of Credit Men?

Friday morning of course is devoted to the various Courts in making assignments and disposing of motions etc. and in the afternoon, the adjourned case of to-day to be resumed.

This is not an apology. It is a cold recital now of the week as I face it. And I look to the East with a smiling face, inspired by the fact that I know that you will too be very happy to hear it.
I'll finish this to-night after supper. So long temporarily

Here I am again. At this time I am enclosing a cartoon from your favorite paper, that undoubtedly will make that dimple of yours show itself as you smile. And perhaps the girls would enjoy it too.

I suppose you will say or think that I ought to have of all these appointments last night; but the only one that was set then was that for Thursday and of course that was not in the way at all. This would be a good time to put the proposition squarely up to you, what would you do under like conditions? Very naturally if I dared say that I might think of getting away Friday night, you’d simply laugh yourself to sleep over it, so that might better be left unsaid. Oh yes, somebody said that this was the last week before the election.

You might be interested-this to change the subject for a moment-to learn that Stella has collected either nearly or over $200.00 for Baby Day, as I understand it. And I have been informed that I was lucky to have handed over my dollar before Sunday; get me?

Shall I tell you all or a part of the nice things that I've been hearing to-day about the folks' trip to New York? Where shall I begin to start to open the commencement? Should it be with the nice things said of your dad, or the complimentary remarks about your mother, or the sweet things about Florence, the dainty comments on Lillie, the pleasant statements about Abe, or the lovely ravings about your­self? And would you be interested to know that the folks look for­ward to the nineteenth?

It would be fine if I could get away to see you some day this week; and perhaps after I've mailed this letter I may feel sorry that I told you of these plans so early; but as you said, you like to be kept informed all the time of what is going on. Still, you have seen how the last minute good seats can be obtained some times and so perhaps events may shape themselves to permit a little journey to the big City some afternoon. Oh boy, if that chance only gets within hailing distance.

The folks came back in record time, and were safely in bed at an extremely early hour considering the long trip.

This afternoon Barnet and the kidlets had a party, and you should have heard Myra tell about it. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that you should have seen her tell of it, for I could name every dish she fed her dress to.

And out of all this talk I haven't told you that I had a dandy time too. And just like a spring shower, when the sun comes out and drives away the clouds and the moisture has made the flowers smile and show their beauty, so you were last night. A motion has been made and seconded to cut out pinochle. The ayes have it.

With heap much love-a la Indian talk, I am
Your Joe

The next letter is November 15.

October 26, 1916 - What do you think of the new stationary?

As you may have noticed Joe used the stationary from when his brother Meyer was alive up until today. He was not one to waste good paper and at that time it would have been thought of as a waste to throw away quality paper. Here is his new stationary that he must have been very proud of. It is also a bigger sheet. More room to write!

Thursday noon
My dear,

What do you think of the new stationary? You certainly are a bright girl. How quickly you discovered the change in tone last night.

It was due to the fact that in the midst of our pleasant chat, several people came into the office walked deliberately into my room and started all kinds of things.
I told you I had been retained as associate counsel, and that I came back to the office to examine the papers to familiarize myself with the facts, and that I had an appointment to meet the parties  and go over the situation.

Well, they landed just at the most inopportune time, and began "laying me out" because my wire had been busy, and they had tried to reach me on an important matter earlier and couldn't, and of course I had to be pleasant and listen to them while talking to you.

I'm glad that you didn't hear what I told them after I hung up, for butting in; but that didn't help you did it?

I've tried one case today, and am waiting to be reached in another. There are five still for me to try on this week's list, but will be lucky to dispose of two of them.

It's near two o'clock and I must return so wont bother to start a new sheet.
I'll write tonight, knowing then more about my engagements for the morrow.

Love to all, and of course to you.

Your,
Joe

The next letter is on October 30.

October 18, 1916 - The election is but a few weeks away and must receive some consideration.

It is fascinating how Joe's life 100 years ago was paralleling our life today - politically speaking.

Wednesday noon

My dear,

How did I laugh at those cartoons that you sent me. Still I don't quite know just on whom the laugh should be, if you try to reconcile Briggs and Goldberg. But one mystery is solved. Know what it is? We often wondered just why at this time Goldberg should be drawing engagement and marriage pictures, and mother-in-law stuff and all that. But the cat has jumped out of the bag. He is going to be or is already married.*

I had an idea that I'd be in New York this week, but no. Our Supreme Court convenes Tuesday and with several cases to argue, I thought I'd be fully prepared. And in addition, every night thus far I have been out doing very important fraternal work that simply had to be attended to at this time.
It doesn't make it so terrible, because you'll be here Friday afternoon, does it dear?

I'm working on that Shelton matter with full steam on, but the prosperity of New England has been the cause of everything being occupied. However, I have gotten good seats at 8:20, and an beginning to wonder whether that was any criterion.

Did I tell you that Barnet started in the public schools Monday morning? He did, and he is just delighted.

And of course you'll be glad to learn that Charles and Stella have gotten several nice patterns in silverware for our selections. So come prepared to make some choice, if any there be that meet your approval.

I have been unusually occupied with many matters outside of the profession. Besides the election is but a few weeks away and must receive some consideration.
But, you'll be here a day after tomorrow arriving 4:25. If you're downtown step in and get a Pullman seat. And you bet I'll be anxiously waiting. Another load of love.

Your
Joe

* Rube Goldberg married Irma Seeman on October 17, 1916.

The next letter is October 26.

October 16, 1916 - The fact that you have a cold bothered me today

Once Joe made the commitment to marriage he started to move fast to prepare for a life with his bride. He set out to look for a home and get everything in order. He always was a very organized man.

Monday afternoon

My sweetheart,

Can you guess the first thing I did this morning in Shelton? You are right, I looked up Mr. Keen and inquired about his inquiries regarding a habitat. There are three new single buildings just being constructed, in the South End - so called - but he thought they were sold as fast as they were commenced; tho he would make it a point to find out at once.

I have an appointment there tomorrow ans I'll try to look the situation over a little myself, to see what's what and why.

A rather fine gentleman here, saw me this afternoon, and congratulated me. He said that on his way out west last week he read about it in the New York Herald. He is a fine fellow just about my age. I guess he must have been jollying when he asked me if "she has any sisters like herself; for I'd like a girl that would suit your taste or a sister of such."

I consider that quite a compliment, yet modestly admit the truth of the allegation.

The fact that you have a cold bothered me today, for I couldn't tell whether you were getting over it. I wouldn't want you to suffer for anything in the world, nor would I want you ever to have an unpleasant moment.

That brief is in the printer's possession already and I expect proofs tomorrow.
I haven't had much time to figure out just how to entertain you when you arrive but maybe we'll run over to Stamford Sunday or Monday night, what say you? Naturally, we'll go to Shelton, too, and I'd just teem with joy, if something in the way of a house turned up meanwhile.

I'll see the kidlets tonight, and you know how happy that makes me. I do wish you were here too, to get in on the fun. Aren't you glad you will not go to the Palace next Sunday? But then, Polis is on the map. With four loads of love

I am your Joe

The next letter is October 18.

October 11, 1916 - The love you give away is the only love you keep.

Joe is getting more affectionate every letter.

Wednesday night
My darling,

I have just completed showing Stella how to carry on a set of books, as she is Treasurer of the Local Milk Station. It's great fun really, for by pointing out the way, we find it ourselves.
That's just like love, the love you give away is the only love you keep. So said Elbert and guess he knew.

This afternoon, I met a friend of the family, a young married woman, who calls on Stella frequently, and whose daughter Barnet entertained a day or so ago, and she heartily congratulated me. She then told me - shall I tell you the nice things?

She told me how fortunate it was that I was getting such an intelligent, accomplished, and charming girl. She admired your sunny disposition, your vocal and instrumental accomplishments, and hoped that she could meet you soon, as she heard so many lovely things about you.
Of course, said she, when she meets you, she'll tell you all about me, but wouldn't tell me a thing.

I am terribly sorry that I couldn't get away to New York. But I have explained that. I shall try to get to New York tomorrow and things look favorably in that direction. Of course, if anything unexpectedly turns up, to interfere, I'll let you know, but hope I don't have to.

I am terribly anxious to see you. Time is fleeting in business, but when I'm alone for a second, I want to have you near, and it seems so long from one Saturday to the other.

Charles & Stella are going out for awhile, and I'll stay in and read.

Your loving
Joe

The next letter is October 16.

October 4, 1916 - I am a lawyer and engaged to be married - am I doing right?

Here is a letter that has a couple clippings. Fun and newsy.

Wednesday
Dear Helen,

I've been thinking so much about Wednesday that I've headed this letter incorrectly.
What I wanted to say was that both of my cases in the Supreme Court are down for Thursday morning; what think you of that?

Even so, if I can possibly get away tomorrow afternoon, I'll do it, but of course that looks rather doubtful/

Your letter this morning was a dandy. It was so refreshing and cheerful; and of course affectionate.
One clipping in particular gripped my attention. It was the story of the little boy. How real it seemed, and with no difficulty at all, did I unconsciously substitute a few characters for the ones mentioned. Those are the things dreams are made of. And how responsive the must the affection be in you to be impressed with that story. Of course I know it is; but that is merely another expression of it.

By way of a change I am enclosing a couple of clippings I've taken from tonight's papers. They take the other side. And when I read them they had the same effect on me as Willie Howard's "by golly there goes the cigar."

My mother had so many sweet things to tell me last night about you and today again she was at it. It is simply wonderful what an affection has sprung up and it's the same over at Charles' house.
As you surmised, tonight is Bnai Brith night, and I am writing this at Charles' immediately after supper.

I have nice things to tell you, but must get the rest of them from several people you met at Temple and then I'll tell you all. The particularly were impressed by your intellectual appearance, as one said it, and your charming manner, according to another. So far, they all think you are extremely charming, and the more they know you, the more they will be impressed.
And I know also that when it comes to being a dandy girl, you'll far surpass their fondest expectations. Love and kisses in heaps to you, and a few for the folks.

Your,
Joe

 The next letter is October 11

October 2, 1916 - I now know what real happiness is

Here is a nice long latter Joe wrote to Helen right after she traveled to Connecticut to meet his family.
His affections are beginning to be more visible.

Monday evening.
My darling:

To-night is very lonely. I have considerable to do at the office to prepare for tomorrow evening, but I cannot get it out of my mind that you were here only a few moments ago, and have gone back home. And as I write this very minute the Salva­tion Army is passing down below on the street trumpeting their discordant sounds, again recalling the incident when we passed them last night on Main Street.
Do you notice several erasures already? Well, my hands are trying to keep pace with the thoughts as they crowd themselves, and sometimes, like the railroad, I am several hours late at the terminals. Which reminds me to ask whether you arrived safely. Your letter in the morning undoubtedly will explain that. Of course, you are aware that you were in the presence of a honey­mooning party to New York. I am just a bit curious whether you gathered any statistics, or discovered any interesting incidents. I might add that the train to New Haven brought me in touch with a similar party, but the trip was too short, and the party too demon­strative in public, for me to narrate all that occurred.
As you may well imagine, the topic at the dinner table this evening related to one subject, or should I say person? Your ears must have been very itchy, if superstitions count for anything. It would have done your heart good to have heard the beautiful compliments passed regarding yourself.

And it will please you to know how anxious everybody here is to have the 21st get around so that you can return again to this town. Even Lucile asked where Aunt Helen went to, and Barnet wanted to know why you went home. As he put it “l thought she was goin to be with you, Uncle Joe, why did you send her away, so soon?" But Lucile saved the day by answering that you would come back very soon, next Ecksmas to her birfday.   Of course Myra was getting in a word edgeways occasionally too.

This letter must be a sight, the spaces are running into each other, the words are crowding themselves; but as I have told you I want to tell you so many things all at once that it is difficult to keep the machine in tow.

To-night I learned, upon my return from New Haven that the case set down in Court for tomorrow has been adjourned for a week, because several witnesses on the other side cannot get here, and counsel have requested a continuance.   That will leave the morning open for other things; and now I wish that you had stayed over so that you might get acclimated here.   However, the time is short when the Pageant will be on hand, and then you'll be here for a couple of days, nicht war? (not true)

Dear, I miss you so much. How I am looking forward for the arrival of Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It certainly is a happy New Year for me, and as my friends here well say, I am a lucky fellow. I wish I had the clipping from the Telegram for to-night. There is always a good cartoon, especially the one about if we said what we thought, but we don't. I'm not interested in any part of it, except where the fellow says to his bachelor friend, upon learning of his engagement, that he always knew he was a lucky chap, that he was going to wait till he got the best there was, and he did. As the farmer would then express it, "them's my sentiments." And the thing that makes me all the more happy, and proud too, of you, is the fact that the folks invariably, are so much in love with you. You haven't any idea what a hold you have taken here, and how glad they were to find you just as you are.

But I must save some of the good things I heard for a more auspicious occasion.

My dear, I now know what real happiness is, for I am in love with a darling girl, who reciprocates it most affectionately. I don't dare start this topic here, for fear that I will commence a little journey to the home of a great lover. You know what I mean, don’t you? With lots of love and kisses, till Friday, when I can deliver them just the way you like them most,

I am
Your
Joe

The next letter is October 4.