January 31, 1917 - The tail is longer than the cat.

Here is the last letter in January and charming and witty as always.

Wednesday noon.

Dearie:

The girls are out for lunch, and I am all alone in the office at present. What's the idea that you are not here more often anyway, huh? Of course you will blame me and say that if I want you here, it is up to me to have you come; I know all that.

I expect to go to Shelton this afternoon, and may be able to get some good news of progress; at least I am optimistic enough to feel that way just now.

I am kind of sorry that you are to be out calling to­night, for I would really have gone to New York to see you. This is a rather peculiar week in that I have all my evenings free but since Charles and also perhaps Stella leave for Buffalo Friday night I should not think of going away then. Still I will get to New York Saturday night, and stay till Sunday, so it is not so *gefaerlich, is it?
One of the phone connections is not   working just as it should, and one of the men is about to come in and take down the whole apparatus, so at a more opportune time I'll write again.

Clara gave me a big smile to-day, when she told me that "I got a letter from Helen, but you didn't, what do you think of that?" And oh, yes, mother had your picture and Stella's framed in pretty thin gold frames, and where do you suppose she will hang them?   I haven't talked to Tommy yet, so do not know.

With lots of love and a couple of those mental kisses that you have become so adept at sending lately,
I am Your
Joe

N.B.   Just as I was about to seal your letter, I received an invitation to attend a banquet of the Shelton Fire Department tomorrow night, and in all probability, if present will be called on for a few words. That takes up at least one evening before Saturday.

Of course, next Tuesday is the big time at Hartford, and I'll be there Tuesday night, Wednesday and Thursday, returning Thursday evening. Tuesday night we have the annual banquet. A short time later we have our Bar banquet, and shortly after our Bnai Brith Ball at the Stratfield. By the way, may I have the pleasure of your presence and presents that evening? I did not know whether to formally invite you or not, but do so for fear you might get a previous bid-if you dare.
The tail is longer than the cat; so the postscript is longer than the letter.

*gefaerlich Dangerous in German

The next letter is February 1

January 29, 1917 - With a couple of car loads of love.

Here is a brief note from Joe and he manages to throw in a humorous line at the end playing around with French. That was a way he teased Helen.

Monday
Dearest,

Well, I actually received a letter from you this P.M. I have already written to my uncle Julius (George J.) 2997 Third Ave. as you requested. Ask for him or his son Henry when you call.

Tell me what those tickets are so that I may remit at once.

This is a short note, simply answering that I've complied with your request.

Clara is still home, so you know how things are. I'll write later, but am too busy now.
This is not only the shortest, but the scribliest letter I ever wrote you, nest say pa or ma, as you please.

With a couple of car loads of love I am
Your
Joe

January 26, 1917 - I'm writing with a pen that works more like a potato masher

Here is the promised letter from the letter Joe wrote earlier in the day. Funny and charming as usual. With new expressions of Joe's to learn.

Thursday night

My darling,

About eight tonight I spoke to your mother and was informed that you had gone to Freeport for the night with Pauline. I was quite tempted to call you; but thought that in the event that you might be to theatre or out calling, and on your return learned that Bridgeport wanted you, it might give you a chance to worry or puzzle what's up.

So I stayed in the office till near ten, and then received a call from Charles that they had company and to come over and help entertain. And I'm here now. Stella and Nat are now singing in duet.
And I'm writing with a pen that works more like a potato masher, if you know what that is.
"Ye gads it doth amaze me" as Willie Shakespeare would have explained.
(Julius Caesar Act 1, Scene 2)

Company has just left, and the girls are still at music, oh music, what crimes are committed in thy name! I heard a high G just now. Zowie, that's all I dare say on paper.
As I still anticipate, I shall leave on the 7:40 A.M. Saturday morning arriving about 9:15 or so; and have two appointments, then have the day for myself, no I guess not, for you I mean.

So, *efsher, we might have lunch dun tun and take in a matinee, and this eliminates the need or desire that you have to go to theatre Saturday nights. How about it?
It doesn't matter much when I mail this for you wont return home till late tomorrow (Friday) anyway.

So, dearie, I am making good my threat earlier in the day, **viz; to write again. I haven't done so as often as i wished or thought of you, nay, not even half or a tithe of the number of times I spoke about you.

With love,

I am Your
Joe

*efsher is Yiddish for maybe or perhaps
** viz. in other words

The next letter is January 28

January 25, 1917 - Education is the only thing once you have, you cannot lose.

Here is a quick note with what looks like a change in plans. Joe invites his brother and sister in law to Helen's for dinner. And he gives free advise about Helen's 17 year old sister, Lillie.

Thursday
My darling,

Good news, listen! Charles & Stella will attend some affair Saturday night and another Sunday morning, and I have taken the "Chutzbah" to invite them to your house for dinner. They at first demurred, saying they wanted to get home,because they go to Buffalo the following week, but I think I have persuaded them to stay for dinner and they can return around four or so.

Nat returns today; and I don't know what new plans Stella has for Sunday, but am now writing on what I know at this sitting.

Bad news, listen! Clara has been home for two days with a bad cold, and the doctor told her to stay in a couple of days. But she is feeling pretty good at that, yet you know how that ties us up at the office. The new girl is doing very well, and that is some relief; of course, just now.

I don't know whether you'll believe it, but I felt rather blue last night when in Seymour, because I know just where I should have been and wanted to be too. And tonight, I'd like to just reach out and grab you, roughly as perhaps it seems, but you know I'm no Romeo, and I guess Dr. Crane's article this morning on the heredity of our ancestral instincts occasionally breaks out.

Several years ago, if I had occupied the same relation, I might have become agitated at the idea of Lillie's leaving school. But not now. Why should it give me any real concern, since I wasn't asked about it, nor should I have been. Personally I think it a pity that in the only nation in the world where one can get a liberal education free of charge, in the best schools possible, with every convenience to throw it lightly away. Education is the only thing once you have, you cannot lose. It is the only thing that differentiates the strata of society, money and influence not withstanding.

But why moralize. You've got the right idea, and so has your mother. That makes me happy, to think that we agree on such vital matters.

I must hurry out on a call.. Will write tonight.
Lovingly,
Joe

The next letter is January 26

January 23, 1917 - I know that you have been waiting for my letter

Here is letter which shows how busy Joe's life was becoming. Lots of work is good for a young man planning to marry.

Tuesday

My darling,

I know that you have been waiting for my letter, but several matters arose that made me delay. In the first place, I am actually negotiating about a house, and expected to have some positive information today, but deem it best to write now, tho I haven't heard yet.

This noon Mayor Keen came to Bridgeport to see me and stated that he was informed by one of the prominent Seymour men that they would like to retain me to advise them regarding a borough form of government, that a special town meeting was called for Wednesday night in Seymour, and that they would like to have me present. That puts a spike into my New York trip. I know that you will say how about Thursday etc. Not only that night, but our Board of Alderman are to have a special meeting Friday night, and the Mayor suggested that I attend also. However, I have made two engagements for Saturday morning at 7:40 arriving in New York about 9:15, probably complete my work by noon, and then be free. How's that?

The case that I was to try this morning was settled, my opponent paying up just before I got started. I have another for tomorrow and still another for Thursday all ready for trial.

If it wasn't that Aunt Nat returns here Thursday I'd talk of having you come down; but then, you said yourself that the more you see of me, the lonesomer you are when I leave. At lease you won't be lonesome Thursday morning, if that is any consolation for my inability to get to New York. And say, I think it's lucky we couldn't get tickets for Friday.

You know dear, my week so far has been very pleasant having had a really quiet and good time Sunday in Mount Vernon. And I think how nice it worked out that we had an auto trip back to the city and your home.

Last night Charles installed the officers of the Ladies Hebrew Aid Society of the Temple, and among whom Stella is vice-president. Isn't that quite interesting. I wonder how my darling would feel if she were thus honored, huh? By the office I mean, not the installation, of course.
It is rather difficult for me to write this way. But the typewriters are busy, and this is the best at present. I hope you can read the hieroglyphics.

By the bye, how is Lill-yan? When I say it my mouth should be near my left ear.
The Sheriff and several Sheltonites inquired what that "pretty girl of yourn" is coming to town.

One lady actually asked me for your full name as she wanted to propose you for membership in some lodge, I don't know which; but I wouldn't tell her, for I think I'll go rather carefully on booking up your evenings elsewhere than home, what do you say?

With lots of love I am
Your,
Joe

The next letter is January 25

January 16, 1917 - Briefs to carry in my noodle.

The title of this post suggest that Joe worked to remember what he had to say in court. He did have a photographic memory, so that was not as hard for him as it would have been for someone else. I do not think he had any concept of not being able to remember everything.

Tuesday

My darling
The case in which I am interested before the Supreme Court are assigned for tomorrow, and I begin at ten o'clock. That gives me this day to attend to other things. In accordance with your wishes, in the same mail as your letter, I received notice of a decision in our favor. I will not write you tomorrow, for you know that being in New Haven with briefs to carry in my noodle, and also Thursday, there probably will not be time to write; but of course you never can tell. However that should not prevent you from doing so should you feel inclined that way.

There is no question now in my mind out that I will be in New York Friday evening, and will stay over till Sunday as usual, with this exception, that I must leave on the 11:15. It’s too much of  a  strain to pull into Bridgeport around two o'clock and be ready for Court the next morning at nine, necessitating my getting up about six; and I know that you will think favorably of my taking the 11:15 as of yore.
Also bear in mind that I do not expect you at the depot, for perhaps I will hop off at 125th Street and thus get to you earlier than by the down town route I am so accustomed to.

As I recall it, the minstrel show is Saturday night, is that nicht war? And I really did not care whether it was formal or not this time, for I will wear that fools dress suit three times this week, so another would make little difference. In fact I will have to don him to-night at a lodge function, again tomorrow night, and again Thursday, at the banquet of the Derby Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade at which Mayor Kneen will preside as president.

Time do move-as the darky says it- for here we are in the middle of January, and besides I am on the road to old age.

Charles just called and asked me to go on an errand for him, that will take a good part of the afternoon, before the work is completed, so will give you the rest you are entitled to at once.

With heaps of love and kisses,
I am Your
Joe

The next letter will be January 23.

Janusry 15, 1916 - "had a wonderful opportunity to see the sun rise through snow laden clouds."

Looks like they engaged couple is getting gifts - Enjoy this letter.

Monday afternoon about six.

Dearest girl:

I am very curious to know just how you are feeling to-day, after the family discussion on how to bring up a family, or if put in proper language, why everybody should mind their own business and not but in.

I arrived about two, and was on the car this morning at seven, so had a wonderful opportunity to see the sun rise through snow laden clouds that have finally begun to unload themselves, and before morning, I fear, there will be a large walk to clear. Ha, ha, that may help to reduce that *embonpoint, if that is what prevents me from dancing a la Vernon Castle.

Listen girlie, D. M. Read's just called me and asked for the name of "your fiancé". So I told the man. He asked the address. Even with my green eyes I didn't get jealous, but a bit curious. So he said that several days ago, they on the orders of Mrs. Dolgoff sent something to you but Adams Express could not locate it-the address. Finally when I gave it, he discovered that it was shipped to 54 West 111th Street, 5 F, and there is no "sich animeel”. He immediately wrote that it was 545, and maybe Wednes­day you will receive it. Strictly confidential, I understand it is a sewing table, whatever that is. If I knew anything about household bric-a-brac I might be able to describe an eclipse, but being in dense ignorance cannot tell any more about it now. Perhaps your next letter will describe it to me.

The new steno arrived this morning on schedule time, and for the first day did very nicely. Her manner indicates that she seems suited to her duties, and she has made some impression on Clara so that if the two girls agree, and can get out the work, our troubles in that direction are at least solved. Here's hoping the next day is the sane. It was rather refreshing to be able to dictate to a girl and get on paper exactly what you said hours before, And in a manner that looked readable. What was that you said about euphonious names, with the accent on phony?

The Supreme Court of the State convenes in New Haven tomorrow, and with several cases on, will probably be there for a couple of days, returning to Bridgeport in the afternoons to keep up with my office work as much as possible. I wish that you were here, because you could accompany me on my journey and by your presence (not presents) inspire me to put forth my best efforts, such as they are, instead of my being content with a few pages of your writing.

Charles and Stella leave Bridgeport for Buffalo on Friday February 2nd, and return the following Monday night. In the meantime they will take a side trip to the Falls, and also to East Aurora. Upon their return I leave for Hartford to be away to a convention three days, returning in time to be in New York. Oh yes, I heard rumors of something good in Shelton to-day, but I'm on my old manners now, and wont say a word till I'm positive.

With stacks of love and a submarine boat full of kisses
I am Yours,
Joe
I almost forgot to sign, See over
Barnet called this afternoon and asked me if I was coming home for supper. He asked me if I saw you yesterday and if so what did you say, and when are you coming again and all about it. And all the time I could hear that little shaver Myra mumbling - about a sentence behind Barnet.

*embonpoint means the plump or fleshy part of a person's body.

The next letter is January 16. 

January 11, 1917 - Dearie, I am so lonesome today. Why, in heaven's name did you go back?

Almost half way thru a letter packed month. It looks like Helen was making plans for her wedding dress with her dressmaker.

January 11, 1917
My dearest lil girl,

I was so sorry not to have been able to accompany you to the depot this morning, but you know just how it occurred. At the High School, in the presence of the entire commercial class, I had the privilege of speaking from 8:45 to 9:30.

Helen dear, I do actually wish you were present. Greeted by some teachers whom I haven't actually met for seventeen years, just imagine, who, as one said, was a little dark, punny boy in knee pants, with a large mass of flowing black hair, and now a man, no longer with the hair of old., but with a large mass of stomach, in a tailored suit, but still a boy, for isn't he just full of fun? Of course I told them a few stories, and that was the clincher, that made a hit.

As I stood in the center of the large stage of that very large auditorium, filled with students and a number standing, the air simply was alive with ideas. I started by kidding the teachers, there were several beautiful ones of the younger set; one came and she said she was a classmate of Stella's, another remembered me as one of the boys in her class, she sitting back of me as a classmate in those days. And then I used a little of Elbert Hubbard as an entree, especially some epigrams, and by that time warmed up into a flowing talk so that when the period was up I had really been going strong.
You can imagine what a wonderful opportunity presents itself when you talk to students. They are unfamiliar with lots of things that are old and threadbare to us, and telling them "twice told tales" arouses new enthusiasm. The students were in a receptive mood and were very inspiring. At the conclusion the applause was, well, what's the use of tooting my horn. I have one on my machine and that is coupled again.

Hubbard was a wonder, if he did no more than inspire fellows to read; and if they read no more than his "stuff".

Dearie, I am so lonesome today. Why, in heaven's name did you go back? My goodness, since when do we have to conform to the dates of those who do our work? I presume we must as society is constituted, but it does seem so hard to think that your tailor should select a day like today and make you leave here suddenly.

The Yale Club has written that the 19th is strictly and exclusively stag, in every detail.
But I will probably come down Friday night to be with you and the folks. I'll see you Saturday and tell you of my plans for the next week.

I rather talked myself out this morning., and will not take up much more space at this time.
I have been hearing some highly complimentary remarks about you from the people whom you met. It seems evident that I made a very wise and choice selection. How I wish I could say that for you, although I really do think it (if you allowed me to be egotistical for the once.)

The Supreme Court convenes Tuesday and I will then go to New Haven for a couple of days; that is returning each evening till I have concluded; which may be by Thursday.
Do you realize that this is the first week in a long time that I haven't received a single letter from you?  Still I have hopes, as these are two or three more days remaining. But better, yet, I'll see you Saturday.

I shall leave on the 2:03 arriving at Grand Central about 3:28. Should I miss that train, I'll take the next one 2:40 arriving about 4:11; but I'll be on the first one, I am confident.

Please inquire from Cousin Clara about whether she expects me Saturday evening I can then make plans accordingly.

And now with love to the folks and lots to you, intermingled with kisses
I am
Your
Joe

The next letter is January 15

January 4, 1917 - At present, I am waiting in the lobby for my case to be reached.

Joe found the time to write to Helen where ever he was. He really did not miss an opportunity to sit idle.  So here is a letter that he wrote as he waited to go into the courtroom. He must have been practicing because he was doing a bit of convincing in this letter.

Thursday the fourth
My dear,

As I was starting for court this morning, I was handed a heavy letter and read it on the way up street. As I entered the building, I happened to meet one of the big men of Greenwich, who is quite prominent and active there, and I asked him concerning Mr. Latz or Letz. He stated that he was not acquainted with such a party, nor did he know of him. Of course, I was unable to tell him what business he was in, so received no information.

If you could give me his address or his business, perhaps I could assist you, but you are undoubtedly aware, that there are thousands of men who reside only in Greenwich, and have their business in New York, and consequently it would require a little more particularity for me to be able to make the inquiry.

At present, I am waiting in the lobby for my case to be reached. This is an opportune time to drop you a line, and so I do it.
If you get a convenient chance to run up to see Nat good; otherwise, of course, you cannot. I realize that it is a long trip, but perhaps if you get a chance to make it, to try and do so, at least once, while she is there.

You know, dear, that as hard as it may be to do a thing, it is much more difficult to try to explain why it was not done. Get me?

Now the time is rapidly approaching for me to start in at work. The case ahead of mine is just ending; and I must get my papers out and ready to start at once.
I'll probably take the customary 4:10 Saturday, arriving at 5:36, if on time; and really do not think it necessary for you to come away downtown to meet me, unless you happen to be at or near that vicinity. I know that you will have the dressmaker all morning  and will probably be pretty well tired out and in no mood to wander down town. And further, I can jump on the subway and get to your home in 12 or 15 minutes.

Undoubtedly I'll receive another letter, or letters from you before Saturday.

With love and kisses I am
As ever yours,
Joe

The next letter is January 11

January 3, 1917 - This letter is more or less a lot of junk, but in these war days, junk is more or less valuable.

Here is another two letter day. As you can see from the postmarks one went out at 8:00 P.M. and the next at 9:00 P.M. First time Joe has mentioned the war.

 Letter Number 1

January 5, 191 7
My dear:

Lots of news this time, but little time to write.

Barnet went to Public School as usual; but will you believe it that Lucile and Myra were piloted off to kindergarten? Some class to those kids, in the meantime Stella is considerable relieved.

Also, who do you suppose called me up and asked for your address? For the purpose of doing what? And when? Quite a few questions, no? I'll end the agony or suspense and say that Mrs. James L. Dolgooff, was in town to-day,and said  she bought something for us and wanted to send it to you. I think that is very kind of her, and I have already thanked her for it, verbally; but I know that you will properly acknowledge its receipt :in due form, according to 1aw.

And will you believe it , I would have gone to New York to-night if it wasn't raining so blamed hard all day? I got through with the meeting last night after eleven and didn't hit the hay till near one again. My, but a little wink or two would be refreshing.

That clipping by Helen Rowland to-day was a peacherino. It is so human and warm spirited that it makes you feel as if it were yourself talking all the time. And it so at home in it's ideas, too.

We certainly did have a great time at home, as I wrote you in my letter yesterday.
I have to get around some this afternoon, and it is a pretty nasty kind of a day to do it, it is raining so hard just now. But then there is some1uok connected with it for my client has a closed car and we' 11 get around in that.

A little later in the afternoon, if I get a chance I'll take my typewriter in hand and drop you another page or two.

But it is near three now, and dinner has lost all its charm today, but a little bite might not be amiss.
So, with lots of love and kisses, I'll get some eats.
Your,
Joe

Letter Number 2 

Wednesday night
My lil sweetheart,
It is a little later, and I’ve had another chance to drop you a line, and so take the opportunity of doing it.

I am all excited about the idea of yours coming to Bridgeport Sunday night and actually being in town for several days.

And do you know, I expect to have you visit the City of Shelton, and give us the once over.
It would do your heart good to hear Myra tell of her first day at school. Imagine but two years old.
And now Barnet is yelling that he is changing things from the pockets of one suit to that of another he intends to wear tomorrow. “Now where is the wash wag” he is yelling.
The children’s room has been newly furnished in white and it really looks like a young ladies boudoir.

Dearie, Taylor Holmes will be here in Bunker Bean. Cyrile Mand was her in Grumpy. This is getting to be some place.

Stella was just called on the phone and said “Hello Helen”. What was the answer? Of course not. But in a day or two this may be true.

Myra’s exclamation upon her return home today, destined to go down in history as famous is “didn’t we have a wonderful time in kindergarten, Lucile?”
Believe me, at her age, I could not talk English or anything else, nor did I know of a kindergarten, nor did I ever hear of “wonderful”.
“De world do move”.

Tommy and Tabs both smiled in Katz fashion when I said to mother you were coming. Even they appreciate your visit. You must have slipped them a hunk of meat.
This letter is more or less a lot of junk, but in these war days, junk is more or less valuable.

Wish a good night Kiss I am
Your
Joe

January 2, 1917 - Yesterday is a dream. I had a most glorious time.

Here is a 2 part letter from Joe. He and Helen must have spent New Years Eve at the home of her parents in NYC. Nice letter to start off the year.

 This must have been an afterthought.

January 2, 1917

Dearest girl,

How wonderful we must be. Dante was willing to sacrifice life, name, future, eternity for one hour with Beatrice. Yet we may look forward to hours, days, years, together, becoming more attached by the minute, and able to look time squarely in the face and smile.

Do you (know) the saddest minutes of my visits? Those few while waiting for the elevator or as you stay in the doorway waving "good-night". But the rest of the time has been so glorious that a few moments like that emphasize the value of it all. The contrast is so impressive.
Tonight I have a meeting, and tomorrow night the new Board of Aldermen meet for a member of important matters.

Yesterday is a dream. I had a most glorious time. Slept like a top, up at 7. took the train and slept another hour, and now at work.

But wasn't it great that we could all be together, home. It was so much better than dining out. And your father and mother were right in it. That is one of the best things. Keep them young and with us all the time. Will make them proud of their family and happy to look forward to better things, so far as we can, wont we, dear?

I've just gotten a call and must leave the office so will not continue now. You know where my heart is and for whom it beats. And so with fondest love and a bunch of kisses. I am
Your
Joe

Tuesday
Sweetheart,

As I was looking for a paper, I thought I saw an old envelope, and sure enough in opening it what do you think I found? I am enclosing it for me, to give you a chance to laugh, long and loud.
Little did I think then of today. It is over five years old as you will see by the date.
Did I know you? Did I know that kid with the bended head. Or the lassie on the extreme left?

You may have it for a little souvenir for your gallery.

With love
I am
Your
Joe

The next letter is January 3