April 30, 1917 - I passed the house, how my thoughts went "a roamin".

Here is the last letter from April and Joe is beginning to feel the reality of June approaching. His mind wandered but they stayed conservative an their behavior.

Monday afternoon

My sweetheart,

The day has been very muggy, cold and dreary. It rained all morning and it's threatening this afternoon. Furthermore I found the decision on my desk; so there is almost enough cause for me to be blue. And it is enhanced by the fact that you are not right here, where I can reach out to grab you, violently but tenderly withal.

And when I had my lunch today, I passed the desert, recalling what you would say.
And when returning from Shelton, as I passed the house, how my thoughts went "a roamin". Just imagine, there's the peachiest magnolia all in bloom in front.

Darling, as June nears, I begin to think more and more of the partnership we are to form. And do you know what seems to weigh a good deal? Why the deuce, (the best I can find is that this expression must have meant "why the hell") we haven't already started. But then, it’s best to go about marrying more or less conservatively, for we hope to be together a long time, and let us get started right. Wont it be grand to look back with one eye on the pleasant past and forward with the other on a brighter future? I’m just tickled, but not skinny, over the prospects.

Lots of talking for me this week. I make several small rural communities, to talk to farmers.

I have been asked to address the graduating class of the high school. The date is not certain but it’s the week of the 18th of June. I accepted conditionally, provided it is the 18th, but no other date. The principal told me to prepare a heart to heart talk of facing life by youngster as I have seen it, rather than the usual bromidic tales. (There’s your word!) What do you think? I told him what is supposed to happen on the next day, and he said “Well, we’ll get another speaker this year, I guess. You’re likely to give them a talk on marriage”.

With lots of love and kisses I am

Your

Joe

The next letters, one from Joe and one from his sister Clara, will be May 1

April 26, 1917 - You said that the only two places-in writing-where I appear to be affectionate, is in the opening and closing.

I guess Helen must have let Joe that Joe's letters were a bit dry and with little affection. Of course he responded with humor and a tinge of sarcasm. Below is a book cover from the writer Laura Jean Libbey that he mentions in his brief letter. His mention of the Christian evangelist, Billy Sunday, is comical.

April 26,1917.

My darling:
I have to smile as I get this introduction down, because last night you said that the only two places-in writing-where I appear to be affectionate, is in the opening and closing. Get it?

So, just as soon as I can get time, I'll go out to the bookstore and buy one of Laura Jean Libby's books, or some other best seller of more modern days, and copy eight or ten pages of junk about the starlight in your eyes, or should it be moonshine in my talk? Still, how do I know but what you would rather have me write in the style of Billy Sunday.

Until these new conditions do arise, perhaps it will be best that I pursue the even tenor (really "soprano") of my way, in the usual good old fashioned style. At least you do understand what I'm talking about.

Twoohat, as Barnet calls him, just came in and said he would take us out for dinner, so will stop rather abruptly, and to-night, when I return to make some briefs, will add a few more lines.

I think that Clara is going down with Stella about 12:46 arriving at 2:15 and will direct to your house. Stella must return home that night, and thinks that she will leave around eight o'clock. Knowing that we would not have any one for supper, I said nothing and she thinks she will go to some friends with Nat for supper, and then take the train. Maybe we should ask that she stay with us; but do not know their plans.

Lots of love, girlie, did you see me wave?
Your
Joe



 The next letter will be April 30

April 23, 1917 - I had two brand new Underwoods installed in the office

Big news for the day - new typewriters. You will see that the letters are much improved. Here is a photo of what it may have loked like.

April 23,1917.

My darling:
Can you imagine Just what I am writing on now, other than a typewriter? This afternoon, about five, I had two brand new Underwoods installed in the office, and I feel as happy about them as a little boy does with a new toy.

Of course it goes without saying, that the girls in the office feel as jubilant as we do, for while the other machines were very good, and stood the test of time was about time that we got new ones; and we did. Really, since you know this, doesn't the type look much clearer, and more straight than ever before? They are the last word in the latest model. I wish you were here to see them; in fact I have determined to get you one when the occasion shall arrive in futuro where it will be con­venient for you to have one around the house, for you corres­pondence etc. 'Member what I promised you?

So much for typewriters. I had a very busy day. Early this morning-six sharp. I was up, at seven on the car to town, and at seven thirty on the road; but just as I got comfortably seated in the trolley, I had the pleasure of hearing an auto toot for me, and found that Mayor Kneen spotted me and then we went to Shelton together in his new Cadillac. And it is some car.

To-night on the eve of a trial for commission growing out of a real estate case, I am naturally looking up the law and getting familiar with all the various angles than can possibly arise, so far as I can anticipate them at present.

When I returned to the office this noon, I found a letter from Gov. Holcomb, of this State, asking me to go to Hartford on Wednesday morning to attend a conference in reference to the present state of preparedness in Connecticut etc. and naturally enough I shall obey the request, unless the trial that I start tomorrow runs into the next day, in which event I'll phone him about it.

Charles is in New York again to-night, attending a con­ference of the same committee that met with Mr. Rosenwald last Sunday. Golly, how I wish that it was I that could have gone.

For the first time, in a good long time, that taxi really moved along and got me to the station at five or six minutes ahead of time, and I would have phoned were it not for the fact that the folks are so easily aroused from their slumbers, and perhaps you would not have the heard the call in time for me to have said much or to have told you anything other than good night; yet those few words would have been worth while, don't you think so?

I shall try to retire early. Oh yes. I'll bet that you are to remind me in your letter tomorrow about that crazy suit you want me to wear; but late this afternoon I went to the store tried it on, it fit to a T, and I have yet to decide, tho I told the man that I'd be in in the morning.

Now, little girl, take an old man's advice and retire early tomorrow night. We have a very important meeting of the lodge and I feel that I ought to be present, so in as much as you said that you were not going to the Met. it would be very wise for to hit the hay at a seasonable hour; more than I anticipate doing myself.

Clara in in raptures at the thought of actually going to New York and being away for two days. As Florence would say: "My goodness."

Isn't it too bad that Mme. Sarah B. is so low? What a pity, for one who means so much to the world. I felt very sorry to-night as I read the articles, and am now very anxious to hear that she has really recovered once more.

Tempus fugit, meaning that if this letter is to get to you by morning, it is up to me to stop and get it into the box. Now which would you rather have, a longer letter and later, or this much in the morning? I know the answer. This much in the morning, and a longer one later in the day. Hoe abote it?

All mothers must be under the weather. Mine, last night, had both of her knees powerfully painful and terribly swollen. Louis bandaged them up. I cannot think what it can be; but the old girl to-day called up and said she was feeling better. Poor dear it is awful far her to be home all alone during the day, especially now in the spring with her gardens to look after and all that, and it requires considerable running around. But such is life, I suppose.

However, there are books in front of me that demand attention and this is a pretty good time to stop. With lots of love and kisses, till we meet again, very soon,
I am Your
Joe



Here is what Mayor Kneen's Cadillac may have looked like.

 The next letter is April 26

April 20, 1917 - Charles, mother, Clara and the doctor went to Shelton to look over the house.

It looks like things are ramping up on getting a place to live. Of course as a first time house buyer Joe is faced with some harsh reality. At this point he has only heard about the house he may purchase; he has not been there yet. I guess he was too busy working. It appears to have become a family affair.

Friday evening.
Darling:
Once again, in fact every night this week(but Monday) at the office.

We had quite a session last night. We were at it till nearly midnight; and at the hearing this morning what do you think happened?   It was a suit against the man I was asked to defend at the last minute, nearly, for a little over $18,000.00 and when we got through, well what happened?   We beat him hands down, as it were. Our books were so accurately kept, and our evidence was so clear, that it did not require much more than a clear presentation to prove it. As one of the newspaper reporters said to me "Gee, you are a lucky dog, here is a perfect­ly easy case, and you get on the right side at the last minute, and put it away on ice”.   Of course, he did not know that it took me practically all night, to get the pages in chronological order so that the evidence could easily be referred to, having made an index of my own for easy reference, and had to wade through a mass of bills and letters to get everything in a clear and understandable manner.

This machine has not been working right of late, and I guess it will land in the junk heap if it doesn't look out.
If you ever want to tackle anything hard, try to adjust a bunch of old claims ranging back about twelve years that have become a running account, with all kinds of debits and credits, with discounts, interest, and returns, and if at the end of the day you are not blind or woozy, you are made of steel.

Last night, Charles, mother, Clara and the doctor went to Shelton to look over the house, and also see if they could close the deal. Upon their return, late, I was told that the main obstacle is the time when I could actually take possession, though there was also some talk about the price but the main thing is the time. After spending the night, I understand Charles told him we would not consider it unless we actually could have it to be in by June 1st. And he said he would talk it over with his wife, and be down tomorrow(Saturday)afternoon about it and let us know what he finally decided.

As I was thinking about it this evening, in going over the matter with Charles, preparatory to being in a position to know just what to talk about tomorrow when he arrives, we dis­covered, although we knew it before, that if we can get this place, it is going to require quite a bunch of real “green”. While the house is completed, there are several important things still needed, such as grading the grounds, planting a suitable hedge, building a garage, laying a cement walk in front of the house, and installing some real electric light fixtures that would be suitable for our use. I have not been under the roof yet so do not know just what the house is like, but Stella, Charles, Clara and mother all unite in saying that it is built a la The Ladies Home Journal; in other words it is a seven or eight room bungalow of two floors with three rooms on the first floor, four on the second, and one or two in the attic, suitable for a maid etc. The woodwork in all the rooms, as I understand but am not sure, except the kitchen, is white enamel, with mahogany trimmings, and hard wood floors throughout. There is a real fire place in one of the living rooms.

The family have only been in possession for about two or three weeks, it being just completed, as far as I have out­lined. The walls are all white at present, because the builders say it is well to allow the house to remain that way all summer to give it a chance to settle, and then if desired it could be papered. Charles says the place is very pretty, and wants me to arrange to have you come and see it, just as soon as we can get anywhere near together in the deal. I'll tell you more tomorrow, when in New York.

I learned to-day that I have two cases on in Shelton in the morning, and so will not be able to get down as early as I thought. I have already changed my appointments to next week. And now as I see it I'll go to Shelton in the machine and return along about eleven or so. At least I'll try to get back by noon so that I can take the 12:46 or 12:55 or 1:03 arriving in N.Y. 2:15 or 2:19 or 2:37 respectively, taking one of those and the earliest at that if possible. Now then, I presume it will be convenient for you to meet me at the station, so that we can go direct to Carnegie Hall.   Let me add this, in case of emergency only; in the event that I should not be able to take either of these so that I would then arrive around three, don't wait but leave the ticket in Carnegie Ticket office and I'll call for it. Or if I do arrive on these trains, as I feel I shall on one of the three named, and I do not see you there, I'll feel that you could not come down, and will go right to Carnegie and to the ticket office. Is that clear?

I  hope that I don't have to use up all the available cash so that there may be a little left for some kind of honeymoon, and perhaps a chair or in case no one thinks of passing them over with that pianner (piano) that you were promised, and the Victrola that is most hopeless.
With love and kisses,
I am
Your
Joe


The next letter is April 23.

April 19, 1917 - Like the Czar's reign, this letter will come to an abrupt end soon as I am called.

Here is the letter that is the follow up to the letter from yesterday.

April 19,1917.

Darling:
It is just a little before eight, and am at the office waiting momentarily for a party to come up and take me to another law office where I am to prepare a case for that party and get ready to try it for him in the morning.

Charles, mother, Clara and the doctor have motored to Shelton to see our friend again, as I stated last night; and perhaps on their return something definite may have transpired. If so, I’ll call you up in the morning provided I get a chance before going to Court. Still, Charles said just before leaving that he would not close it to-night under any circumstances, but that he would expect the deal, if completed at all to be done at the office, where we could give it the necessary attention, such as examining the title and preparing the usual papers. Here is where I beschrie (a Yiddish expression that means bragging bringing bad luck.)  this letter. Not a mistake yet, gee whitakers.

Like the Czar's reign, this letter will come to an abrupt end soon as I am called. So to the point. At present, it may be, it is possible that I can come. Here is the man. Good bye.

Your Joe.

The next letter is April 20

April 18, 1917 - Again I am work on a paradoxical mission, preparing a long “brief”.

A long wandering letter. Perhaps it comes off that way because of the glass of wine Joe had before he sat down to write. The envelope says April 19 because it was sent in the middle of the night.

Wednesday evening.

Darling?

I at one time told you that it is not always well to disclose plane half executed nor to tell of undertakings while they are in the making, because if they should be changed no matter how, there is likely to be disappointment. Yet, knowing your optimistic abilities, and risking a chance again, shall I tip you off to some­thing good? Just remember that what I say now is not an iron clad accomplishment, fully completed. It is only now in the works, as you might say. With this slight preamble, I feel safe in going ahead with my story.

Do you remember when at school, in the debating contests, or when there were orations delivered in competition for some prize or trophy, when the judges retired to deliberate, and after being out about an hour(they could decide right from their seats a la Lew Fields the other night)returned and in a drawl, some tall, thin, almost emaciated fellow somewhere about sixty, would in a monotonous tone begin to explain the difficulty they had in deciding the best one, (the typewriter roll slipped)and after a lot more of that kind of bunk finally got to the place where he was ready to make the announce­ment, and as you were about disgusted and ready to quit he decided?
Do you remember that? This, by the way, is a hypocritical question, the kind you frequently read about in the papers in famous trials. (There is something the matter with the machine tonight.)

I’11 bet you are almost disgusted with the way I have been stringing along this much of the letter, aren’t you? Notice that the question mark is receiving plenty of exercise?

Well, at last here is what I started out to tell. Why didn't you skip over to here?   Charles received a phone call from our friend in Shelton to-night, at the dinner table, and has made an appointment to see him tomorrow night at home; and I think from the manner of their talk this evening that something very definite and favorable will result after the next conference. I have a pretty strong belief that the way they are now talking that the matter may be settled, and by the time I see you Saturday, I'll be in a position to laugh at some of our friends who think that they have been joshing you. (I’m positively ashamed at my typewriting to-night.) Do you know what I am thinking of? Well, it is the fact, based upon the hope that we might close that deal this week, that next Saturday at your "bachelor" dinner, that you might be able to announce to your friends that they must hurry and look at all the nice things you have, and leave those they have brought along, for you want to get to bed early for on the morrow you are to get up early to go to Shelton to look at your place and see just what you'll need. I had a little wine for dinner to-night, only a drop, and it seems that it is working, don't you think?

Are you remembering that I said something in the first para­graph that is well to keep in mind as you read the last one!

So far as Saturday is concerned, I have found that Charles has made two appointments for me, one at about 11:30 and the other for noon. Whether these will keep me downtown during the lunch hour I do not know but believe they will. At any rate I'll call you up when I get to the City, and tell you or leave word at the house just when and where I can meet you to take in the concert.

In last night's papers I saw that the British bombarded a French town -Tombois - and wondered whether that was a misprint. Now that I think of it, it was not the name of a town, but of an old castle and large estate. The place was burned down by the retreating Germans or something to that effect. So that Tombois could have been burned while Dombois played. With all the sar­casm that Lillian could put into it, I can hear you mumble "how disgusting".

Again I am work on a paradoxical mission, preparing a long “brief”.

News from the front. I understand that Stella will be down a week from Saturday to your party, and will stay for the night at a hotel with her husband, who expects to have a General Committee meeting that night, and will go to Temple with us in the morning, and have dinner on Sunday at your house, if you so will it. I invited her to go to the show with us Saturday night, but she and Nat and Gus are going out visiting friends instead. Clara has not said much about going down as yet, being very busy in the office, and not really getting a chance to talk to me for any length of time.

Well, girlie, this letter contains a few ideas that ought to make you smile (especially the punk looks of this letter)but I cannot be too fussy just now.

I am so sorry that I cannot be in New York to-night, but there is no use in crying over the broken milk bottle.

With lots of love and kisses, I am

Your
Joe

The next letter is April 19

April 18, 1917 - Chicago's Recipe for better living.

This is a random post that is actually not from this date but much earlier. I am sorting thru photographs and clippings from  Joe and Helen's archive and found this among Helen's treasured saved clippings.  The first thing that caught my attention was that the type in the middle was really amazing for a newspaper to do graphically in 1913. Helen was always conscious of healthy living. This is apparent from something she chose to save from when she was about 20 years old.

April 13, 1917 - You know it is still Passover, and so far haven't broken the faith, such as it is.

Here is the follow up letter to the one Joe wrote later yesterday night.The first mention that they observed Passover. Also his mention of Friday the 13th. He was certainly proud of the direction his career was taking.

April 13,1917.

My dearest:

I really do not know just when that letter I posted last night reached you, for it was very late when I retired from the office. And it is almost as late again to-night, but I hope this gets to you in the early mail, as it should.

I had another chat-but only for a moment-with the man that owns the little house in Shelton, and we have an appointment for tomorrow Saturday-afternoon-to meet in my office here, and see what's what. Of course, I expect to get away around 4:10 or 4:40, and he may not arrive till that time but if he does, perhaps I'll know the result by the time I get to New York, who knows?

You are out for the afternoon, and perhaps I'll arrange things so that I will leave a little later than usual, but it is difficult just now to say. I feel that I'd like to be able to close the deal so that I can bring you good news, and you know that I'll try. The main matter now is just when he would let me take possession, for if not very soon, I should not even consider it; what say you?

This was a very good day, in spite of the fact that it is Friday the thirteenth. I think the most important case I ever tackled came off to-day, and I tried it single handed, even to the point of preparing my own briefs, gathering the data, and making the argument that lasted for nearly two and one half hours.

As is usual the decision is reserved by the Court, who looks up the matter on his own accord, and studies it out, and then de­cides as he finds the law on the facts warrant. Sometimes we may obtain the decision in a day or two, and sometimes longer, all depending on the merits of the matter, that is whether it is involved and intricate or simple. (Notice the mis-struck letters-I'm not used to using the machines, now that we have two fine girls at them). For that matter I never was much at typewriting, don’t you think?

But the case went along splendidly, and it came out better in the presentation than I really expected it would. I got quite a few pats for the clearness of the spiel etc. so the day started out right. Here's a joke. That 13 dinner to-night never was. Mr. Kneen the host was called to Boston yesterday on an important matter, and could not return, so we all agreed that we would adjourn it till sometime next week, when we could all agree. I was tickled because you know it is still Passover, and so far haven't broken the faith, such as it is. In fact I had a banquet of the Yale Alumni last night, but stayed in and worked,t hat being one of the reasons. So I've tried to be as good as you would have me, and leave the results in your hands.

Perhaps I am not reducing as fast as you would like, but one of the judges said to me to-day that I ought to get married or do something, for I needed someone to feed me up, for I was getting terribly thin. Zowie, I didn't think I looked that bad. I had on a blue serge suit that is rather a tight model, and perhaps it was rather deceptive.

Of course you are interested to know that Mrs. Tabs has three kittens, two jet black, and one just like herself. Mr. Tom Kat is a rather proud uncle, for when I went to the barrel where the young uns are resting, he walked along, and kind of looked happy-like, like one who understands cats can read in their feline countenances.

When I finished my case this noon, I received a flattering invitation to dinner at the University Club, but outside of the fact that this is the holiday season, since I've had the idea drummed into my head to reduce, and that I was becoming the rival of the late Bunny, eats don't look as good to me as of yore. I do not know just what it is, but in the recent past I could think ahead at a meal with a relish, and lick my chops-at it were-but that is gone. Eats to me are now what washing the hair is to a woman, a necessity, with apologies afterward. And to make matters worse, Billy Sunday says a bath is only temporary. You would think it instantaneous and disappearing if you saw the kids this afternoon, when they came in from the garden.

I shall try to get this in the mail before the last train goes, so will conserve paper, and rush on to the conclusion, whatever that is.

I received a copy of Dr. Wise's address on the Russian Revolution, and it is a dandy. Will take it along, if it is handy. And will also take along a cake that mother had fussed about for several days and has just gotten ready. I hope it does not smell too savory, for temptation to open the package and sample it is rather great.

Here is hoping you enjoy the walk and tea with your highbrow friends. Wont you feel gay and care-free to have a Saturday after­noon off from the little fat man from the country?

With lots of love, and several wireless kisses, the wireless have been sealed up, I am
Your
Joe

The next letter is April 18

April 12, 1917 - I am getting two new typewritters. What do you think od that?

Busy Joe getting this out in the middle of the night. As you can see the post mark says April 13 at 2:30 A.M. It is still amazing to me how often the mail was picked up in 1917. Here is an illustration of the car that little Lucile knew about.

April 12,1917.

My dearest:

Here is some surprising news, so take it easy. I am getting two new typewriters. What do you think of that?

No, not girls, of course, but the instruments. I had a session this afternoon with typewriter men, and have decided the fact "ultimately, why not now" was a good one, and selected accordingly. Needless to say the girls are delighted, with the new wash-boards as Clara calls them.

Will you believe it that I haven't had any spare moments since I saw you last. The train ran in on time last night, and still I did not retire till after one. This day has been a real one, and now at eight thirty I am still in the office, where I expect to be till midnight at least. Three briefs must be finished before dawn, and believe me they will be, if it's all night. They are to be presented in the morning and I have yet to be late in Court with matters of this kind.

I haven't written on a machine so long that it seems strange, and I guess it will read about the same way. But you do not mind a little thing like that I hope.

The folks have all gone to Treasure Island to-night, and I received an "invite". I still recall entering the schule in the second act.

Barnet was watching his mother write a letter. I said that it reminded me that I had to get one out too. Barnet said "I just can guess who too ---- Aunt Helen." And then he proceeded to show me that he knew ten different telephone numbers by heart, and could name eight different autos, Lucile got as far as Lyon Knight and stopped, and Myra chimed in by saying she wanted to ride on the "font" seat, with “Twoohart”.

I wish that you were here just now. I know that you could give me a lot of help. I have so many books and papers all around that you could help me file away, then sort out, and then get ready for the typists use, by arranging the pages, setting up the paragraphs, punctuation etc. etc. And I believe in arguing with you, I would get a different view on some of the matters.

Just another thought and I must get to work. I have just had a twenty-minute talk over the wire with my friend in Shelton, whom I gave a little absent treatment, and he is very anxious to know what I'll do, but has not decided himself just when he wishes to vacate. I have told him repeatedly that he must absolutely give me a definite date when I could take possession before I would even consider the matter, for what's the use if he desires to stay in till next Fall. So he said tomorrow at three he would call me.

I wish I had more time to write just now, but dear, the night is rushing on, and there is a pile of work ahead. Will you excuse me now? I'll write much more tomorrow, really and tell you of mv plans for Saturday. Now I’m thinking of staying here till the late train and getting in around six or so, as long as you’ll be out; what do you say? With love, your

JOE

The next letter is April 13

April 11, 1917 - Woman should be given the same and equal privileges as man. Ask the question, what do I desire to be? What do I expect to accomplish?

This letter could be placed into our life today and we would see that not much has changed. The thing that is interesting about this letter is the proof that equal rights for woman was front and center. Joe was obviously upset that Helen's youngest sister Lillie was thinking of leaving school. Lillie had just turned 17 and was very bright. She went on to be very successful and driven - without a college education.

April 10, 1917
Helen dear:
Tomorrow is rather a big day in these parts, for the April session of the Supreme Court convenes, and in the evening is the occasion for the Republican convention at Hartford. But today was unique.
I was assigned to try four cases; each short ones, and the first started with the accused pleading guilty and saving the necessity of a trial. The second one that came on, so to speak, at eleven, was disposed of in a few moments, because we got together on the facts, and submitted the matter on an agreed statement of the situation; the third at two was defaulted because the other side didn’t feel the importance of appearing; and the fourth was adjourned at the request of counsel who were indisposed. And so, as Elbert Hubbard used to say "our worst troubles are those that never arrive? This was a case where anticipation was not better than realization.

The result was that a goodly part of the day was available to make arrangements to get away for tomorrow and Wednesday; and as the program is now arranged we’11 be back home Wednesday evening.

I had a good laugh tonight in looking at the Journal’s funny pictures to see one where the man asks at the front entrance of a movie how much it costs to see "New Monia", And spicking of that-as Abe Kabibble would say-Ramona recalls an interesting comment on Siegfried that I heard somewhere. I trust that this is not lost in the ice avalanches with the polar bears.

Did Lillie decide to continue in school? It would be tragic for a girl of her mental calibre to suddenly quit. Remember what Mr. Osborne said about exercising the mind, also the conscience? Well, if you remove the influence of the thoughts of lessons, no matter what, what will be substituted. I was reading Dr,Wise1s address on "Woman and Democracy “and the whole theme seems to be based on the fact that woman should be given the same and equal privileges as man. Then, to paraphrase Hubbard, going the same way, they could go hand in hand. His thesis is based on the assumption that this generation will witness the equal participation of  woman in politics and diplomacy; and so it will. What advantage are the young girls taking of their educational opportunities to fit themselves to assume and participate in the responsibilities that will surely he cast upon them?

I know a little girl here about fourteen years of age: she has but one arm, and is the oldest of five children. The mother died a year or two ago, and yet that little girl is not only taking care of the house, and properly attending to the children, and preparing them for school each day, but herself is very diligent and is at the head of her class. Contrast that with the subject of the lavender letter that Jean Purrell (is that correct?) when he reads it comments - oh, what scribbling and bad spelling, she was stupid; she must have been rich and beautiful,

A very simple way to solve that problem is to ask the question, what do I desire to be? What do I expect to accomplish? Why am I here, anyway, and what part can I play during the few moments that I am privileged to strut upon the stage? If you want to make a smile grow where a tear started ;or to make two laughs where there was only one before; or to try to leave the world just a little better than you found it, you've got to be in a continual state of preparedness.

All of that has been said before by others, either on the stage or in books, but what of it? It's true.

Still, talking will do little good. A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. I guess that is what Dr. Wise meant or had in mind when he said

n A proof that woman's life is not completely occupied today is to be found in the circumstance that the so called home-keeping women, too many of them, are ever ready to flee hither and thither from one banality and extravagance to the other, with bridge-whist raging one year and tango teas the other ,and probably bare-footed rope jumping or stilt-walking, or some equally intellectual delight to become the chief obsession of nominally home-keeping women next year. Many young women within the past few years have confessed to a sense of loathing of the emptiness of their lives.”

Do you also remember that Warden Osborne spoke of the many good people simply following the wrong path because no one had pointed out the right, many who did not believe that there was an honest person in the world, many who had been offered no opportunities for improve­ment and so were misled? They were unfortunate indeed. And with just a little help and proper training they have made the finest kind of citizens.

What shall we say or think of a person who has opportunity and education begging him to listen, to lightly brush it aside? If I expect this letter to be read, it would be wise to stop sermonizing.

It can all be summed up in this mintage “we are punished by our sins, not for them." (Elbert Hubbard) Or perhaps better, "there is a tide in the affairs of men, ,which taken at the flood leads on to fortune, etc." (William Shakespeare) Meaning that if you have a hundred aces and a flush in spades, you  should bid at least three fifty, anyhoe,

Sincerely
Joe

The next letter is April 12

April 9, 1917 - It is just two o'clock and I've already been up for ten hours.

Just a quick note as Joe heads into a very busy schedule. Apparently there was a snow storm on April 8th.

April 9, 1917
My darling,

It is just two o'clock, after lunch, and I've already been up for ten hours. And I've discovered that there is a Board of Aldermen meeting for tonight in Shelton that will run perhaps into midnight. That's a pretty fair day, is it not? But it serves me right. You said it.

I have an appointment in a few minutes and am writing while the sun is bright, and the heavy blanket of snow is gone. Verily, lie the weather I spoke of last night.

I'll write again a little later, but drop the line having a minute to do so.
With lots of love I am

Your
Joe

Another weight enclosed. (Not saved)

The next letter is April 11

April 5, 1917 - Dearest little lover of chop suey

This is a strange letter for me because it starts out talking  in a way one may have talked 100 years ago but Joe would never talk like that today.
I say this because my promise to myself was to post the letters unedited. So, take some of the expressions for what they may have been 100 years ago.

Thursday afternoon

Dearest little lover of chop suey,

I am kind of sorry that I didn’t comply with your suggestion to go out for some of that Chinese gefilte fish; but was too comfortable and wanted just you and not some almond eyed Mongolian butting in; so I imagine you won’t mind, will you.

I just heard by phone from Louis. He said that he expected to have Friday evening off, and wanted to know whether I intended going to New York then I told him that I expected to be there and that he could call tomorrow and you might know what my plans are.

I heard that Bernard M. Kaplan Secretary of the District Grand Lodge No. 1 of the Bnai Brith, will conduct Seder service at Bnai Brith headquarters tomorrow night. I presume many of the synagogues are doing the same thing; and didn’t know whether you and Florence and Louis and I might not attend one. It is up to you to decide, and I’ll leave it with you.

If you do decide to go, you might phone to Independent Order Bnai Brith headquarters and make reservations. Perhaps it might be good to know whether ladies will be present.
Or perhaps you would stay at home for dinner. I really have no choice.

I am feeling fairly well today; but do you know that I was a sick Indian yistiddy? Your presence sure did cheer me up and bring me to again, so I’m up and being me to again, so I’m trying to think I’m getting near Friday very soon.

Oh dearie, please call up the Yale Club and have them reserve for me for Friday night. My Saturday night is taken care of already. I’ll give you the nickle for the call later. Or maybe I’ll buy you a “sody”. Who know?

Listen; I just thought, did I ever pay you for Nettie’s tickets? I can’t recall it, and want to be clear “on the books”, if not.

Do you want to try to get tickets for the “Opry” for Saturday matinee? Go to it, use your judgement and I’ll attend the mere details when I see you.
I have a case to try presently and so am not concerning myself too much on other dates beyond, realizing that you are some little fixer yourself.

With lots of lot and kisses

I am
Your
Joe

The next letter is April 9

April 3, 1917 - Murder May Have been Committed

Here is the article that came out in the newspaper the day after the crime, from the post yesterday, was committed. They certainly worked fast to get this done. I have done a little searching and found part of a follow up article about the case. The article was from 1925 which shows that there were not very many murders in Shelton in those days.

MURDER MAY HAVE BEEN COMMITTED

Charred body of William B. Normanvin Found in ruins of

Small Shack

Eugene Gagoin, a discharged employee, held under $5,000 Bonds on charge of arson—Body was terribly burn­ed — was Ill-feeling among the Men.

The horribly burned body of William Broad Normanvin, a sawyer, was found in the smoldering ruins of a shack, near a woodcutting camp, on the farm of Walter Wheeler in lower White Hills, early Sunday evening. The body was in terrible condition when found, the arms and legs having been burned completely off, while the trunk and head were badly charred and burned, the condition of the body being such that it was impossible to tell whether the fire or previous wounds caused the
victim's death. Because of the cir­cumstances surrounding the affair, Eugene Gagoin, who until Thursday was an engineer at the camp and had been discharged, was taken into cus­tody by the police late last night. He is charged with having burned an­other shanty near the camp and is held under $5,000 bail as the police are inclined to the belief that they have evidence which will connect Gagoin with the crime.
Ill feeling apparent.
Both Normanvin and Gagoin work­ed for Allen Doolittle of Guilford, a woodcutting contractor, who is doing work for James E. Fair on the Wheeler farm. There are several others employed there and it is said that there has been more or less trouble and ill-feeling among the men. Both Normanvin and Gagoin were in the employ of Doolittle for six or seven years and are said to have not been very friendly. The ill will among the men resulted in hav­ing several small shacks erected for them, thus separating them when they were not working. On Thursday last, according to Mr. Doolittle's story, he discharged Gagoin and the latter took his belongings and left the camp. Mr. Doolittle said that he had more or less trouble with the man, who, he said, had threatened harm to Normanvin, and was no longer able to put up with his impu­dence. He seemed to fear discharg­ing the man, as he said, he thought he might do some harm to him. When Gagoin left the camp on Thursday, Doolittle did not see him again. The latter went to New Ha­ven on Saturday and did not return to the camp until early last night, after the body had been found.
From the stories current and from what was told the police it appears as though Gagoin returned to the camp either late Saturday night or early Sunday morning. It was in the early hours of the morning, it is said, when one of the shanties was burned down and it happened to be the one that Gagoin had occupied when he worked for Doolittle. It is for the burning of this building that the po­lice hold Gagoin. The latter is said to have remained in the camp dur­ing the day and was not interfered with by the other workmen, some of whom remained in their respective shacks or had left the camp on Saturday.
At the cabin
A man named Royal Cutts, who lives near the camp, and whose house is situated directly opposite to the shack in which Normanvin lived, claims to have seen Gagoin as late as 4:30 o'clock on Sunday afternoon. He told this morning that Gagoin visited his place at that hour and purchased some eggs, which he said he was going to take to Normanvin shack to fry. It is said that Cutts asked him where Normanvin was and that Gagoin re­plied he was in the shack and was drunk. To Cutts it appeared as though Gagoin was under the influence of liquor also.
It was a short time later when Cutts and other people in the neighborhood noticed the shack on fire and it was about 6 o'clock when the body was lo­cated among the ruins. Although burned beyond recognition the other workmen found no difficulty in identi­fying the body as being that of Normanvin. When it was located word was sent to the local police and Chief of Police W. P. Robbins, Lieut. E. I. Barnes and officer Ernest Nettleton secured an auto and were driven to the place which is about three miles from the center of the city. The police had been notified previously of the burning of the other shack and the information of the finding of the body made them believe from the beginning that Normanvin had met with foul play. Medical Examiner Lewis of Milford, was called and examined the body ordering its removal.
Arrested in derby.
After the blaze, Gagoin seems to have disappeared entirely although the police believe that it was he whom they passed while going to White Hills. They had not a description of the man at the time but upon arriving there and getting a description of him they concluded that they had passed him on the road. The man was later seen heading for Ansonia and Seymour and upon returning from White Hills, Lieut. Barnes and A. H. Beattie, started in pursuit of him they had reached the East Derby transfer point and Lieut. Barnes was talking with a policeman there asking if he had seen anyone answering the description pass there, when Mr. Beattie happened to look through the window of the trolley station and saw Gagoin sitting there asleep. He was brought back to Shelton and examined by the police and detained on the arson charge, bail being fixed at $5,000.
The police say that Gagoin when questioned denied all knowledge of the crime and said that he had returned to the camp to spend the day.
This morning Coroner Phalen and medical examiner Fitzgerald, both of Bridgeport, came to this city to invest­igate the death. Coroner Phalen did not remain, but returned to Bridgeport, while medical examiner Fitzgerald conducted an autopsy on the body in the undertaking parlors of C. E. Lewis and Son, and afterwards stated that he had nothing definite to give out but that the coroner was in­vestigating the case. Prosecuting At­torney J. G. Shapiro spent a good por­tion of the morning in examining the witnesses and those who knew some­thing about the case.
William Broad Normanvin was forty years old and a native of Montreal, Canada. He was single and worked for Mr. Doolittle about six years.

December 5, 1925 The Bridgeport Telegram

The last murder in Shelton was committed in the spring of 1917, when Eugene Gagoin killed a fellow worker, William Broad Normanvin, in a White Hills lumber camp. The two men had some difficulties and early one night the shed occupied by Normanvin was burned. In the ruins his body was found and investigation showed that the bed where he lay was saturated with oil. The presumption was that he was killed in his sleep and that his slayer had set fire to the shed to hide the crime. Gagoin was arrested a few hours later as he was about to take a trolley car at the East Derby junction. His case was heard in the local court on June 4 and in the following session of the Superior court he was sentenced to prison for 13 years. Is Serving Term. At present, he has served about half his term and with time off for good behavior will probably be released in about three years. It is a coincidence that Gagoin occupies a cell at Wethersfield very close to the one where Gerald Chapman has been confined awaiting the disposition of his case.

The next letter is April 5