May 31, 1917 - Dear, you cannot imagine how impatiently I am awaiting the nineteenth.

Here is the last letter in May 1917. We now enter the month of June and as you can see Joe is ready to move time along.

May 31,1917.
My dearest:

It is nearly six o'clock, and everybody has left the office, and before I start for supper, I thought it a good time to talk to you.

Charles has been away campaigning, in Hartford this afternoon, in Torrington to-night, and in Middletown tomorrow. Naturally I have had quite a few of his matters before me, in addition to my own.

Do you know why I really left last night, in addition to the fact that I had to be up at six this morning to be in Court on time, and I would arrive in Bridgeport after one even when I took the 11:15? It was because I had a slight chill while sitting in the movies without my overcoat, and when I got to your house I was positive I had contracted a cold, and desired more than ever to get to a place where I could take something to bust it all up; for I'd be a fine kind of a groom to be sneezing and coughing on my wedding day, wouldn't I? Well, I tackled my old medicine last night “switzed” like a good fellow, took some more medicine this morning, and now feel as good as ever, although I had the sneezers earlier in the day.

By the way, the cold, if any had started was routed, and is not around here any more.

I had so little time for that train that I had to leave my coat at the Club, and my other coat was at the office, so I had to do some sprinting to get to the office, and climb up stairs, because the lifts were not running that early, and still make the 7:05 train. How much sleep do you imagine I had during the night? That's right you guessed it.

To-night the Board of Registration meets, and we'll probably be at it till wee in the small hours, but I'm feeling, good, so I should worry.

By the way, dear, Charles and several more people have informed me that at a large mass meeting in Ansonia, to be com­posed of our co-religionists of many of the little town in the Naugatuck Valley, to be held this coming Sunday night, I have not only been invited to speak, but that three or four different people have been assigned to make sure that I am there; and since Charles is very insistent upon it, it looks to me as if we wont eat in Eugenie's that night. I will have to leave New York about six arriving in Bridgeport, about seven thirty and connecting for Ansonia arriving there about eight thirty or thereabouts. Don't you think that you spare me just that one Sunday night; you know that I have been away from these parts on Sunday for quite awhile, and when we start away for our trip pretty soon, it will keep me away again for a little while?

I understand that Stella has written you about the week end; she has told me that it would perhaps be better if you deferred coming at any other time, when they could entertain properly; for just now, Charles is in the midst of campaigning and everything here is astir with it. That kind of fits in with your plans, so it works out O.K.

I am going to try to get to N.Y. early Saturday to make an attempt at the license. By golly, my writing Is worse than my long hand. I do not know why it is that I am writing so poorly on the new machines, unless it is the fact that with the girls doing all my work, I am out of practice, and when I do write, I try to keep up my old speed, and further, I have just discovered, it, my nails are manicured too long, and the end protruding over will strike the key just above the one I am aiming at. I will write with a pen or if to be legible, will have to chew down my nails; which shall it be?

Dear, you cannot imagine how impatiently I am awaiting the nineteenth. You are so good and so affectionate, that the days seem different if I do not see you, if only for a minute. Once your letters had some sort of an effect to help remedy it, but it is you that I am waiting so patiently for. And when this reaches you the best month of the year will have begun. What is so rare as a day in June? The nineteenth, thus far, because it is so slow in coming.

With lots of love and kisses to the sweetest lil girl and most affectionate companion that a fellow could ever hope for,
I am

Your little fat man
Joe

The next letter is June 5

May 28, 1917 - The love you liberate in your loving is the only love to have.

Here is the second letter from May 28th and as you see as we approach June 19th Joe is eager to see and be with Helen more and more.

Monday night.
My darling:

Have just finished for the evening, and before re­tiring thought that the most appropriate thing I could do would be to drop you a line.

Can you imagine what I have been thinking of all day, in between my usual work? It was about how loving and tender you have been during my recent visit; and while I never had any idea that the superfine love that you have always displayed could be improved upon, yet I actually notice it going to the nth degree, more particularly during the last few weeks. Somehow you are even more affectionate that it makes me feel that as the wedding bells approach, you are getting into your own, and that when they arrive, you'll continue that way forever and a day. I believe I've told you something like that before, but it is so good, it is worth repeating. To paraphrase Elbert Hubbard's “the love you liberate in your work is the only love you keep”, I would say the love you liberate in your loving is the only love to have.

Of course that you know that this is not the vapid ravings of a nineteen year old love stricken youth but comes direct from the heart that ought to know what it is thinking about, if the heart can think.
My dear, doesn't that sound great? I wish that I had gone to New York; and as you know would have if not for the press­ing matter on hand.

Tomorrow I start the trial of a case that will probably take all day, and I'll finish just in time to start for Shelton. But on the way over I’11 find an opportunity of talking up the matter of arranging for panels for the various rooms that you had an idea you might consider fixing up in that style. I’11 also get a line on tiles etc.so that perhaps when I see you again we can talk over just about what we would like, and then try to realize as closely as possible, our wishes.

Stella suggested that you spend the week-end with her if you have no other appointments. I haven’t the slightest idea of what plans are to be made "for your entertainment; and when asked whether you could come, my answer was that I did not know just what you had on, but I had an impression that you expected to go to Mount Vernon on Sunday to see some old friends, that are not so old at that; but I added that you would answer for yourself.

Maybe it might be better that you spend the following week-end, for if we make the proper arrangements in Shelton, it would be convenient for you to then look over the situation and have the entire matter clearly in mind when laying out your plans. But think it over,and anything that suits you, dear, is good enough for me.

It has been teeming all day; otherwise I might have gone out to see about my oar, to find about just what condition it was in, and whether the fellow who was to design it was born yet. Perhaps tomorrow may offer a few moments for that purpose; for you know that I am on the trail of it.
With lots of love and kisses again I am Your
Joe

The next letter is May 31

May 28, 1917 - The operator said “seventy cents on that N.Y. call.”

I guess they went to that baseball game mentioned in the last letter from May 23rd. This is one of the players pictured below that Joe mentions by name in this letter.

Dave Robertson - New York Giants

Monday afternoon,near six.

My dear:

You really do not expect a long letter, do you, since the fact reveals itself that I have spoken to you only a few minutes before writing?

Yet I know that you want something to arrive in the morning, even if it is only a little scratch, so am delighted to talk this way again to you.

By the way, you recall that home-run of Davey Robertson? The papers say that it was the longest drive ever recorded in baseball history, for it went clean, in a straight line over the right field fence, and also over the right field stands. And also the Giants played errorlessball.

I am almost in your position, having spoken, and given you all the important news, there is only sixty sheets of in­formation left, and no place to start to open to begin the commencement, as Louis Mann used to say.

I would like to go to the City tomorrow night, but owing to that meeting I told you of, it cannot be; however, I am very hopeful about being able to get away early Wednesday morning for the day, and will tell you about it tomorrow. If you have a few minutes, spose you think up some plan for that day.

With lots of love and kisses, to my dear, I am
Your
Joe
The operator said “seventy cents on that N.Y. call.”

The next letter is May 29

May 23, 1917 - A double letter day!

This happens sometimes with Joe. He manages to send out two letters in one day. Looks like he was trying to convince her about a baseball game. Here is a photo I found on line of the Polo Grounds from 1917.

 Letter # 1

May 23,1917.

My dear:

That train last night was the bestest that I ever saw on the New Haven. It not only left on time and arrived on time, but there were plenty of seats, and the car was a perfectly new one with very good lights for reading. I read to Mount Vernon, and then retired till Bridgeport, and had the sleep of my young life. I sort of smiled to myself, when I recalled that four weeks later I would again be traveling on a train, but not on the New Haven, and not reading any papers to Mount Vernon, by any means.

When I landed last night, mother insisted on my eating some pineapple that she had cooked or stewed or something, and she had some cookies just like yours; what do you know about that? Naturally, I would not disappoint her, so had another little repast. I know what you are thinking about. Whose cookies were best? It is hard to say, really. Considering that it was your first attempt, and knowing how mother feels about it, I'11 vote for you. When I told about it last night, mother said something about the fact that you are learning the right way to a man's heart, and when I said the cookies were very good, she smiled, and said some more about the fact that I should always feel that way about all the things that you make for me.

It is nearly noon, and I have just received a phone call from the clerk to the effect that in that case you read about where the wife sued her husband for a divorce because he was cruel to her, remember?, that the divorce was granted to my client-the woman-what do you think von dot?

I shall probably get a wire from your father in the morning in reference to going to Waterbury, and really would like to get back to New York with him in the evening, but that cannot be, because Friday is my big day, and I ought to have this evening for preparation.

Am starting out for lunch with some people.
Lots of love and kisses,
Your
Joe

Letter #2

May 23,1917.
My darling:

I dropped you a line before lunch, not knowing that I would have the opportunity of doing so at this time. The folks all saw Doctor Wise's letter, and are naturally very much pleased with its contents; and now I am sending it to you, since you said you desired to keep it, among others.  
As things look now, I shall leave for New York early Saturday morning, arriving about nine, and after checking up at the Club, will go downtown to attend to several matters, and expect to be through by noon. From then on, I am at your service, for such dis­position as you wish to make.

In as much as the Cubs play the Giants on Saturday, and both teams are as good as there are in the baseball world just at present it would be a treat to take in that game, at least so far as I am concerned, and I know that you like to see a game yourself.

Of course, it will depend on your friends whether they-are of the same frame of mind, but any arrangement you make will be perfectly satisfactory to me, and shall join in heartily in having a good time, even if it resolves itself down to playing five hundred or hearts; but the Polo grounds look pretty good.

According to Dr. Wise's letter we ought to call on him; and when I get there Saturday, and phone you, will you in turn remind me to phone him, so that this matter is properly attended to.
There was something wise you were to remind me of, cards I believe, and you were to get samples of the style and size of the card; and any time you send them to me, or give the proper information so that I can give it to the engraver, I'll be pleased to have them attended to. I presume that you will want three different cards, and do not know just how many of each, so think it over too.

If there is anything else you can think of that you wish, suppose you make a little note of it, and tell me Saturday. No, I cannot bring a house along but almost anything else. By the way I have an appointment with my automobile friend, and will try to fix up that matter this week if possible, believe me. It is getting to be too nice, to waste Sunday afternoons trying to think of where to go, with the fine roads and beautiful country just yearning to have us ride along in a new machine, with you at the wheel, after you learn how to manipulate it, which shouldn't take long.

I thought that we could have it for Saturday, but the chances are against it, being so late in the week, but wouldn't it be nice if we could call on Doctor Wise in a week or so in the car, and then spin around to see some of your friends, making short stops, and so clean that duty up?
I'm going over to that place now, and hope to be able to report that all is well, and the bus on the way.

With, more love, Your
Joe


The next letter is May 28

May 21, 1917 - Reminds me of the time just about like now some ten years ago, as I was about to graduate

This letter brings out the close relationship Joe had with his brother Charles. He reflects on ten years ago in 1907 when Joe was just graduating from Yale. As he says time has flown.

May 21,1917.
My darling:

It is way after eight, and Charles and I are at the office working in our old boyhood style, that is we are talking over many matters awaiting our collective consideration, and incidentally are talking about you, and getting married, and the house, and the honeymoon, and the future, and so many things that it reminds me of the time just about like now some ten years ago, as I was about to graduate, and we talked of getting together and trying our skill and luck in partnership. How the time has flown, and how old we have gotten, to say nothing of how stout.

But is wonderful as we have been taking an inventory. Just think in ten years each of us have gotten-I almost- the best girls in the world; and I'll have the really best in another month. When I said almost I was qualifying the time, not the bestest, by any manner of means.
And we have become established, thank heaven-and feel as though we have really accomplished something already. Oh, but this is a dandy evening. Charles has stepped out for a moment so I am writing.

My dear, tomorrow I am down to try a case in the Superior Court, and it will positively take all day and perhaps run into Wednesday, so I can see that I’ll not be able to get to New York till Thursday at any rate. But it is real work that is keeping me and I know that you will be rather glad that it is such an excuse that I must offer, isn’t that so?

Of course you would never think that I had to stand all the way from New York last night and was nearly dead when l arrived here.

But I had such a delightful week end that I feel tickled all over, and will anxiously await my chance to get to the City near the middle of the week.

We are going to finish very soon, and will take our old fashioned walk down the park and talk over many little things that develop and that we cannot find time to get at during all the day, no matter how hard we try.

I would have gone to New York tonight but did not expect to get through so soon.
Tomorrow noon perhaps, at least at night, I'll write and tell you some more plans.

I have received confirmation from Saratoga saying that that have reserved the best in the Hotel for us, how's that?

These are short sentences, but with so many things buzzing through my mind, I am surprised that I can think of any definite idea.

With lots of love and kisses,
I am
Joe

The next letter will be May 23 a two letter day

May 18, 1917 - That letter of yours has not arrived yet

Here is a letter written one month before Helen and Joe are getting married. It is interesting that they are still firming up the guest list and making plans for their honeymoon. It looks like they were also taking a business after their honeymoon to the famous Grand Union Hotel in Saratoga, NY. See photo below.

Thursday night about 8.

My darling:

You cannot imagine how glad I was to get the chance of talking to you, if only for a minute or so, to-day, I do wish that the proverbial haste of time would begin to show itself for a little while at least.

While I think of it, I dropped a line of reminder to Doctor Wise this morning, asking about that date that you made for some time in June, and hope to have his reply by the time I get to the City on Saturday.

I had real hopes of going early in the morning, as I told you, but the local lawyer here who was to settle a case so that I could take the necessary papers along-incidentally the check also-has not yet handed the same over to me, although he has been promising to do so for the past week or more; still I have fond hopes that he will make good tomorrow.

When I arrive in the big town, I'll call as is my custom, and let you know just about when I'll be at liberty, and I shall not hurry, for you are to have your dressmaker there all day, and so do not wish to be interrupted, nest ce pas?

How glad do you imagine I was, when I found that the folks had reversed themselves, and changed their minds, and decided on your ideas? I do not yet know the reason for their doing it, though I suspect that Charles intervened after he learned of my ideas on the matter. Perhaps tomorrow, when the opportunity offers itself, I'll make a little inquiry into the why's and where­fore's of the matter; and will be interested in learning the real cause.

Also, that letter of yours has not arrived yet, and so do not know what its contents are; all the same I have a sneaking feel­ing that perhaps the K's might he invited; but with all the plans changed I will not say any more till I see you about it how's that?

There remain just two long documents for me to get out before I shall get near any bed; and believe me, I have some work yet to do when this letter is finished, so it will terminate soon.

I have made inquiry relative to a trip to Niagara Falls, East Aurora, Buffalo, then to the St. Lawrence, Lake George etc. and will know in a day or two just how the routing is made, and the incidental arrangements that are necessary, together with such accommodations at hotels are as required, in order to be enabled to lay out my plans. In the meantime, the Convention in Saratoga is held July 23rd, for a week, at the Grand Union Hotel, and I have made reservations for very nice quarters for that time, and ex­pect to receive confirmation of the same before Saturday.

Dearest, while I want to write some more, I fear that the hour is growing late, and Court tomorrow holds quite a bunch for my attention, so will leave off here; with a bunch of love etc.

Your
Joe

The next letter is May 21

May 15, 1917 - I'm terribly lonesome for you, and would like to tear just five weeks off the map, at this very minute.

Here is a fun letter from Joe while on a business trip in Derby Connecticut. He is getting very excited and they are still adding to the wedding list just five weeks from now. When he is requesting guests to attend the wedding I really see the lawyer come out in him pleading his case. Below is a postcard photo of the Hotel Clark; take note of stationary.

  

 

 

Tuesday

Dearest,

Will you b'lieve me when I say that this letter is the first chance I've had to scribble a line to you since I left New York?

I was in Court all Monday and spent the entire evening with the Board of Aldermen (till midnight) and leaving at supper time from B'Port to get to Shelton on time.

All day today in Court, and am now - as you can see - in Derby, and scribbling while I get my first meal today. I'm so tired that I'm not hungry in the least.

Surest thing you know, I'll be in New York tomorrow night (Wed.) to see the sweetest girl in all creation. If I finish in Court on time, I'll take the 4:10 otherwise a little later.

If you're down town you can watch the train come in, but it will not be safe, for I don't know just what time I'll leave.

Dear, I'm terribly lonesome for you, and would like to tear just five weeks off the map, at this very minute. What think you?

I've been very fortunate so far. Tried two cases Monday and won, and tried two today and already have favorable decisions. Incidentally I succeeded in securing the settlement of the three cases in my favor, so my batting average, or streak - as you call it, has started again; tho it wasn't interrupted for long at all.

I want to write fifty pages to start telling you how much I love you, but my hands are weary and can hardly move along; they have been working - taking notes & evidence - for several days.
However I'll see you soon you know!

Oh yes; Charles thinks that Cousin Sig & Sallie and Gus  & Nat ought to be at our wedding. He's talked to mother and she thinks so too since our two families are so intimate in so many ways, and when I told him of conditions, he said that I've have been together so frequently and have interests in common that it isn't just the right thing for me to do at the most important event in my life. As regards to Mr. & Mrs. K. he said I met you through them, and have always been close and I ought really to have them come, perhaps on the same theory as Pauline and Albert. That would make twelve besides myself - whom perhaps you'll invite and as he says - for a man of my prominence and friends, that is a very small number, considering several others that really might be invited, but whom no mention is now made. So listen, girlie, just think it over, and take your time, and I'll go over the matter with you tomorrow. It strikes me, he is right, after all, but we'll talk it over in N.Y. tomorrow night.

Here's hoping you are feeling as charming and well as when I left you.

With love & kisses I am
Your
Joe

The next letter is May 18

May 10, 1917 - Hope that life remains one sweet song to you.

Here is a letter written in 3 stages. The closer the wedding day come the more he writes. That I suppose is a good sign. Here are a few photos I found on line for the restaurants that Charles, Stella and friends went to on their trip to NYC for two shows in one day on Broadway.

 Where they had lunch.

Where they had dinner.

May 10,1917.

Dear lil girl:
Once-again to-day am I taking my pen in hand-so to speak-and taking a couple of minutes of your time. I feel like talking to you, and for want of a better medium, appeal to the paper.
The folks returned from New York reporting a big time.

They dined at Lorber's at noon, and at Rector’s in the evening, returning on the eleven fifteen. They saw The Willow Tree, and also Disraeli. And as typical yokels might say, they had the time of their young lives. While they undoubtedly enjoyed themselves, it wasn't according to my ideas of a good time, nor yours by any means. On a bright afternoon like yesterday, I should have pre­ferred an auto drive up the river banks to see the beautiful scenery this time of the year, not spend the whole day in doors from the theatre to the dining table and back to the theatre to the table again. In describing the wonderful trip at Niagara, our old friend used to say that it reminded him of how many people got along, by the gorge route.     But it takes many tastes to make up the world.

I was given a suggestion to-day about a little journey. Here it is for what it is worth. I was told to go to the White Mountains, to the “Fabian” (actually Fabyan House) house in Bretton Woods, where many of the New York people of class spend their summers. That would include a trip to Portland, Portsmouth, Boston, Providence and New London. I'm neutral; just telling you what was suggested, that's all.

I must run along now and do some work, but I think that this letter will arrive to-night, while you are in Brooklyn. With some more love and kisses,
I am Your,
Joe


May l0,1917.

Dear Helen:

I was tickled to little pieces, and several fat ones, when I saw your letter this morning; especially because it had the funniest Goldberg clipping ever, tho I am not minimizing your letter by any means. I am of course glad that you are out enjoying yourself; and hope that life remains one sweet song to you; and as you know I shall try to do all I can along that line. Under the circumstances, it looks as if you are a traveling lady yourself; getting from Mount Vernon to Brooklyn and back to New York again.

I was so tired last night and all in that I did not really get at writing you a line, but we had quite a talk on the wire, and that helps a little bit, doesn't it?

I am just a wee bit worried, this morning I found two lumps on the back of my neck, near my shirt-collar-band, and tho I immediately painted them with iodine and alcohol, they are rather large and painful, and I am suspicious of boils. But, I sent a riot call to New Haven for Louis, and he will fix them up all right, whatever they are, and if he doesn't show up to-day I'll go to a regular doctor. You know me, all the time looking out for myself at least physically.

I have a slight hunch that I'll get to New York Friday, but at the same time, there are several cases here that Charles has made tentative arrangements to have the witnesses come in that night, and if they do, of course, pop goes the weazel with my trip.

Miss Reutter just returned and has many things to write, so I'll finish in longhand, as all the letters really should be written.

Do you expect some of your cousins for dinner on Sunday, or is that only "schmoose"?

Listen, good news I am actually on diet, I've been mad ever since I saw that scale, and have religiously abstained from fattening foods of all kinds. Goldberg could get an inspiration by watching me eat. Yesterday for dinner, at the Stratfield, I had clams, tomato soup, and fillet of flounder, & combination salad. Oh yes, one little slice of bread, and not another thing. I can hear you laughing, but that soup made up for a desire for bread etc. and as i get used to it will cut it "owt", too. For breakfast this morning I had a bowl of "scrawberries" a la Myra"s talk, with just about a tablespoon of cream. You can't stop all at once. And as I begin to pull in the veranda, I notice, as I've written I'm getting it in the neck.

With love and loads of kisses


I am as ever your
Joe

The next letter is May 15

May 8, 1917 - Before the blossoms fly, we may be out riding on Sunday

Looks like Joe is getting a new machine! Here is a picture of a car from the Lozier Automobile Company.

Tuesday afternoon

My darling,

For the first time in quite awhile, I went to Charles' house, and among the other topics, naturally, the subject of these letters came up.  I immediately quoted my pencil notation, amidst a young cyclone, with the result that when I reached the office, I found five typewritten to be sent to you, and the are so enclosed.

Do you remember my saying that Stella wanted to have you spend a week-end here? Well, it's for this week if you can arrange it. In fact Charles, Stella, Dr. & Mrs. Rosen, Cousin Sig & Sally (six of 'em) are to be in New York tomorrow to take in two shows. The Willow Tree in the afternoon, Disraeli, at night.

I don't know what the idea is to pick out Wednesday, I'm sure; but the have done so. And Stella said she would call you on the phone and make her plans for Saturday etc. at that time direct with you.
Charles leaves here early tomorrow and naturally expects me to be in the office. The joke is that I have a case to try and will be away all day myself, so now it is problematical whether I can get away in the evening at all to see you, but of course you know I'll try till the last shot is fired.

I am not certain just what the week end invitation includes, nor just what plans are made to take care of you while here, so do not be too hasty in accepting, but think it over, and then decide.
By the way, I really and truly expect my new machine in ten days or so. My client was in less than an hour ago, took a new order for a new model, and said he would try to get some standard make in that time, although no new ones have reached here in some time. My choice was for a Lozier and he said he'd try, and let me know in a couple of days what's what so before the blossoms fly, we may be out riding on Sunday after all, so we expected.

He almost persuaded me to get a five passenger car, saying that if "your wife has any girl friends newly married and the four of you for instance want to run down to Atlantic City over Sunday, you can do it". Gee, does he know Pauline?

What do you think? I said "if you can get a cabriolet, that"s my idea, but I want the car at once, so get a five if that's all you can get at once". And I know he will.

Dearest, the weather is rotten, it makes me feel punk. I don't know what it is, but I'm never have had it. Maybe approach of warm weather in disguise is doing it. The real reason is I don't see you often enough, Love sick I guess the movies call it.

With lots of love and kisses

I an Your
Joe

The next letter will be May 10

May 4, 1917 - Maybe that 160 will go out into the discard;

Here is a quick note that Joe got off to Helen in the midst of a busy day.

May 4,1917.
My dear:

As I wrote “twiced” yesterday, I am going out to-night to attend a little private clam bake-as I understand it-in the back­woods of Shelton, with a party of gentlemen, whom you will meet very shortly, and who are very good friends of mine. Among them is the Mayor, whom you know, Dr. Nettleton, Judge Palmer and Mr. Clark all of whom you have met too, in your little journey to Shelton.

Your letter this morning was a dandy; and I certainly did enjoy the clippings particularly Goldberg's cartoon. The other 'serious' clippings also received attention; and while I agree with Dr. Crane, rather doubt some of the things he pointed out. Yet as a whole it is a very fine and deep-thought-out article.

I have just received an invitation to go out to lunch; gee whiz, that makes three good meals to-day, for mother handed me quite a fine becksas. (Speaking like his nephew and nieces) Some luck, believe muh. Maybe that 160 will go out into the discard; for perhaps I am wasting away to a ton or more.

So here I go. With love and kisses, I am

Your

Joe

The next letter is on May 8

May 3, 1917 - I weigh 160 even; Hip hip hoorah!

Here is the daily follow up letter. Obviously Joe has still been working on his weight!

May 3,1917.

My darling:

As I told you this afternoon in a letter which perhaps will have reached you while this one is being written, that I would write again, if the opportunity appeared; and it has. This sentence is about as well composed as that of the farmer's son, who wired back to his dad, the old man having gone to the City, and being away for several days, getting worried about everything ‘to hum’ wired his son as follows “Is things all right at home?” and the answer flashed back “Things is”.

My main purpose in dropping this line is to tell you that I spoke to Mr. Kneen this afternoon, and he seemed very optimistic over my prospects about getting properly settled in Shelton, and said that everything looked very rosy in that direction. I therefore pass it along to you. We went over the situation pretty thoroughly, and you know how much 'dope' I have to get to feel at all certain about anything. Of course, we'll know more positively a little later, but there is no cause for any alarm or worry that you will have to hire Barnum's tent for the summer.

I am very anxious to see what those pictures will look like, and would like to see that tray in the daytime, to see what kind of a matzieh we landed in our enthusiastic shopping tour.

It is after seven and I'll start out to get a little teeny bit of eats to last me till tomorrow; and in the evening, we are to have that little clam bake that I told you about off in the woods. In the meantime, I'll be a-thinkin about you, and waiting for Saturday.
With a couple of loads of love and lots of kisses,I am

Your Joe

I weigh 160 even; Hip hip hoorah!

The next letter is May 4