June 5, 1917 - My idea now is to get you an engraved platinum ring.

Well this is the month that Joe and Helen get married. Short on letters but there will be some photographs and telegrams of congratulations. Below is an ad for Hotpoint from 1917. As you will read in the letter that is the kind of electric coffee percolator they received as a gift from one of Joe's clients. There is also what may have been a similar percolator.

Monday
My dear,

We are in the depot in Hartford and it is just about 10:30 leaving for Bridgeport.

Oh, dearie, but I have lots of news.

The train will start in a minute and will jar, jostle and interfere with my writing. First, I was re-appointed City Attorney for the third time by Judge Dillon. He told me, in open court, some very flattering reasons for the reappointment. I'll tell you all about it later.

I had a terrible trip last night, got there at 8 sharp, then had to wait till 9:30, wow! But we had a big crowd, I got under a sympathetic spell, and cut out all my funny stuff, and will you believe it, I actually had some men in tears? I found the audience composed of middle aged and older men and women, and shifted from Biblical talk to personal topics. Speaking for Charles, naturally, I talked of the early childhood and manhood, tracing some pretty sad epochs, and ere I knew it, was all wound up. It went so well, that I'll probably speak to the same thing, if I remember it, in a half a dozen towns.

Another thing! This morning I was called over to the Hawley Hardware Co. one of my real good and old clients, who have a very large hardware business in the State and briefly addressed by the Treasurer, was given the most exquisite coffee percolator I ever saw. It is a copper affair, Hotpoint make, of a special design, with broad ebony handles and brass faucet. It has capacity for 9 large cups, naturally it is connected to electricity. I was dumbfounded. I had a choice of a nickel one, but took this. It's a peach. It has a brown silk cord wire to match a "mission" room. What think you? That mark of appreciation  means more to me than a good deal, for while I knew how highly they regarded me, I never realized that a corporation had a heart as well as soul to show gratitude in this way.

My dear, I haven't heard a thing about the house, but feel pretty good tonight, because, as you know, the old motto, no news is good news.

But I'll know tomorrow morning, when I start to register.

This train is jarring me too much to let me continue. We've just passed Berlin. How I wish the allies had gotten that far, across the sea.

My idea now is to get you an engraved platinum ring, and a diamond bracelet. Make up your mind on about what shape watch you want, and you'll have it.

Also, our home, when we get it, will be your home. That's another little thing in store for you, I'll tell you all about it, also, when I see you.

I'm going to make you the happiest girl alive. That is a noble effort and with your help, will succeed.
Meanwhile dear, I'll keep waiting anxiously for the 19th. I must get to New York and hope to do so Wednesday morning. More tomorrow.

With love & kisses,

I am Your
Joe

The next letter is June 11