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

March 30, 1917 - Here is great news.

Here is the last letter of March and Joe seems in full gear to get a house as they get close to their June wedding. Not easier then than today. For what he inferred was a quick note this is a five page letter.

Friday,
Dearest,

Have but a moment to write. Will leave for New York tomorrow morning at 10, arrive at 11:30 and have an appointment for 12:30 downtown. I made it because I received two telegrams to be there at 2 but figured I could get through by that time and take in a matinee if you desired; or a nice long walk in this glorious sunshine.

Here is great news. Just listen. I've been negotiating with a man in Shelton for one of the prettiest new bungalows (8 rooms) specially built for him last winter. I haven't been inside, but it is new, and the exterior is so fine I presume the rest is harmonious. However, he said on Monday he would let me know whether he will sell it or not. I think he will, from the way he talked yesterday and today. What he is thinking about is where he can go to, so I suggested he would be at the shore all summer, and Goldberg like said “I never thought of that”.

Renting or leasing it is out of the question. If at all, he said "If I got a flattering offer, I’d consider selling it, and use the money elsewhere”. I asked him for his offer, and he suggested it. For your sake, I’d give it to him now, but I was told that he wants to think the matter over, over Sunday. So get your guardian angel working, and see if your luck will work so that he decides to take the money and let us have the house.

Here’s another. A friend of mine who has a new Cadillac Coupe (8 cyl.) of the last winter’s make, having used it hardly at all, has decided to buy a large seven passenger car, and I think I can get this one. It’s sedan style, room for four comfortably, and a real pippin – special body etc. just your style. I talked to him and he’ll let me know Monday whether he’ll keep it or let me have it.

This too is funny. I’ve spent practically all week looking for a house. I was on track of one several times and missed. Yesterday I saw a new bungalow and could perhaps have gotten it, but believe me, my garage is a mansion along side of it! It was the cheapest bit of junk I ever saw. Somebody’s back yard faces the front window, and there were a half a dozen barrels of ashes decorating that.

And when I glanced at the construction, well I told the man that I wouldn’t take it for a gift.

That was late yesterday. Last night at Stella’s I told her that and said I was disgusted. I felt blue all over. Nothing was good and not a chance. So I said “Well, I guess that’s what I should expect, that’s my luck”. So Stella, sisterly like, gave me a lecture about kicking at my luck, saying, you seem to get what you need, and you should be ashamed to bemoan your luck. Everything that’s good comes hard, she said, something will turn up. Just then a name came to my head. I recalled that he had a new house built last winter. I had heard that it cost him too much to live in it or something, and that he wanted the cash to get a smaller one.

I don’t know exactly what his reason was or is and don’t care. I called him and by golly, he began to talk business. Again today, with the result I mentioned so the clouds are rapidly going and the sun is out again.

I’ll call you when I arrive tomorrow, or if you are not home I’ll call any how and you can leave word where I can meet you.

With love
I am
Your
Joe

Bound for train Xcuse scribbling

The next letter is April 2

December 7, 1916 - Motoring in a Cadillac

Here is a letter giving detail of some of his work plans. I guess he liked to let her know everything that was going on.

Thursday
My darling,
I have just received your long letter and clippings; and as you know it is unnecessary to make any comments on them.

I have concluded my little journeys for a little while. Last evening Mr. Keen and I went to Winsted 80 or 90 miles from here, motoring in a Cadillac. And would you believe it, when we struck the Berkshires, it was snowing pretty fast? The old fashioned snow storms had arrived; but on our return, found the moon and stars out here in all the nocturnal glory (some splash!).
How delighted I was to hear that you are to be here Sunday. Tonight, over the soup plate (I could say tea-cups, but why should I?) I will ascertain just when you should land here, and will write, so that we can all come back together.

In the meantime, I expect to leave Saturday on the 4:10 as usual; ready for the "Opry".
Regarding Spero's note, I agree with you that our Sundays are pretty well taken up till Christmas, and it would be advisable if you wrote to them to that effect; perhaps add that we might, if we got the chance drop in on them, but a little later would inform them when we'd be able to see them.

"Listen" sweetheart. One of my old fashioned long journeys seems imminent. It has begun to show itself in the last few days. It is very likely that I may have to go to the Canadian borders within a week or ten days. But I'll tell you all about my plans when I see you. It'll be a flying trip, mainly spent in going and coming. And do you know, a little secret, it's been so long since I've been on trains for days at a time, that it seems almost fascinating to just look forward to it. But hardship now will be to think of you in little old New York, waiting, peacefully waiting, for my return.Mother is getting along very well, though she is still in the house, taking very good care of herself.

Do you know, dear, that I feel terribly sorry I couldn't write yesterday, but things came so thick and fast; and really nothing of any consequence either, that just stopped or blocked me from writing.

Clara is alone at the office and has her hands full. Still looking , or rather again looking for a shorthand typer.

With heaps of love from
Your
Joe

The next letter will be on December 11.