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

December 29 - I sometimes hesitate to write how glad I am, like Pollyanna, for fear that it will sound like mush.

Here we have a two letter day to end 1916. This has been a year full of excitement for Helen and Joe. I am sure next year will be filled with insight to their relationship and all kinds of things happening in the world. Remember that the last letter Joe wrote Helen he forgot to sign his name.

Letter Number 1

Friday

My dear,

Did I tell you the story of Henry Ward Beecher's sermon on the unsigned letter? No, well, here it is.
It was the usual custom of this unique man, on Sundays to open his mail while in the pulpit, and get inspiration or ideas for his sermon from what he would read.

Well, one Sunday he received a large blank sheet of paper, with one word on it "Fool".
When he started his sermon he prefaced his remarks by saying that he frequently received long and interesting letters from friends, who in their haste to write much and tell him lots often forgot to sign their names. (Is that my case?)

Then he continued and said that this morning he received a peculiar letter. It bore no message. All it contained was the name of the writer.

Louis and his friend are in New York now and probably have phoned to you, *nicht wahr? If they will stay Monday night, it would be very nice for we could have quite a little crowd of our own. I will leave tomorrow on the 4:10 arriving at Grand Central 5:36 if on time.
Should you hear from Louis, tell him to call me tomorrow night at your house about 7 so that we can make some arrangements for New Years.

I returned from Court this morning, and had quite a strenuous day. Among the matters, were two divorces that I secured for unfortunate woman, according to their stories.
I really had thought of going to New York tonight but I have an engagement in the office and so cannot but will follow my usual custom as above stated.

I am so delighted that you did so well at the concert. Of course I knew you would, and it tickles me that you "made good".

We had a great time last night, and I've lots to tell you. I don't dare begin now because it would take too long.

Your two letters arrived together and do you know, they have better effect than a spring tonic.
I sometimes hesitate to write how glad I am, like Pollyanna, for fear that it will sound like mush.

But you know that a week is a very long time.
Mother only this morning said that you must be a very patient girl not to expect me oftener. I told her you did expect me, but what could I do about it. She said "Well, you find time for lodges, business and other things, why not for Helen?"

I think you've got the "drag" around here. Stella sprung something like that too.
And the kids ask when Aunt Helen is coming again. More toys I suppose!

With love,
I am Your
Joe (There it is)

*nicht wahr is German meaning Isn't it so?

Letter Number 2

 

Friday night about  night

My dear:

If I don't sign this letter, would it make you more angry than if I didn't write at all; assuming I have just a couple of minutes,while waiting for some men to call for me? Golly, how black the ribbon singularly got all of a sudden.

I wrote you a long letter a short while ago, but I have just read for the second time the clipping you sent the other day,and I think it so good I am returning it to you.

Old Elbert  Hubbard once said "the things that men do are usually right, their reasons for doing them,usually wrong." After reading that article, you perhaps can understand the mys­terious ways of mankind, and how impossible it would be to ask mere man to explain what he meant, when he acted in such and such a manner.

I am in the midst of drawing a set of Ordinances for Shelton, and it is some task. I have an idea that it may be necessary for me to take it along with me,and maybe Sunday night when wear alone, we can kind of work on it together. Like that brief, remember? But then,it may be finished to-night to save that trouble.

Charles had an idea that we could leave New York Sunday night, and join them in Stamford at one o'clock, and then motor to Bridgeport, you to stop at his house and we could all go up to Shelton Monday morning while the new officials ware sworn in, and the first meeting of the Board of Aldermen be held, at which these Ordinances are to be adopted. But I don't think much of it,for in the first place no party will break up that night at one, and assuming, as is likely, that they will return home at about three or four A.M. how in the world could we ever get to Shelton the next morning and look awake, and then get back to New York in the afternoon for an evening celebration, as we plan?

As Weber says "You couldn't do it." Nor will we try. It is imperative that I be in Shelton at nine in the morning, and have considerable to do that morning. My plans are therefore to leave New York on the midnight Sunday, get to Shelton in due season; and when the festivities of induction are over start back for New York and sweetheart. But it certainly shows that the folks are, thinking of you all the time; and that is what pleases me more than anything else perhaps.

'Lissen' girlie Mr. Schnee just called me on the phone and said that he expects to go down to New York tomorrow in his car leaving here at noon getting there at about three. So here is my hope. l will take the 4:10 arriving at Grand Central at 5:36. However, should I go by car, you will receive a phone call from me around eleven or twelve telling you where I'll meet you. Unless you get that call, however, I shall take the train.

It is getting late,and I have lots to do; so good night kidlets till the morrow.

Your Joe
Joe (for the last letter)

And so ends the letters Joe wrote Helen in 1916 and we move on to 1917 as they prepare for their June wedding.

The next letter is January 2, 1917

November 28, 1916 - Take along a bag containing enough duds until Sunday night; for my collars wont fit you.

Here is a letter from the next day which is fairly long. I guess he had a lot to say to his sweet Helen.

November 28,1916.
My dear;

That letter of yours sounded simply wonderful. What a change one day can make. I was sure that the strange girl I saw on Sunday who looked somewhat like you and dressed the same, though living in your house and parading around under your colors really wasn't you at all, and that she would beat it very soon.

What on earth did you do to her? I hate to tell you what I felt like doing. And what a joke on me, to think that you had caught cold, when, as you now say your eyes were filled with tears and you were ready to explode any minute. What about? What were those trifles that you generally smile at, that looked so tragic Sunday? Better not say anything about it, unless you want to.
I can expect a pretty good laugh tomorrow when I get your letter commenting on my two of yesterday. I believe I'd like to see them again. Maybe I'd say something a little different. But then Charles Wesley said once that he never felt so badly or blue in his life but that it passed off in half an hour, and that was why he was so successful from every standpoint. I guess our friend Elbert Hubbard said the same thing, more epigrammatically.

That engagement that Mr. Kneen made for me for Wednesday night is positive. There is no way out. Business of importance will be transacted, plans for the new officers recently elected to take over the reins of government in a few weeks in a smooth manner, without any delays or interruptions, will be discussed, so as to have everything in readiness, and the new ship launched without any hitches, if possible.

As Borough Counsel, I have been requested to appear at the meeting, to give them the benefit of my services; and I have stated to-day(in response to a letter and a phone call)that I would be there. Isn't it too bad that such things cannot be seen a week ahead, but then, you remember that play that said something about the best laid plans of mice and men.

That gets us down to brass tacks. We are to be in Stam­ford Thursday; and I believe that the best train for you to take would be the 12:03 noon train out of Grand Central for Stamford arriving there at l2:55. I'll see you at the depot in Stamford.

The folks expect to leave here about the same time you leave New York, and will undoubtedly call at the station for you. Be careful that you take the train that makes a stop at Stamford for there is one just a minute or two ahead of it that runs clear through to New Haven without a stop. And the train I mentioned leaves Grand Central but does not stop at 125th Street. Note that.

This typewriter is all out of kilter. The letters fall anywhere they want, and while the others are being used, I take a whack at this, to write at least a legible if not an intelligent letter. You will thus understand that this machine rather than the writer is a little off its trolley.
Of course, you will take along a bag containing enough duds until Sunday night; for my collars wont fit you. And while I am writing the folks can leave on Sunday morning (that includes Florence, Lillian-ha ha how that sounds- and Abe) either 10:03 or 10:50, the former arriving about 11:30 the latter about 12:18. We can talk it over later and write them Friday.

I'll be waiting for you at the Stamford station Thursday morning at 12:55 or whenever that train is due to arrive. I would like to go down to New York to get you; but the morning trains are so far apart that it would mean leaving very early, and having little time other than to get to your house and start back; and remembering that I have a long session on for Wednesday night, you will agree that this does not seen to be practical.

It’s easy to see that when we get to Shelton we wont be very lonesome, according to the dates you are making. In fact I have received several invitations from my friends to the effect that they thought it would be a good stunt for them to spend a week or so maybe during the summer in the country with us; but I don't bite that easy. But with Florence, Lillie, mother, in fact any of the folks,we'11 be sore if they don't come, wont we? Good for them; but remember, tell your father, that he has a. few friends here who are anxious to see him perform. He'll have all the comforts of home, and then some, for we'll let him play pinochle, if he likes till we'll all take our wee deoch and doris. How about it?

I really feel so good since that letter of your arrived, that I can hardly write; I feel so joyful.

Last night reading **White Hyacinths I found a paragraph where the "marster" as Cousin Clara might have called him, said that the thing that made him love Alice so devotedly more than any other thing was the fact that he never could tell what she would do next, or how she would think of the next problem, yet he was invariably certain that the way she would act or think would be a sweet, gracious, and noble one, and would inspire him to do likewise. Their quarrels, he said, were paper mache, and the only remembrance he has of any is the fact that they had none that lasted over
a few minutes, and then concerning a *piffle. To their life, he alluded, no dark clouds ever cast their shadows, the sun was always in the ascendant.

Remember that this is pretty good philosophy to bear in mind.

And we are .going to be able to say just a little more than that, for we'll profit by their example, and cut out even the *piffles. We are here for so short a time, no matter how long it may seem in actual years, and have so much to do for ourselves and others, that it is a pity to waste time thinking of trifles, and pouting over an empty nothing, without a local habitation or a name-as Willie said some four hundred years ago, more or less.

In the olden days the priest raised his hands and the sun stood still in his course. When he lowered them it sank. So he had men hold up his hands when he got tired. That's a good picture. Why can't we figuratively have our hands lifted to better things thereby keeping the brilliant sunshine pour into our lives, as you so beauti­fully described it in your letter today?

I think this a good place to stop. Why? Because Elbert said "the best place to stop talking is just before you tell all you know".

Your mother's finger is well on its way to recovery, and so is your dad's jaw, I hope.
I'm going out to see Barnet and the kiddies tonight for a few minutes, after which I have a Bnai Brith meeting.

With lots of love, from Joe

*piffle means nonsense as idle talk or nonsensical

** White Hyacinths was a book written by Elbert Hubbard in 1907

The next letter is December 1

October 11, 1916 - The love you give away is the only love you keep.

Joe is getting more affectionate every letter.

Wednesday night
My darling,

I have just completed showing Stella how to carry on a set of books, as she is Treasurer of the Local Milk Station. It's great fun really, for by pointing out the way, we find it ourselves.
That's just like love, the love you give away is the only love you keep. So said Elbert and guess he knew.

This afternoon, I met a friend of the family, a young married woman, who calls on Stella frequently, and whose daughter Barnet entertained a day or so ago, and she heartily congratulated me. She then told me - shall I tell you the nice things?

She told me how fortunate it was that I was getting such an intelligent, accomplished, and charming girl. She admired your sunny disposition, your vocal and instrumental accomplishments, and hoped that she could meet you soon, as she heard so many lovely things about you.
Of course, said she, when she meets you, she'll tell you all about me, but wouldn't tell me a thing.

I am terribly sorry that I couldn't get away to New York. But I have explained that. I shall try to get to New York tomorrow and things look favorably in that direction. Of course, if anything unexpectedly turns up, to interfere, I'll let you know, but hope I don't have to.

I am terribly anxious to see you. Time is fleeting in business, but when I'm alone for a second, I want to have you near, and it seems so long from one Saturday to the other.

Charles & Stella are going out for awhile, and I'll stay in and read.

Your loving
Joe

The next letter is October 16.

June 29, 1916 - I can enjoy the outside and balmy season.

Here is the last letter from June 1916. Joe is now keeping Helen up to date quite frequently.

June 29, 1916
My dear Helen,
     I have just received the parcel containing the two pieces of music; but have no bill.
     Yesterday morning found my eye terribly red almost to the point of the color of a strawberry. This time it pained, and the Doctor said it was the result of too much reading. I guess so. So I had to lay off a bit.
     However, today I addressed the Manufacturers Association and the Credit Men's Association at a dinner held in one of the local Clubs. Yesterday I did the same thing in New Haven; and preparing didn't help my eyes any. In being introduced - as well as in the letters to the members - the presiding officer remarked that the speaker today is one who though quite young, "has already had a long and honorable career in his profession." Coming from a man at the head of our largest institution here gave me a little bit of pleasure, you bet. So I launched into an Elbert Hubbard style of epigrammatic speaking and had a bully time. Enough of that. Still I knew you would be interested to hear what I did for the past few days.
     Saturday night I must attend a special charter meeting in Shelton that is very urgent. That deprives me of going to New York, so I'll leave Sunday morning at 8:24 arriving somewhere about 10 I presume; ready for Mt. Vernon, if you are going to your friends, as you planned.
     My eye is troubling though it's much better today, and will probably clear by Saturday. For that reason I have not read nor written much.
     Of late, I have read considerably at night. I took advantage of stormy nights to stay in a read, and have been up quite late. That now tells , but I'm glad it's pleasant, so that I can enjoy the outside and balmy season.
     Will write tomorrow, possibly,
     Sincerely
     Joe

In reference to the letter from June 27 in which Joe wrote of a piece of his writing appearing in The Fra I have located and purchased a copy and will be posting it as soon as I receive it.

The next letter will be July 6.

May 8, 1916 - I spied a nest.

This letter is, as Joe admits at the end, profuse. It is a fun read and really gives insight into the playfulness of their changing relationship.

May 8, 1916.

My dear Helen:

I presume that I ought to write to-day to make up for the time wasted(?)Playing the national past time yesterday.

Possibly that is presumptuous, but as the fellow said to the girl about to recite her 'pome’ go ahead and let your conscience be your guide.

The rising sun at six this morning saw me wearily “grag” myself out of bed, but trains, like time and tide, follow one curriculum-whatever that is. And as seven approached and I was ready to start for the depot, the phone jingled. What do you suppose it was? Good old thoughtful brother, who was visiting the folks last night, and having left late, and I not back then, assumed that I would be tired or sleepy, or what not, and called me up to say that he was sending his 'showfur' over with the car to take me to Shelton. The car was to come at eight, so that gave me a chance to go out and look over the country.

In a maple tree back of the house, planted about three years ago (now about 30 feet high) with all the buds open and the young leaves spreading their faces heavenward - gee what talk -I spied a nest. The big kid of course climbed up, and what do you think? The nicest, fattest, sleekest looking robin red breast sitting comfortably on two of the palest little blue eggs that you could want to see. I must have looked harmless. For she didn't stir at all; yes she did, she kind of lifted her wing to proudly show the eggs, with a look in her eye as if to say "can you beat that?" I almost was tempted to take her at her threat, and was about to bring up the three little kittens as a sample, but discretion was the better part of valor, and I didn't want to teach the young 'uns to follow the chickens so soon. When I climbed down, the old bird up and flew away, perhaps to do marketing for breakfast, perhaps to put some gas in her engine, who knows? Or mayhap to call another bird to witness the bold intruder into the lady's apartment in the tree.

However, my fondness for cats did not prevent my telling my mother that if she wanted to remain proud of her quasi-angora-mock-tiger-oat, and to spare for the benefit of her three young ones (we gave one away) the existence of the mamma cat, that she should keep just one eye peeled for Mrs. Kat when she was exercising her climbing propensi­ties in the vicinity of that maple tree.

And the lilacs are in bloom. The bull frogs are serenading. And as poor Elbert Hubbard - whose death's anniversary we celebrated yesterday-concluded many a story of his, “and in the distance you could hear a cuckoo plaintively calling for its mate”.

Talking about mates reminds me that I have an invitation to go to Moosehead Lake in Maine during any of the next four weeks, for our Chief of Police is up there with his boat a-fishing. "Lead us not into temptation? I suppose he might let me be the first mate. And up there in the woods deer mate is very good broiled.

My sister actually sprung a joke to-day, good for her. She said that I seemed to have a restless night that there was a lot of noise out in front of the house all night. I asked what it was, and she replied perhaps the 'dandylines! She'd better look out, for she's up at sun-rise every morning, some mornings.

I believe in preparedness. Asked Freddie or Moshe. So I am writing a rather profuse letter, realizing that tomorrow, I’ll be in Court and in the evening start for Hartford where I’ll spend Wednesday, and return late that night, and Thursday will try but may not get a chance to tell some more nature stories. But remember that this bird positively did not have whiskers, could not bark, had but two legs, and couldn't under­stand French even as you and I.

The sky is a beautiful blue just now. Hoping you are not the same, I am

Sincerely

Joe

The link connected to Elbert Hubbard goes to the article from May 7, 1915 when the Lusitania sank.

The next letter will be May 12.