February 18, 1916 - Cancelling tickets for La Boheme with Caruso

Here is the last letter before Helen heads back to New York.

February 18, 1916

Dear Helen,

Just a line to say that I understand your present plans are to leave Saturday at 2 and arrive about 4 at the Pennsylvania Station.

Of course, I shall not look for any noon trains; and will have a bachelor's luncheon; and slip over about 4 o'clock, in the event you haven't altered your plans about returning.

I know you must be having great times, you danced etc; and this afternoon phoned cancelling tickets for La Boheme with Caruso for tomorrow afternoon.

Just write to let you know your letter about the train was received.

Sincerely,

Joe

Cancelling tickets to see Caruso in La Boheme must have been very upsetting to Helen.

The next letter will be on March 5.

January 11, 1914 - "Lei m'intende?"

This year starts with a short note to set up a possible date to attend "La Boheme". His humor, as always, is intact. His ability to remember the lyrics almost  perfectly is a testament to his mind.

Sunday morning
Dear Helen,
Just as I was about to leave for Waterbury I read in the World that on Saturday night, there will be a special performance of La Boheme.

Could I ask you to order two seats like those in Madame Butterfly.

The machine is honking for me; so thought I'd write before it slipped my cabeza.*

If you can't go, why just cancel this request. I know it will give you an opportunity to hear that

"Mi chiamano Mimì, ma il mio nome è Lucia.La storia mia è breve. Sono tranquilla e lieta ed è mio svago far gigli e rose."**

 That is as near as I can recall it, spelled as it listens.
"Lei m'intende?" (Do you hear me?)
Si
Sincerely,
Joe

* Cabeza is head in Spanish.

** "Yes, they call me Mimi, but my true name is Lucia.My story is short. ... I am happy and at peace and my pastime is to make lilies and roses."

If you would like to hear the aria that he is quoting, here is a link to "Si Mi Chiamano"

The next letter will be on April 25. I suspect that letters were lost over time. I will be filling in with family information and newspaper articles.