February 27, 1917 - I have a de luxe headache . . . b'lieve me it's a beaut.

Here is a quick fun note touching base and tighten up plans. They see each other the following day for the Charity Ball at the Harmony Lodge.I have included the page from Helen's date book from that day. This letter ends the month of February 1917.

Tuesday
Dearest,

You'll overlook the paper I'm using, for it's all I can get hold of after the kids finished decorating the house.

Your suggestion to leave around two and arrive at 3:24 or 3:37, I don't recall which, is a good one. I'll have the machine at the depot waiting.
I was out of town all day, and have a very de luxe headache at present. It's my first one in ages, and b'lieve me it's a beaut.

I ought to be in the office tonight but our lodge has a very important meeting, prior to the Charity Ball, and have been requested to attend. Home in bed just now is my place; but what can be done?
I don't think it a good plan for Cousin Clara to add any members to the party, for the reason that while we would be glad to extend our hospitality, we have a rather large party now, and each girl with an escort; but to add another girl would make it rather uncomfortable for her, because there would be no one to look out for her welfare.

Nat being much, if any, of a dancer myself, you know that it's up to me to get you some good partners. Ye gads, isn't that some task to select good dancers and look after committee work, without further responsibilities?

Barnet is writing all kinds of things. Want to see his name? Here it is. Barnet Shapiro. He did it with his little pencil. The kid is just tickled to think I'd let him "write in Aunt Helen's letter".
Tommy is at the other house so I can't add his autograph. Here is a duplicate.

With lots of love and kisses till tomorrow at 3:24 or there abouts I am
Your
Joe

Helen's datebook from 1917

The next letter will be March 2

March 7, 1916 - We had a real blizzard all day and night, but the crowd braved the storm.

Here is the follow up letter to the previous letter of March 5th. And Joe report to Helen of the great success of the charity Ball. It is interesting to me as I transcribe his letter about this terrible blizzard that the event went on and with great success. Today that would not be the case it would have been cancelled due to snow.

Tuesday afternoon
My dear Helen,

Our charity Ball last night was a grand success in every sense of the word.  From first reports, it seems as if the proceeds will exceed previous affairs of a like nature.
Of course we had a real blizzard all day and night, but the crowd braved the storm just the same and turned out en masse.

I had a glorious time! Just note this Sunday afternoon drove to Ansonia (16 miles) with Judge Sanders, and ran into a pretty wild storm; lashing our faces terribly. Returned at night to work at the hall for the Ball. All day yesterday from early morn till 6 o'clock at the hall with the decorators, etc. arranging minor details etc; like carting furniture, moving all kinds of things, having floral decorations adjusted. Then in the blizzard at 6 to Shelton to attend a town meeting. I forgot to say that the strikers kept me in court during part of the day; but having concluded at about nine, found that no trains or cars were running. Everything snowbound. So I looked up a friend and got out his car, and it took over three hours to go ten miles. And oh! what a trip!

Arrived at the Ball just at midnight; stayed till 2, then helped lock up, back again this A.M. at 8 to have properties removed and returned.

In the office at work again this afternoon, and it feels good to get relief once more.

Tonight, some choir-music at a large meeting. Maybe some rest tomorrow; but who know?

Say,  but your letter was a dandy; have read it several times, and it is fine.

How extra- ordinary that we should write at the same time about sunshine and cheerfulness. This letter is more like "simple life" that anything else.

I'll bet you'll have a good time tonight at the banquet.

Sincerely yours,
Joe

The next letter is April 6.