October 18, 1916 - The election is but a few weeks away and must receive some consideration.

It is fascinating how Joe's life 100 years ago was paralleling our life today - politically speaking.

Wednesday noon

My dear,

How did I laugh at those cartoons that you sent me. Still I don't quite know just on whom the laugh should be, if you try to reconcile Briggs and Goldberg. But one mystery is solved. Know what it is? We often wondered just why at this time Goldberg should be drawing engagement and marriage pictures, and mother-in-law stuff and all that. But the cat has jumped out of the bag. He is going to be or is already married.*

I had an idea that I'd be in New York this week, but no. Our Supreme Court convenes Tuesday and with several cases to argue, I thought I'd be fully prepared. And in addition, every night thus far I have been out doing very important fraternal work that simply had to be attended to at this time.
It doesn't make it so terrible, because you'll be here Friday afternoon, does it dear?

I'm working on that Shelton matter with full steam on, but the prosperity of New England has been the cause of everything being occupied. However, I have gotten good seats at 8:20, and an beginning to wonder whether that was any criterion.

Did I tell you that Barnet started in the public schools Monday morning? He did, and he is just delighted.

And of course you'll be glad to learn that Charles and Stella have gotten several nice patterns in silverware for our selections. So come prepared to make some choice, if any there be that meet your approval.

I have been unusually occupied with many matters outside of the profession. Besides the election is but a few weeks away and must receive some consideration.
But, you'll be here a day after tomorrow arriving 4:25. If you're downtown step in and get a Pullman seat. And you bet I'll be anxiously waiting. Another load of love.

Your
Joe

* Rube Goldberg married Irma Seeman on October 17, 1916.

The next letter is October 26.

October 28, 1913 - The political situation here . . .

In this letter Joe gives insight into what was happening in the political arena in Bridgeport, CT as election day was approaching. From his tone about the Republican party vs. the Progressive party it is not much different than politics today.

October 28,1913
Dear Helen,
Here's the blue paper again. It was handy, so I used it.
I have made arrangements to be in New York Friday and Saturday of this week; and I might be induced to stay over Sunday. If I am not mistaken Dr. Wise will speak anent* (concerning; about) political times on Sunday morning.

The political situation here is a cross between a flaming caldron and perdition itself. All the parties are split into factions, and they in turn into classes. For example, I am a Republican. So is my brother. Yet his father-in-law is a Progressive and is on the Progressive ticket. It looks almost like father against son. To liven matters, my sister-in-law was proposed as a candidate for the Board of Education on the Progressive ticket. She was persuaded to decline the nomination for many reasons. On of the strong ones was, that she has two babies and plenty of work, as it is, at home, outside of the Republican affiliation of her hubby. But instead, Mrs. Davis is running for that position. She is the wife of the President of the Locomobile Co. of America.

But, then, you have your school work to do, and I shouldn't take up your time.
So with kindest regards I am
Sincerely
Joe

Here is a portrait of Rabbi Stephen Wise taken between 1920 and 1940.

Above is an example of an auto in 1913 made by the Locomobile Co. of America


The next letter will be on November 3rd.