May 2, 1916 - A new Regal car.

This was a very exiting letter to have. In looking through their photos from this time period I found a photo of the car mentioned in the letter. This was really big news for Joe to write Helen about.

Monday afternoon

My dear Helen,

I had a very long session, this morning, in Court and was rather tired when I arrived at the office at three o’clock.

But you can never guess in a thousand years what I found. So I’ll tell you.

My brother placed on my desk during the morning a nice little note to the effect that I was the owner of a new Regal car. He bought it for me this morning, during my absence. Remember what I always said about him. I haven’t seen it yet, and imagine it’s a small car to enable me to get around from one town here to another, to save delays of trains and trolleys. When I get courage I’ll take it to New York, or maybe borrow the big fellow, who knows?

I haven’t time to write much now, but knew you’d like to hear this much. He’s some brother, b’lieve me.

Sincerely,

Joe

 Above is a photograph of the car mentioned in the following letter. It was a Buick Touring Regal 1917. Just as cars today the car dates are ahead of the actual year. It looks like that is Joe in the photo.

The next letter is May 4.

April 26, 1916 - Friday night I’ll have the pleasure of riding the goat.

This letter is filled with all sorts of interesting information about government and Joe's involvement with the Freemasons. He keeps up his sense of humor and the news of his life.

Wednesday

Dear Helen,

Tonight our Republican Town Committee holds a special meeting. Tomorrow night the Warden and Burgesses will be addressed at a special meeting by their Borough Counsel on the requirements and needs of the *New City, and what action should be taken preparatory to its inception, especially regarding such municipal problems as taxation, housing, financial system, and organization of various boards. Friday night I’ll have the pleasure of riding the goat, and expect it will be a case of “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” “Along the Rocky Road to Dublin”. Have made no dates for Saturday evening. Oh yes, I had an opportunity of gong to Richmond and the Pines in Carolina; but since it meant but a few hours stay and a quick trip back, I wasn’t very keen about railroading these days, when it’s impossible to take a little time to do the work properly.

That New York case looks like a settlement. Counsel told me today that they wanted our best figures and they would try to adjust the matter. Guess you’ll have to see “Justice” for a court scene if that materializes.

You intimated a short note would be desirable. Is this short enough?

Sincerely,

Joe
* From what I can figure the city he is speaking of is Shelton, CT. It became incorporated in 1915 and this was most likely part of that history.

The next letter is May 2.

April 25, 1916 - Among the blind, the one eyed man is King

As the letters start to come more often Joe's work also intensifies. He likes to keep Helen abreast of all that goes on in his life.

Tuesday noon

Dear Helen,

Though I intended to write yesterday, matters shaped themselves so that it was impossible to get at it. The Shelton Court kept me busy till 12:30 noon and promptly leaving, on my arrival here I found witnesses in the office for a case to be tried at 2. I skipped lunch to save time thinking that I’d finish about 3 or so and then could have a bite, and prepare for my address in the Episcopal Church at night. Well, the case lasted till 5 o’clock, it took about a half hour for me to don evening clothes and make the Derby train, and it was 8 o’clock before I knew it, and no supper. Well the address to me was fine. It was enthusiastically received; the Hubbard, Wise, Emerson and a few others should share the honors. Still, you know, among the blind, the one eyed man is King. I thought of this because a client with one mazda burned out just came in with a damage claim against a factory for the loss of his tungsten. I must have reduced ten pounds; but nobody loves a fat man.

Sincerely,

Joe

The next letter is April 26

April 6, 1916 - The 7:41 A.M. out of Bridgeport arriving Grand Central 9:16 A.M.

Here is the first of three letters that Joe wrote in April 1916. The thing that struck me about the letter was that he wrote about the train times and that is the same travel time today from Bridgeport, CT to Grand Central Station in NYC.

April 6,1916.

Dear Helen:
I don't know whether to explain now that this is to be a short letter, or just pass it and let you see for yourself.

Your letter this morning said that it contained a funny poem, but you've probably got that poem still on your desk. And so far as the briefs are concerned, I can see now that they will act as very proficient remedies for insomnia. Of course, they could be made more entertaining if Goldberg or Hershfield illustrated them; but I'm afraid our clients wouldn't see the joke, if a decision was handed down against them.

I'll look through the New York papers tonight to read about the French play, and in advance I can imagine it must have been a success.
The 7:41 A.M. Saturday out of Bridgeport looks likely now, arriving at Grand Central about 9:16, and if it's on time, shouldn’t be more than a few minutes late, as a friend of mine would say.

I had a good laugh. Williamson just informed me that he became tired of waiting for me to go, so he went and has already returned from the south. What do you think of that? Ish K. Abibble.
Sincerely,


Apparently he did not sign this letter.

The next letter is April 25.

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.

March 5, 1916 - If I were founding a new religion its first commandment would be "You shalt be cheerful".

This is the first letter that Joe addresses Helen as "My dear Helen". I assume, an interesting this indicates a turn of events in their friendship.

Sunday morning

My dear Helen,

Promptly upon arriving this morning, I went to the office,  to meet with the chairmen of the various committees, and as no one has as yet appeared, take advantage of the few moments to write - as per request.

The train was not crowded, and was but slightly delayed, yet it afforded the early risers an excellent opportunity to get a little of that stuff that *"knits the raveled sleeve of care". And you may be certain that it required no crooning melody non mandragora (without narcotic) to co-operate. One rather stout man in front of me - surely must have been a lumberman - for he was sawing some delightful patterns in hickory, and every time he struck a "knot", both he and I awoke. Had my memory been keen I might have thought that "Macbeth doth murder sleep".

Speaking of Macbeth, enclosed is a clipping reviewing the story a la Billy Sunday or Mr. Dooley.
Also enclosed is a clipping from the Sunday paper, and if you look real carefully you might discover a familiar map.

Haven't had breakfast , but when dinner arrives, turkey will be thrown for a great loss.
Barnet - who has been indisposed for some time - expects - as I have just heard on the phone - to go to Sunday School this morning. And I am going to make the men put on high, open mufflers and get through so that I may be able to take him. Sunday School is a good place for me today.

Several have just arrived and by the time their coats are off, I may not be able to complete this and get it off today. Isn't the writing unusually choppy and unfamiliar?

In **The Fra, which lies before me, as it usually does, I noticed as I looked up, "cheerfulness is more precious than great riches". If I were founding a new religion its first commandment would be "You shalt be cheerful". But we need no new commandments. The famous ten breathe that spirit. So, as a closing word, it might not be amiss just to say, as dear old Hubbard used to, "Radiate happiness".

Sincerely,
Joe

* Macbeth Act 2 Scene 2
 ** The Fra a magazine written by Elbert Hubbard

The next letter will be on March 7.