May 4, 1916 - The weather is certainly grand.

Joe was certainly getting into the auto part of his life. Looks like he took to touring very quickly.

  

Thursday the fourth

Dear Helen,

    I recall that you said something about your going to theatre Saturday afternoon with an old friend.

On the same afternoon I shall be out in one of the cars, probably my brothers, to get onto the details of it. Knowing mine now so thoroughly, I think, that I’ve promised to take my mother to visit her sister in New York during the course of the next few weeks, if she’s game to go with me.

    I’ll probably arrive in New York Saturday evening along about 6, but from the looks of things will probably not get in until maybe seven, so don’t count on my arrival till after “dinner”.

    The weather is certainly grand, and in a week or two will settle down steady. Then for real autoing. Who said carry lunch along?

Sincerely,

Joe

This letter isn’t too long, is it?

The next letter is  May 8.

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.