May 21, 1917 - Reminds me of the time just about like now some ten years ago, as I was about to graduate

This letter brings out the close relationship Joe had with his brother Charles. He reflects on ten years ago in 1907 when Joe was just graduating from Yale. As he says time has flown.

May 21,1917.
My darling:

It is way after eight, and Charles and I are at the office working in our old boyhood style, that is we are talking over many matters awaiting our collective consideration, and incidentally are talking about you, and getting married, and the house, and the honeymoon, and the future, and so many things that it reminds me of the time just about like now some ten years ago, as I was about to graduate, and we talked of getting together and trying our skill and luck in partnership. How the time has flown, and how old we have gotten, to say nothing of how stout.

But is wonderful as we have been taking an inventory. Just think in ten years each of us have gotten-I almost- the best girls in the world; and I'll have the really best in another month. When I said almost I was qualifying the time, not the bestest, by any manner of means.
And we have become established, thank heaven-and feel as though we have really accomplished something already. Oh, but this is a dandy evening. Charles has stepped out for a moment so I am writing.

My dear, tomorrow I am down to try a case in the Superior Court, and it will positively take all day and perhaps run into Wednesday, so I can see that I’ll not be able to get to New York till Thursday at any rate. But it is real work that is keeping me and I know that you will be rather glad that it is such an excuse that I must offer, isn’t that so?

Of course you would never think that I had to stand all the way from New York last night and was nearly dead when l arrived here.

But I had such a delightful week end that I feel tickled all over, and will anxiously await my chance to get to the City near the middle of the week.

We are going to finish very soon, and will take our old fashioned walk down the park and talk over many little things that develop and that we cannot find time to get at during all the day, no matter how hard we try.

I would have gone to New York tonight but did not expect to get through so soon.
Tomorrow noon perhaps, at least at night, I'll write and tell you some more plans.

I have received confirmation from Saratoga saying that that have reserved the best in the Hotel for us, how's that?

These are short sentences, but with so many things buzzing through my mind, I am surprised that I can think of any definite idea.

With lots of love and kisses,
I am
Joe

The next letter will be May 23 a two letter day

May 18, 1917 - That letter of yours has not arrived yet

Here is a letter written one month before Helen and Joe are getting married. It is interesting that they are still firming up the guest list and making plans for their honeymoon. It looks like they were also taking a business after their honeymoon to the famous Grand Union Hotel in Saratoga, NY. See photo below.

Thursday night about 8.

My darling:

You cannot imagine how glad I was to get the chance of talking to you, if only for a minute or so, to-day, I do wish that the proverbial haste of time would begin to show itself for a little while at least.

While I think of it, I dropped a line of reminder to Doctor Wise this morning, asking about that date that you made for some time in June, and hope to have his reply by the time I get to the City on Saturday.

I had real hopes of going early in the morning, as I told you, but the local lawyer here who was to settle a case so that I could take the necessary papers along-incidentally the check also-has not yet handed the same over to me, although he has been promising to do so for the past week or more; still I have fond hopes that he will make good tomorrow.

When I arrive in the big town, I'll call as is my custom, and let you know just about when I'll be at liberty, and I shall not hurry, for you are to have your dressmaker there all day, and so do not wish to be interrupted, nest ce pas?

How glad do you imagine I was, when I found that the folks had reversed themselves, and changed their minds, and decided on your ideas? I do not yet know the reason for their doing it, though I suspect that Charles intervened after he learned of my ideas on the matter. Perhaps tomorrow, when the opportunity offers itself, I'll make a little inquiry into the why's and where­fore's of the matter; and will be interested in learning the real cause.

Also, that letter of yours has not arrived yet, and so do not know what its contents are; all the same I have a sneaking feel­ing that perhaps the K's might he invited; but with all the plans changed I will not say any more till I see you about it how's that?

There remain just two long documents for me to get out before I shall get near any bed; and believe me, I have some work yet to do when this letter is finished, so it will terminate soon.

I have made inquiry relative to a trip to Niagara Falls, East Aurora, Buffalo, then to the St. Lawrence, Lake George etc. and will know in a day or two just how the routing is made, and the incidental arrangements that are necessary, together with such accommodations at hotels are as required, in order to be enabled to lay out my plans. In the meantime, the Convention in Saratoga is held July 23rd, for a week, at the Grand Union Hotel, and I have made reservations for very nice quarters for that time, and ex­pect to receive confirmation of the same before Saturday.

Dearest, while I want to write some more, I fear that the hour is growing late, and Court tomorrow holds quite a bunch for my attention, so will leave off here; with a bunch of love etc.

Your
Joe

The next letter is May 21

May 15, 1917 - I'm terribly lonesome for you, and would like to tear just five weeks off the map, at this very minute.

Here is a fun letter from Joe while on a business trip in Derby Connecticut. He is getting very excited and they are still adding to the wedding list just five weeks from now. When he is requesting guests to attend the wedding I really see the lawyer come out in him pleading his case. Below is a postcard photo of the Hotel Clark; take note of stationary.

  

 

 

Tuesday

Dearest,

Will you b'lieve me when I say that this letter is the first chance I've had to scribble a line to you since I left New York?

I was in Court all Monday and spent the entire evening with the Board of Aldermen (till midnight) and leaving at supper time from B'Port to get to Shelton on time.

All day today in Court, and am now - as you can see - in Derby, and scribbling while I get my first meal today. I'm so tired that I'm not hungry in the least.

Surest thing you know, I'll be in New York tomorrow night (Wed.) to see the sweetest girl in all creation. If I finish in Court on time, I'll take the 4:10 otherwise a little later.

If you're down town you can watch the train come in, but it will not be safe, for I don't know just what time I'll leave.

Dear, I'm terribly lonesome for you, and would like to tear just five weeks off the map, at this very minute. What think you?

I've been very fortunate so far. Tried two cases Monday and won, and tried two today and already have favorable decisions. Incidentally I succeeded in securing the settlement of the three cases in my favor, so my batting average, or streak - as you call it, has started again; tho it wasn't interrupted for long at all.

I want to write fifty pages to start telling you how much I love you, but my hands are weary and can hardly move along; they have been working - taking notes & evidence - for several days.
However I'll see you soon you know!

Oh yes; Charles thinks that Cousin Sig & Sallie and Gus  & Nat ought to be at our wedding. He's talked to mother and she thinks so too since our two families are so intimate in so many ways, and when I told him of conditions, he said that I've have been together so frequently and have interests in common that it isn't just the right thing for me to do at the most important event in my life. As regards to Mr. & Mrs. K. he said I met you through them, and have always been close and I ought really to have them come, perhaps on the same theory as Pauline and Albert. That would make twelve besides myself - whom perhaps you'll invite and as he says - for a man of my prominence and friends, that is a very small number, considering several others that really might be invited, but whom no mention is now made. So listen, girlie, just think it over, and take your time, and I'll go over the matter with you tomorrow. It strikes me, he is right, after all, but we'll talk it over in N.Y. tomorrow night.

Here's hoping you are feeling as charming and well as when I left you.

With love & kisses I am
Your
Joe

The next letter is May 18

May 10, 1917 - Hope that life remains one sweet song to you.

Here is a letter written in 3 stages. The closer the wedding day come the more he writes. That I suppose is a good sign. Here are a few photos I found on line for the restaurants that Charles, Stella and friends went to on their trip to NYC for two shows in one day on Broadway.

 Where they had lunch.

Where they had dinner.

May 10,1917.

Dear lil girl:
Once-again to-day am I taking my pen in hand-so to speak-and taking a couple of minutes of your time. I feel like talking to you, and for want of a better medium, appeal to the paper.
The folks returned from New York reporting a big time.

They dined at Lorber's at noon, and at Rector’s in the evening, returning on the eleven fifteen. They saw The Willow Tree, and also Disraeli. And as typical yokels might say, they had the time of their young lives. While they undoubtedly enjoyed themselves, it wasn't according to my ideas of a good time, nor yours by any means. On a bright afternoon like yesterday, I should have pre­ferred an auto drive up the river banks to see the beautiful scenery this time of the year, not spend the whole day in doors from the theatre to the dining table and back to the theatre to the table again. In describing the wonderful trip at Niagara, our old friend used to say that it reminded him of how many people got along, by the gorge route.     But it takes many tastes to make up the world.

I was given a suggestion to-day about a little journey. Here it is for what it is worth. I was told to go to the White Mountains, to the “Fabian” (actually Fabyan House) house in Bretton Woods, where many of the New York people of class spend their summers. That would include a trip to Portland, Portsmouth, Boston, Providence and New London. I'm neutral; just telling you what was suggested, that's all.

I must run along now and do some work, but I think that this letter will arrive to-night, while you are in Brooklyn. With some more love and kisses,
I am Your,
Joe


May l0,1917.

Dear Helen:

I was tickled to little pieces, and several fat ones, when I saw your letter this morning; especially because it had the funniest Goldberg clipping ever, tho I am not minimizing your letter by any means. I am of course glad that you are out enjoying yourself; and hope that life remains one sweet song to you; and as you know I shall try to do all I can along that line. Under the circumstances, it looks as if you are a traveling lady yourself; getting from Mount Vernon to Brooklyn and back to New York again.

I was so tired last night and all in that I did not really get at writing you a line, but we had quite a talk on the wire, and that helps a little bit, doesn't it?

I am just a wee bit worried, this morning I found two lumps on the back of my neck, near my shirt-collar-band, and tho I immediately painted them with iodine and alcohol, they are rather large and painful, and I am suspicious of boils. But, I sent a riot call to New Haven for Louis, and he will fix them up all right, whatever they are, and if he doesn't show up to-day I'll go to a regular doctor. You know me, all the time looking out for myself at least physically.

I have a slight hunch that I'll get to New York Friday, but at the same time, there are several cases here that Charles has made tentative arrangements to have the witnesses come in that night, and if they do, of course, pop goes the weazel with my trip.

Miss Reutter just returned and has many things to write, so I'll finish in longhand, as all the letters really should be written.

Do you expect some of your cousins for dinner on Sunday, or is that only "schmoose"?

Listen, good news I am actually on diet, I've been mad ever since I saw that scale, and have religiously abstained from fattening foods of all kinds. Goldberg could get an inspiration by watching me eat. Yesterday for dinner, at the Stratfield, I had clams, tomato soup, and fillet of flounder, & combination salad. Oh yes, one little slice of bread, and not another thing. I can hear you laughing, but that soup made up for a desire for bread etc. and as i get used to it will cut it "owt", too. For breakfast this morning I had a bowl of "scrawberries" a la Myra"s talk, with just about a tablespoon of cream. You can't stop all at once. And as I begin to pull in the veranda, I notice, as I've written I'm getting it in the neck.

With love and loads of kisses


I am as ever your
Joe

The next letter is May 15

May 8, 1917 - Before the blossoms fly, we may be out riding on Sunday

Looks like Joe is getting a new machine! Here is a picture of a car from the Lozier Automobile Company.

Tuesday afternoon

My darling,

For the first time in quite awhile, I went to Charles' house, and among the other topics, naturally, the subject of these letters came up.  I immediately quoted my pencil notation, amidst a young cyclone, with the result that when I reached the office, I found five typewritten to be sent to you, and the are so enclosed.

Do you remember my saying that Stella wanted to have you spend a week-end here? Well, it's for this week if you can arrange it. In fact Charles, Stella, Dr. & Mrs. Rosen, Cousin Sig & Sally (six of 'em) are to be in New York tomorrow to take in two shows. The Willow Tree in the afternoon, Disraeli, at night.

I don't know what the idea is to pick out Wednesday, I'm sure; but the have done so. And Stella said she would call you on the phone and make her plans for Saturday etc. at that time direct with you.
Charles leaves here early tomorrow and naturally expects me to be in the office. The joke is that I have a case to try and will be away all day myself, so now it is problematical whether I can get away in the evening at all to see you, but of course you know I'll try till the last shot is fired.

I am not certain just what the week end invitation includes, nor just what plans are made to take care of you while here, so do not be too hasty in accepting, but think it over, and then decide.
By the way, I really and truly expect my new machine in ten days or so. My client was in less than an hour ago, took a new order for a new model, and said he would try to get some standard make in that time, although no new ones have reached here in some time. My choice was for a Lozier and he said he'd try, and let me know in a couple of days what's what so before the blossoms fly, we may be out riding on Sunday after all, so we expected.

He almost persuaded me to get a five passenger car, saying that if "your wife has any girl friends newly married and the four of you for instance want to run down to Atlantic City over Sunday, you can do it". Gee, does he know Pauline?

What do you think? I said "if you can get a cabriolet, that"s my idea, but I want the car at once, so get a five if that's all you can get at once". And I know he will.

Dearest, the weather is rotten, it makes me feel punk. I don't know what it is, but I'm never have had it. Maybe approach of warm weather in disguise is doing it. The real reason is I don't see you often enough, Love sick I guess the movies call it.

With lots of love and kisses

I an Your
Joe

The next letter will be May 10

May 4, 1917 - Maybe that 160 will go out into the discard;

Here is a quick note that Joe got off to Helen in the midst of a busy day.

May 4,1917.
My dear:

As I wrote “twiced” yesterday, I am going out to-night to attend a little private clam bake-as I understand it-in the back­woods of Shelton, with a party of gentlemen, whom you will meet very shortly, and who are very good friends of mine. Among them is the Mayor, whom you know, Dr. Nettleton, Judge Palmer and Mr. Clark all of whom you have met too, in your little journey to Shelton.

Your letter this morning was a dandy; and I certainly did enjoy the clippings particularly Goldberg's cartoon. The other 'serious' clippings also received attention; and while I agree with Dr. Crane, rather doubt some of the things he pointed out. Yet as a whole it is a very fine and deep-thought-out article.

I have just received an invitation to go out to lunch; gee whiz, that makes three good meals to-day, for mother handed me quite a fine becksas. (Speaking like his nephew and nieces) Some luck, believe muh. Maybe that 160 will go out into the discard; for perhaps I am wasting away to a ton or more.

So here I go. With love and kisses, I am

Your

Joe

The next letter is on May 8

May 3, 1917 - I weigh 160 even; Hip hip hoorah!

Here is the daily follow up letter. Obviously Joe has still been working on his weight!

May 3,1917.

My darling:

As I told you this afternoon in a letter which perhaps will have reached you while this one is being written, that I would write again, if the opportunity appeared; and it has. This sentence is about as well composed as that of the farmer's son, who wired back to his dad, the old man having gone to the City, and being away for several days, getting worried about everything ‘to hum’ wired his son as follows “Is things all right at home?” and the answer flashed back “Things is”.

My main purpose in dropping this line is to tell you that I spoke to Mr. Kneen this afternoon, and he seemed very optimistic over my prospects about getting properly settled in Shelton, and said that everything looked very rosy in that direction. I therefore pass it along to you. We went over the situation pretty thoroughly, and you know how much 'dope' I have to get to feel at all certain about anything. Of course, we'll know more positively a little later, but there is no cause for any alarm or worry that you will have to hire Barnum's tent for the summer.

I am very anxious to see what those pictures will look like, and would like to see that tray in the daytime, to see what kind of a matzieh we landed in our enthusiastic shopping tour.

It is after seven and I'll start out to get a little teeny bit of eats to last me till tomorrow; and in the evening, we are to have that little clam bake that I told you about off in the woods. In the meantime, I'll be a-thinkin about you, and waiting for Saturday.
With a couple of loads of love and lots of kisses,I am

Your Joe

I weigh 160 even; Hip hip hoorah!

The next letter is May 4

May 3, 1917 - I have several tentative ideas about the summer time already.

Here is the first of two letters for today. Joe is really moving along on the preparations for their new home. As this was his first home this must have been very exciting and perhaps overwhelming on top of his busy work schedule.

May 3,1917.

My dear:

I made that eleven fifteen by the smallest part of a fraction of a second, for I was very lucky in finding an express pulling into the subway station just as I arrived, and it was then three minutes after eleven. The Guard said it takes twelve minutes running time, but as a matter of fact we got to Grand Central just 14 minutes past, and you should have seen me in the weight reducing act of running up the stairs and way over to the other end of the station and onto the train just as the thing started into life, Bridgeport bound.

I'm going to Shelton and New Haven this afternoon, and will probably return for supper, but am not certain just yet. But I sure did have a bully time last night, and enjoyed my few minutes stay in the City after the afternoon's work immense­ly. It is more like a dream to me, especially when I think that we actually have begun to furnish up our home, with two frames and a tray already ordered.

I shall make it a point to look up the builder this P.M. and get a line on what he thinks cost etc. ought to be on that proposition that I mentioned to you. Also, am taking it up with the electrician for his estimate; and maybe will have you think up what kind of decorations you might like. The color scheme of the various rooms is one that can be considered so that we can have a good idea of just what is needed, and what fixtures should be ordered to match. I'll bet violet will predominate. You know my weakness for all those nice delicate shades; so govern yourself accordingly; but remember that I may get some ties to match.

Another thing that might be of interest, in the event that my ideas can be carried out, would be regarding the color of "the exterior of the house, if it was to be painted over to match the rest of the things; and since a garage will undoubtedly be built, the whole color scheme could be adapted to make everything nice and harmonious. What do you think?   What is your answer?

I have several tentative ideas about the summer time already. I am enclosing that circular that I flashed last night, intending to show it to you and then overlooked it. I haven't considered it but got it for observation to get some ideas of what could be done for a few weeks, if we felt that we ought to do something sometime in June, what date was that you mentioned?

But joking aside, I have some rather clear ideas of just what we'll do, and about where we'll-be for a little while, till things get into definite shape. That is something, isn't it?

Again I ran off without leaving the spondoolix (money or cash) for that tray-and I'm tickled all over about it-and the frames; so am enclosing it; and if there is any change, however little, have a good time on it till I can get around and take you out for a regular time.

In the meantime, I'11 not delay now but will start for the station and maybe to-night, if I get a chance will find time to write again. I'm simply terrible on the new machines, with all those mis-struck letters; but I'm out of practice.

With lots and lots of love etcetera, I am

Your
Joe

The second letter f for the day follows.

May 1, 1917 - The more I see you, the more I want you . . .

Here is a charming letter from Joe to his bride to be. He is getting excited as the day is arriving.

May 1,1917,

Darling lil girl:

To night, as you are aware, I am scheduled to speak in several small towns in this vicinity; and I think it best to spend the afternoon preparing several thoughts in presentable shape. I almost wish that you were around to give me a lift in the job; and give me the benefit of some of your ideas. Maybe you could also tell me some good stories as a starter, to get the audiences in the right frame of mind and smiling, prepared to accept the real stuff when it is finally given them.

The day is very dreary, and for some unknown cause, I have had a peach of an attack of the blues for a couple of days. I suppose it is the large number of cases that I had to attend to in the night session last Friday, and again last night; with another scheduled for Friday night.

In speaking to a friend to day, I told him the answer you give when asked when you'll get “marreyed” and he laughed awhile till finally he blurted out “gee, but you are booking up your dates away ahead.”   He said he met his wife on Sunday at a picnic, proposed the next Sunday, and was married in a month, and has been picknicking ever since. Believe me, he was going some; but if you saw his wiff-as he calls her-you would see that no one other than one who just met and proposed to her would get married if he waited, and considered what he was about.

It is different with you. The more I see you, the more I want you; and the more intense my desire to have you right here all the time, here we can he together, and sail along in our little figurative boat, while I row, you are to sing.

Oh dearie, I just thought that I will be in New York tomorrow afternoon, to take some depositions, and if you care to see me work-though it is an informal hearing with nothing out of the ordinary-I will call you up when I arrive (perhaps)and you can accompany me; otherwise I'll meet you afterwards. I'll phone when I arrive; my intention at this time being to leave here about 12:46 arriving about 2:15; like last Saturday.

It is simply pouring out, and if it keeps up, I am not at all sure whether those meetings will be held other than the one in Shelton, where they would meet under any circumstances, once the notice was published to that effect. They stick once they get started.
Clara has a dandy pansy bed in her yard, and the softest and bluest pansies ever are in full bloom just now, and the three rose bushes have already sprouted their buds and the nicest little leaves are already clearly visible. The morning glories are still asleep, but they wake up when many of the other flowers are disappearing, so it keeps up a continual bloom all summer. Does this put any ideas into your cabeza?     By the way, some one said stucko houses are very pretty if they have red roofs and green blinds or shades of a harmonious contrast.

I have a long distance call in and expect the bell to “woof woof woof”. With lots of love and kisses,

I am Your
Joe

The next 2 letters are on May 3

May 1, 1917 - Thanking you all for the splendid hospitality extended to me.

Here is a letter that Joe's sister Clara sent Helen after a visit to New York City. I t is a very cordial letter to her soon to be sister in law.

May 1, 1917

My dear Helen,

Joe and I arrived safely in Bridgeport and found everything OK.
I am still talking about the good time you gave me and wish to take this opportunity of thanking you all for the splendid hospitality extended to me and the good care taken of me. I hope when you come to Bridgeport I will be able to reciprocate.

We are feeling fine and hope you are the same. Mother's knee is much better, Louis removed the plaster and that helps her get around a little easier. When we came home she was waiting near the windows for us. Louis stayed home with her.

I am sorry I did not say "goodby" to Abe when I left, but I do not think he was home, will you tell him for me?

You can see by the different color of the ink how many times I was interrupted while waiting this letter by my big brother Charles, every little while he would want something else and call out from his room.

By the way, how is your arm, does it pain you yet, I hope it is alright now.
Well, I will close now with much love to you and your folks from mother and myself and the rest of us and again thanking you for myself and from mother for giving me such a good time, I remain,

Very lovingly,
Clara

PS Write when you get a chance.

The second letter from Joe on May 1 will be the next post.