September 18, 1913 - You have entered your second score.

Here is a very long letter that Joe wrote Helen one day after her 20th birthday. This long letter is filled with stories from his daily life, family updates, theater and his humor.

September 18,1913.
Dear Helen:
If you will recall, I told you that I had started to write you a letter, but could not complete it. I have it still, and if you want it, I am enclosing it for you. It starts to tell of what happened on Sunday afternoon. After this preliminary opening in which the men (about seventy five in the class)were feeling in good humor and were ready to listen to a talk on any subject—from religion to politics, judging from the remarks, I launched into the discussion.
I had had a very enjoyable morning at the service, had a dandy dinner, and a very pleasant afternoon, and when I began to talk felt very satisfied with things. And as I went along the air seemed to be teeming with ideas, and all I had to do was to reach out and pluck one whenever it was necessary. And here is something to make you show those most wonderful teeth. Do you recall my fingering the "Message to Garcia" to the great discomfort of Butz, and reading a snatch of it here and there-when nobody was looking? As a matter of fact I read it exactly three times that afternoon in your house-once to the accompaniment of Morning Mood-and I used this as my theme. A general outline in rough of how I planned the talk out was as follows: to tell the story of Rowen, with a few remarks by Elbert H.,to talk about some of the remarkable achievements of Christ and their influence, to discuss similar and even greater achievements by the Old Testament heroes and seers, and concluding with the thought that each of these men were sent to deliver a message to Garcia-the world:; and that while it was necessary to do honor to the bearers of all good messages, the essential was to believe the message, carry out its summons, and perform all its commands, and to worship and obey the sender not the messenger. And then some pleasantries and the talk was no more. Of course spread out for three quarters of an hour it perhaps would appear a little better than the crude outline just given; but it gives you a fairly good idea what I raved about-as my sister here remarked when I told home what had happened.
That was some paragraph. And according to Hoyle it is technically correct. It has only one topic for discussion in it. For further reference to this call on Lil-you know your little sister.
As I struck or rather reached the station last night it began to pour. The rain followed us and when I arrived here the town looked like the bottom of a lake.
While typewriting your letter, I was interrupted and had to stop. I expected to finish the letter and mail it last night, but had to attend a meeting of the Board of Appraisal of Benefits and Damages, a committee of our city Council (like your Board of Alderman) and when I finished last night it was quite late. So I deferred til this morning and am sending you a letter written in longhand, typewriting and English.
As you will see from a clipping that is enclosed they are trying to widen a portion of Main Street (our Broadway umbeschrieen)* (God forbid! It should happen!) and our clients (Rogers Clothing Co.) would sustain about $15,000 damages. I claimed that the widening was unnecessary commensurate with the cost entailed on the city, and altho the building inspector originally testified that the damages would only be $501, after severely cross-examining him, he told the committee that I was correct and that it would cost more, in fact that it was not really necessary to widen the street at this point. Ans so the matter has gone over until next Thursday.
I had planned on being in New York today but on account of the hearing yesterday had to defer it till tomorrow morning.
During the last two days, the degree team of our lodge (at the head of which order is Dr. Joseph Silverman of Temple Emanu-El) of which yours truly is chairman, has been invited to initiate a large class of candidates in New London on Monday evening the 22nd, at which time a banquet will be given where Senators Brandegee and Mahan (the latter a Congressman) States Attorney Hull, Dr. Silverman and Governor Baldwin of this State are inviting guests. All of these gentlemen are down for toasts as well as my brother, and another whose name modesty prevents me from mentioning.
And for Sunday Sept. 28, we are to be in New Britain on a similar mission.
And for October 5, my brother and I are to be speakers at a Banquet given in New Haven, at which Ex President Taft will be present.
But here is some real news. Saltman is on our degree team. That's not the news, that happened to come to me then. Barnet - famous little Barnet - what do you think? I'll bet you can't guess. Well, I'll tell you. He started to go to kindergarten yesterday, and he'll be three in October (I will not mention the date). After school I spent quite a while with him recounting the important events in the first day he spent in the building of a great man - I hope. It was an ideal day for him too. The sun in the morning hid behind leaden clouds and as the day proceeded gradually crawled out till at noon it was bright. Isn't that the evolution of anything?
What worried me, if anything was when the teacher would have him count. He can do so up to ten; and I fear he would emulate the new "poopil" in the "Girl of the Golden West". There when the new pupil is introduced, the teacher asked him to count. He began laboriously, one, two, three, four, five, six, the class applauded, seven, eight, nine, ten, again prolonged applause. He is about to speak again. If you have tears prepare to shed them now. "Ten, Jack, Queen, King, Ace."
At eleven I have a court matter, and being ten twenty now, must get my"poipers."
I enclose a very snappy letter, an ad really, composed by Hubbard, that shows real literary style. At this late hour let me thank you for your kind invitation the other evening, and for the generous hospitality with which I was welcomed. You have entered on your second score in the game of life. When the three score and ten have rolled by and He is kind enough to add plenty more, my hope is that one word will sum up your efforts whatever they may be "Success."
And a word for this year. I know you will get all A's in your work, but remember college affords other things in addition to books. Take advantage of your opportunities in all college activities that are possible so that some day you will be able to sing, as we of Yale do of "those happy golden by-gone days."
Sincerely, Your
Joe

It is interesting to note that 62 years from this day in 1975 Joe died at the age of 89 in Fairfield, Connecticut.

The next letter will be on October 3rd.

September 17,1913 - Helen turns 20

Helen turned 20 on September 17, 1913. Here is a photo from September 1913 about a week before her birthday out with some of the family at Coney Island including her father and sister, Florrie. This will take you to more details of the photo.

Below is a scan of her date book from 1913 and the pages from the week of her birthday.

Thinking of all of the wonderful birthdays we celebrated with her.

Tomorrow September 18 is the next letter.

September 15, 1913 - Ingersoll - Liberator of Men

From what I can deduce from this correspondence, Joe sent Helen a short lecture that Elbert Hubbard gave about Robert Ingersoll. He then followed with a short note. It seems that Joe gave the introduction for Hubbard that evening.

 "BOB" INGERSOLL – LIBERATOR OF MEN.
It is said that the difference between man and the lower animals is that man has ability, to laugh. (Remember Jerry in Peg O’ my heart?)
When you laugh, you relax, and when you relax you give freedom to muscles, nerves and brain-cells.  Man seldom has use of his reason when his brain is tense.  The sense of humor makes a condition where reason can act.
Ingersoll knew that he must take his appeal to man's brain. Paine knew this, too, and so did Voltaire and Rousseau. But it is a winding way to' reach the reason of most people.  The unenlightened mind is in serious, solemn darkness.
Ingersoll let the light of human sympathy penetrate first, and from the good-nature which followed, he added good-humor, then sent shafts of wit.
He caused men and women to use the same reasoning faculties when contemplating the character of a god as of a man, of history in one book as in another, he knew their conclusions would then be sensible and bring a degree of peace and happiness unknown before to the world.
Ingersoll taught that what was wrong for men ought to be wrong for gods and saints; that what was considered not good, sin, for man on earth, should not be considered as fit for reward in heaven; that there was no justice in eternal punishment for temporal or temporary sins.
He asked consideration for criminals, those who had actually done wrong to their fellow-men. He pleaded for Christians and infidels alike to follow the Golden Rule, and do unto others as they would have these others do unto them.
Robert Ingersoll preferred to every political and social honor the privilege of freeing humanity from the shackles of bondage and fear. He knew no holier thing than truth.  He preferred using his own reason to receiving popular applause or approbation. His keen wit, clear brain and merciless sarcasm uncrowned the king of Superstition and made him a puppet in the court of reason.
Says Max O'Rell: "Ingersoll was not only America's greatest orator, He was a great writer and a great thinker; an infusion, as it were, of Johnson, Voltaire and Milton.  He possessed the logic of the first; the
persiflage of the second; and some of the sublimity of the third.  His arguments are constructed like propositions of Euclid; his style is vigorous, as clear as it is graceful, as poetic as it is humorous, and as verve as inexhaustible."
Elbert Hubbard.

Exhibit A
September 15,1913
Dear Helen,
I didn't know but what you might be interested in how I "made out" yesterday afternoon, and so am interrupting you again. I started something after this fashion.
"How mysterious are the ways of God! This morning I was planning to be out on a stroll along the Hudson admiring the glorious sunset. And behold, it is changed I find the sun rise - to address you. I had anticipated the pleasure of being in the company of good Jews at this hour; and now I find myself in the midst of good Christians. To paraphrase Shakespeare, I can sincerely say that Extemporaneous religious speeches to Broadway Baptists is not the meat on which Caesar feed. And so as a young and budding lecturer in this particular sphere of life, I will need your aid and succor. And I promise you that if you will furnish the aid, I will supply the sucker."

 Roycroft Press under the direction of Elbert Hubbard published many writings by Robert Ingersoll.

The next letter will be on September 18.

August 12, 1913 - Don't don the bloomers . . .

It is August 1913 and as this letter reveals  that a cold spell  has hit the northeast. This letter continues to be a funny and  informative letter from Joe to Helen filled with quips, quotes and news of the family activity.

August 12,1913.
Dear Helen:
Several days ago I received a post card from you, bearing the post-mark of Dover Plains, and this morning I received a letter from Pine Forest Camp-I did;(a la Peg). This refers to the popular song from 1913 "Peg o' My Heart"

I hardly knew just how to begin to answer the card; and now having read the letter, am even more in the shades of darkness. The doubt or hesitancy arose from a remark that I find innocently flung into the card. And while I am at it, permit me to congratulate you on the honors bestowed upon you in your appointment to so fine a position. It's wonderful what rapid progress women are making in this country, and all without the necessity of burning down London Bridge or starving to death in jails for their liberty. They have lady superintendents of schools, police-women, detectives, show-girls, and now by your appointment, we have added to the list that of Sheriffs. Am I not correct in inferring that you were appointed to the official position of Sheriff of Pine Forest Camp, or Wingdale, or Pawling, I say, can't I infer that from the statement in the post-card aforesaid:

"Dear Joe
Have just taken a tramp to this to town. Very busy this week, doing something else every day, etc."

I also infer from that remark that you probably had several robbers and other famous celebrities of the City on your hands. But why do you take  the  tramps  to  town? Is  that where the lock up is, or do you do that to give the hobos an airing? I was glad that your letter followed up this conversation, for it said that you and 'Florie' and Julian made  this trip, showing that you took assistance along. By the way,is this the well known herr-mahl-zu Szoolyan?

Another thing that your letter made me smile at was the statement 'Julian just left last night and he is certainly missed here'. I smiled at this, and then thought of the remark about Shakespeare not repeating himself. I tried to compare that reputation with you, and just as I had almost done so, lo! and behold I thought of the remark you made in the letter sent me that day after I left, when describing the 13th birthday party you attended, and which I have already mentioned, you remarked how you wished I were there and how I was missed. Of course you will forgive my memory, but as Pauline will tell you I can remember some things very well.

And talking of Pauline, while I did not witness the scenes you mention I cannot blame you for "trying to keep as far away as you can from such mushinees," if it is anything like you describe it. I only hate to think of the time when the horizon will show a little more earthly matters to their vision, and when they will have to begin to look such ordinary things in the face as bills, rent, etc. They are walking the beautiful edge of a silvery cloud, with the pale moon shining softly, while the cuckoos call to their mates, and they whisper sweet nothings to each other, dreaming only of the ideals of life. But wait till the daybreak comes, and slowly they step down to earth, and begin to bicker and deal in ordinary things with ordinary people, who have no time and no thought of the Romeo and Juliet stuff; and I fear for the awakening, unless they begin to cut out all that you mention. The maxim is 'a little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men', but as Emerson said,'merely because I like salt with my soup, doesn't prove that I want to be immersed in brine!'

At this time I shall not say a word about the time we arrived home in that auto. It was however Monday morning as you suggested; traveling at midnight, and without any supper at that, because when we struck Danbury, the dining room had closed and only sandwiches could be had. It would require reams of paper to tell the story, and even then perhaps a couple of hours also.

It was laughable to read about the cold wave that struck the Camp. You must have been able to garner in a good crop of ice. It has been just as cold down here, and today I actually put on a winter suit. It reminds me of Simeon Ford* who tells of the discomforts of travel by saying that when on the train, it gets so hot that you ring the bell for the porter to remove the sides, top and walls of the car, and by the time you have removed your Jaegers and climbed into a linen suit with a big palm fan in your left bread-hook, the train runs into a fourteen foot snow bank, the mercury drops to 73.25 below 0, and you rush for the seal-skins. And at night as you peacefully hang your crown on the bed-post and lay aside the dull cares of the day, you are kept in suspense as to whether to pull the blanket (in a Pullman the blanket is about the size of a parcel post stamp) over your head and freeze your toes off, or pull it down over your tootsies, and die of pneumonia. This man Ford has written a most entertaining book called "A FEW REMARKS" being a series of after dinner speeches he delivered at various parts of the country, and they are wonderful. For instance on a talk of the Turkish baths, he begins about as follows, if I recall it rightly:

"Have you ever bathed? Gentle listener, have you ever indulged in that luxury known as a bath? I have, woe is me, but I am now a wiser and cleaner man," 

And addressing an assembly of bankers he once told them that he always believed that they had a national anthem that was most appropriate entitled 'if you haven't any money you needn't come around.' And then in an address to some ladies of Boston talking of the then fad of bloomers said:

"Ladies, do anything, smoke, even, but don't don the bloomers. A man hates like blazes to be hitched to a woman's apron strings, but you'll have a riot and a bloody was before you will tie him to your suspenders."

Then he added this significant remark, that 'if you do adopt the smoking habit even, while the bloomers will be good things to strike matches on, you will find them mighty hard to strike matches in. '  I wish I had the book here so I could write a few more of his very valuable additions to after dinner literature; but anyway, why take up your time.

And that reminds me. My brother's family-his wife and two kidlets are going abroad to spend the winter. The party will consist of my sister-in-law, Barnet, Lucille (the little baby), Natalie (the girl that came up in the car), and Alma (their ten year old sister),and these are to meet their mother who is now in Carlsbad, and all to spend winter in the old country. I think that it's mighty fine of my brother to let his wife and children go away with such fine people for so long a time. He and the Doctor will be jolly bachelors till their wives return, and I'11 bet they will be sorry when the boat sails, because both are home bodies, so to speak, and enjoy their home life too much to be able to live alone. But they are sacrificing their comfort for their families pleasure, and will be happy in the thought that they are making others happy. But, gosh, I dunno how I'll get along without the kids. They are a part of my day, and it will be hard to let them get away for six months. With other friends abroad just now, and the kids going too, it is hard to resist the temptation to 'jump on a steamboat and just sail away- over the bay-far,far away'-as the song goes.

I saw your father last week and said I might run up in a week or two, dependent on arrangements I can make.
My folks sail on the Imperator on August 30th, so that will have me in New York that Saturday until the boat sails at 10 A.M anyway.
Really now, haven't I taken up enough of your time already? I guess so. Did you ever get the Philistine a friend of Omar promised you?
With kindest regards to all, I am
Sincerely, Joe

* Simeon Ford, American hotel keeper and after-dinner speaker (1855 - 1933)

The side note on the letter where Joe spilled some ink says " Mary's lamb meets a hungry bear

My pen a tear now drops,
what happened to Mary's little lamb

What happened to lamb chops? 

Here is a copy of the cover of the illustrated booklet for the maiden voyage of the S.S. Imperator that Joe spoke of the family taking to Europe.

In my search about this ship I discovered that there was a fire on board the ship the day before Joe's family was to sail to Europe for 6 months. Here is an article from the New York Times that announces that the ship will sail as scheduled. 

In a letter in September 1913 Joe elaborates about his nephew Barnet and his kindergarten experiences. That would indicate that they made the choice not to take such a risky journey with the family.

The next letter will be on September 15.

July 19, 1913 - Tintype of Minnehaha

As you will see in the following long letter Joe was very busy in the summer of 1913. Helen and her family were enjoying some time away from the summer heat at Pine Forest Camp in Wingdale, New York. When you are done reading this amusing letter scroll to the end if the post to see the photo of Minnehaha that Joe spoke of in his letter.

July 19,1913.
My dear Helen:
"Well, it's about time he wrote". I can hear you say that as the envelope containing this letter is handed to you on your triumphant return from dinner.

Your 'little journey' contained so much matter and news and information, that to do it justice, I ought to get Elbert Hubbard to reply. And in passing let me add that in addition to your letter I also received the two pamphlets.

You made a good guess that "by the time you get this letter you will be in Cape May" remark, for while I should have been there, I am still in Bridgeport- but I assure you am not in Bridgeport Still . I had planned to get away last week,but then, you know the place that is paved  with good intentions. The reason that I could not go was because I was working on several matters that would not hustle to a conclusion as much as I desired it, and a soldier cannot take a day off in the midst of a scrap,now can he?

In addition to that my brother's brother-in-law was engaged in a trial in Greenwich, and called me in to try the matter for him. I started thinking it would be completed in a day; but the last moment the other side retained the Secretary of State,of Connecticut,as his trial lawyer, and we were at it until late yesterday afternoon.You would have enjoyed the repartee that the Secretary and I engaged in, for we are old friends, he a Democrat and I a Republican, and every time I would refer to him as 'my distinguished brother - the Secretary of State' he would come back with something like this:

"why don't you quote somebody else but Mark Antony

with his 'And surely Brutus is an honorable man' tone of voice?" 

Every trial of any importance,where the issues are at all complicated ,will afford any one much interest as they watch it being untangled; but here in the town of Greenwich with the Secretary of State on one side, and a lawyer from Bridgeport on the other, was surely the occasion for the populace to do as the policeman cried out against in Julius Caesar:
"And do you now cull out a holiday,
And do you now put on your best attire,
And do you now strew flowers in his way etc"

The court room was jammed, and some kindhearted man met us at the station with an auto to escort us to Court. Can you beat it? And most interesting of all was the enthusiasm with which the gallery received the arguments of counsel. They were so enthusiastic on several occasions that they actually made so much noise that we were almost drowned out. The Court cleared the room, by ordering that the Sheriff remove all but the witnesses. As my little nephew says 'vot do you tink of dot?'

In addition to that I was in Waterbury for several days,and I sent you a card,where Henry Saltman kept me on the go; but then we were very successful, and I am glad of that. And while I think of it, he bought another auto yesterday of a lavender hue, so that he can now laugh at me twice, he owning two cars, and I only one (whenever I pay five cents) for the time being. And to add insult to injury, about a week ago we (he and I) spoke of going away for a week end,and thought perhaps we might run up to see you and the crowd in swimming, but if you recall, it rained terrifically on Saturday, and altho the roads were fine the next day, Henry thought he would not venture out on the muddy roads. So today when I met him I began to tell him about the trip, and for a time thought he would make it; but when he discovered that I would have to return tomorrow night (Sunday) so that I could get to Cape May on Monday, he called it off. It is quite a trip to make and return the same day, but the case demanded it. I have a chance to get away for about five days, and I'm going to take advantage of it before something butts in. Maybe a little later when I return I'll arrange to run up with him; or else get one of my other friends to take a spin in that direction. Mr. Williamson is soon to return from Canada and he would be glad to make the trip, I'm sure. But Saltman will make the trip I think, for he liked my description of the country, and the people, and the food.

And will you believe it, I haven't had a chance to get to New York since returning from Wingdale. I hardly know what the City is like, it's so long since I've been there. But I'll pass thru it tonight, and will try to stop off long enough to look up those 'Little Journeys'.

Last Sunday I went over to the shore to my brother's house, and went swimming in Long Island Sound. I found it much easier to swim in salt water than fresh water, but the taste is not so good. And just when I was getting up speed, a wave would come along and slam right into my right eye, and tunnel its way through one of my ears, and then I'd be looking for a good place to land.

I will spend a moment only in answering your letter. As I said there are so many things therein contained that if started I might use up reams of paper. For example, just see how you begin. 'I have just finished dressing for a birthday party'. What does that mean, that everybody was to wear only their birthday clothes? I refuse to figure out the ambiguous meaning. And then in the next breath you say it was very cool and a delightful breeze made us take our sweaters out.' Say, what kind of a party was that anyway? And just as I finish that sentence, I came to an abrupt end. There were a lot of ******or xxxxxx I'm not sure what they were intended to be. Well, I was stunned. I understood that that was 'harmful'. But my surprise was changed to laughter when I noted in the () the remark that denotes a lapse of time. If I keep on jollying about that interesting letter, I'm afraid you'll be offended; and wont write again; so as Mrs. Malaprop would say, 'I'll not do it,also pro and con'.

Again I find cause to smile. You say 'if you find it difficult to read it is because I was seated in a big rocker on the porch and I'm holding my writing tablet in my lap'. Then you add 'we walked across fields going about 1 1/2 miles, and back about 3 miles'. This reminded me of Joe Welch who says that when he came over on the boat they traveled seven days and sixteen nights. Again I meet the stars and stripes or the symbol you adopted to denote a lapse of time. Is that the lap you referred to?

Under date of Thursday however, you make some comment about my enjoying the Bridgeport walk (view in the postal) more than the maples, for its associations. I am still wondering what you mean.

Various friends of mine have seen the tintype of Minnehaha, and all they did was the haha without the minne. But they are convinced it is an Indian girl, especially because of the tall, erect carriage (why not an auto), the long black hair, those pearly white teeth, and the Sunny Jim smile. I let them rave on, and maybe before the summer is over a crowd of fellows may run up; for I told them that she had another sister also, and that they had better go up and see the lovely Indian maidens fair that are romping care free in the wilds of New York.

But how about those pictures of Mr. Oripahs*, that homely corn-fed from the country, who in a bathing suit, looks like a bag of saw dust tied in the middle? Do you recall him? He's the fellow that swims like the Titanic-on the bottom.

I hold in my hand (figuratively speaking) a postal from Karlsbad, one from Warsaw, one from Glasgow, one from Berlin, and one from Paris, all having arrived either this morning or yesterday, and in each-from different people mind ye a very strong suggestion to go abroad because of the many fine times I could have there. I can only quote my nephew again, but what's the use. Last night I met a lot of my old New Haven friends. Haven't I talked too much already? I fear it, and will hike for home and mother to pack my grip** and hasten away for a few days. If you do write, address me as usual at this place,and it will be forwarded.
Regards to all.

Sincerely, Joe

* Mr Oripahs is Mr Shapiro spelled backward. Insight from my mother (his daughter).
** grip is a small suitcase


Here is the photograph (tintype) that Joe spoke of in the letter. It was in reference to the photograph that Helen had sent him of herself with long braids and a beautiful smile.

The next letter will be August 12.

July 1909 - Helen at camp.

Here is a fun photograph of Helen and her siblings enjoying the lake at camp in 1909. This was their time, every summer, to get out of the heat of New York City and enjoy all aspects of nature.

 From left to right: Lillie 9, Helen 15, Florrie 14 and Abe 10.

Above is a photograph of Abe with a friend.

The next letter will be on July 19.

June 20, 1913 - "Friends, Romans, Countrymen, Lend me your ears."

The proof of a long letter is on the envelope; an extra stamp. Below is a five page letter that Joe wrote Helen. It is a bit quirky but we can see a real personality emerging as their friendship grows.

Dear Helen,
Early this morning I received a telephone message from a client in New York that necessitated my going to New Haven immediately. I expected it to be a short matter, but before I had completed my work, it was nearly six o'clock.
I have just come to the office and find everything closed for the night, with nothing on my desk but a note saying that I should not go to the City tomorrow, as I am needed here. I have no idea what for, but presumably something of some merit in the opinion of my brother, who has taken the early car for the shore tonight.
Well that means I stay right here on the job and no New York. The note does add something to the effect that I should shift my plans to next Wednesday or Thursday, and so I will.
It has been raining miserably all day, and I had to be out doors most of the time, which had somewhat of the effect of dampening my spirits.
I am writing this letter, as you will notice, with a copying pencil, and if you want to see a color scheme, just wet any word and behold it will be purple, like
this___________________________________
Just at this juncture (whatever that is) I stopped for a moment and called friend Saltman. We have agreed to see "The Bridge" tonight, some drama that seems to be making a hit here
I regret exceedingly the unavoidable circumstances that present my going to New York tomorrow as I expected, but as I stated, may be there some day next week.
One more word and I am done - as we say in court, as a preface to a four hour argument.
On the way home I lived the Civil War times with Wendell Phillips in a Elbert Hubbard felt conscience stricken as I saw the "Crimes to Criminals" defined by Bob Ingersall, lived in Rhapsody and music as I watched Verdi struggle on bread and water with a wife two babes die on his hands while his stricken heart was being rent asunder by La Traviata, then Il Trovatore, finally by Rigoletto, and to cap the climax watched the panorama of events that led up to Aida.
Thence Mr Hubbard led me quietly into the back door of Antony's house - you know the fellow who says
"Friends, Romans, Countrymen,
Lend me your ears."
Did you ever stop to wonder why he wanted their ears? Well, in the play all the folks wore, were light tunics, and with prosperity did not dare ask for the loan of anything else.
Well, I watched the checkered career of Cleopatra and Anthony, and just the latter was laid away, and Octavius Caesar sent to get Cleopatra and she took "pizen"*, the brakeman yelled "Bridge ---------porrrrrt!
I see a Philistine ** before me.
You will perhaps think this letter interesting; I don't know, I won't have time to read it; I'm hungry, tired , and want to get home.
But if you say it is interesting here is what the booklet says:
"I am very sure that the men who write the best do not necessarily know the most, Fate  has put an edge on them - that's all."
Well, all I can add is that I know a certain barrel of tonsil varnish, or liquid sunshine*** that could put an edge on people and after the name of that dispenser of joy we find the words "That's All;" Got me?
With best wishes for your mothers speedy recovery and regards I am
Sincerely,
Joe

*"pizen" is his way of saying poison
** Philistine links to an article about the magazine that Elbert Hubbard published by that name.
*** liquid sunshine is most likely also whiskey.

The next letter will be on July 19th.

June 16, 1913 - Love What Crimes are Committed in your Name

When I scanned the envelope from this letter I noticed that there was still something inside of it. There folded, just as it was when Joe put it in the envelope 100 years ago, was a newspaper clipping with cartoons on one side and jokes on the other. Since newsprint does not survive the test of time well it had broken into eight pieces. With the help of Photoshop and patience I digitally glued it back together.Below the letter and transcription I have included the clippings for your amusement.

Dear Helen,
I just saw the enclosed clipping in one of the papers and thought it might interest you or Pauline.
Saltman went to New York this afternoon, I was told, and will return tomorrow. I wonder whether "Les Miserables"* will have a hearing (to speak legally).
It seems that the weather man has the blues, else why should we have to unpack our furs and flannels and prepare for a threatened snow storm in June. Verily, saith the poet "what is so rare as a day in June?" I would say - two days or to-day.
Our lodge meets tonight, and so as Secretary I must hustle along.
Sincerely,
Joe

* "Les Miserables": I researched this and found that it was performed in New York City in 1913 as mentioned in the letter. This version of Les Miserable 1913 was directed by Albert Capellani.

The next letter will on June 20 and it is a long strange one.

May 29, 1913 - State Library Hartford, CT

Here is a postcard that Joe sent Helen as he continued to travel on business. Short and sweet.

Am here trying a case today. Was in Greenwich all day yesterday.
Just saw your letter in a rush for the train and am sorry to hear of your mother's illness.
Joe

The State Library in Hartford,CT still looks about the same

The next letter will be on June 16 and will bring smiles to all.

May 20, 1907 - Shapiro, Hopwood and Beers

Just before graduation from Yale Law school friends Joe (left) and Charles Hopwood "Fat" had this snapshot taken on the lawn of the law school by fellow student Ralph Beers.

Here are the senior "blurbs" in the Yale Shingle 1907for these three gentlemen. Joe was 21 years old and his two friends were 22 years old.

 RALPH TURNER BEERS
"Can   there  be   so   fair   a   creature  formed   of common clay?"
This particularly bright star in the Law School firmament appeared over the horizon of the neighboring town of Bridgeport on November 6, 1885. Park Avenue Institute, Bridgeport, furnished "Ralph" with his early training and laid the foundation for a successful career at Yale. "Beezer" refuses to incriminate himself by venturing any opinion as to New Haven society and New Haven girls, but considering the fact that he admits his weak point is the opposite sex, we deem comment unnecessary. He expects to take the Connecticut and New York exams and will locate in Bridgeport.
 

 CHARLES ARTHUR HOPWOOD
"Short of stature was he, but strongly built."
"Fat" started his first argument • in Bridgeport, Connecticut, October 19, 1885. His father is David Hopwood, a merchant. "Fat" prepared for college at the Park Avenue Institute, Bridgeport, and came to the Law School "to obtain a little knowledge of the law." His pointer to juniors is "to be prepared." "Hop" only regrets that the course isn't longer. As to New Haven society "Hop" thinks it is a little too aristocratic. He will take the Connecticut bar exams and expects to practice in Bridgeport/ Connecticut.

 JOSEPH GEORGE SHAPIRO
"You are a worthy judge; You   know   the   law;   your   exposition   hath been most sound"
Raised his hand for the first time in the home of Barnet Shapiro in New York City on January 18, 1886, and volunteered the information that he intended to study law. Although the greater part of his life has been spent in Bridgeport, "Joe" prepared at the Hillhouse High School, New Haven, entering Yale with the Class of 1907. He has taken an active part in Law School debating and was President of the Wayland Club during the fall term of this year. "Joe" says that his chief form of exercise has been "juggling books in the Library." '" As to the Dining Hall he denies knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief, but sustains the decision of the Faculty in regard to entrance requirements. Will take Connecticut exams and locate in Bridgeport.

In my researching I found this obituary in the Yale Obituary Record, sadly Ralph Beers died at the age of 47.

The next letter will be on May 29.