November 27, 1916 - A strenuous day has already passed since I held you in my arms.

This is a two letter day. If you look at the postmark one was delivered at 3:30 P.M. and the next at 8:00 P.M.

The first letter is a very interesting letter from Joe because it talks about his travels home from New York and also he go off on a tangent about the equality of men and women. As women were starting to show their power he was including it in his letter writing.
The second was a handwritten note because he seems to be missing her very much.

Letter Number 1

Monday noon.
My darling:
That 12:00 o'clock last night was some baby. It was made up in six sections, the first five of which ran through as express for Boston making no stops en route, the last being the one for Bridgeport etc. With trains running under the block system of about ten minutes in between, you can imagine what time we arrived in this City. I landed in mother's house a few minutes before three o'clock, and sick as a dog too.

But I had engagements in Shelton, and so had the Big Ben ring at 6:15, which would allow me twenty minutes to dress, and eat and get out in time for the train. And wonder of wonders I made it.
I have just arrived, and find that Charles and the doctor have gone out to witness the launching of the new submarine, Miss Kelley having resigned Saturday, and Clara gone for lunch. Of course it is about one 9'clcck, and that is natural,
Just see what a little thing like taking one train for another means. Oh yes, it was so late that everybody was asleep, and by the time I rooted up a taxi, I found that he wanted $2.50; but what could be done. I walked to the Stratfield, but they are all sold out ages ago, not a room in sight, especially at the Ball game; so taxiing from your house to the station, then again from the station early this morning, made those extra few minutes talk at the Fox's rather expensible-as 'twere.

Reading the papers this morning about all kinds of subjects, especially about Mrs. Millholland-Boisssvain gave me a peculiar thought. Is woman the inferior sex? Is the male the more important, or are his duties and responsibilities the real ones of this life?
I did what you did after the sermon yesterday-thought. Isn't that strange? I thought of how the world was created, how God began with the single cells, created everything, at least according to Darwin the fish, the lobsters, the turtles, the birds, the donkeys, the elephants, monkey and finally man. And then the Sabbath and He rested. Then having experimented with all things and gained by the experience, if that is possible, He created woman. Not only was man created in His own image, but in addition woman was endowed with some of his attributes. Having created man, and rested, the new week still required a further effort; but when woman was created, He turned the power of creation over to her and gave her the privilege of carrying on His or creative work. And yet we poor men, try to understand woman, and account for her mysterious thoughts and ways, and wonder why we cannot.

Is there anything in that idea that flitted through my mind? I will admit it is a rather weary head to-day that sleep could do much for; but waking or asleep, I suppose we secondary creatures, if that be true, keep on thinking. You know the sketch in the Palace started it, as I told you.

I've taken a lot of time and space before asking how you felt to-day; but I am assuming that you have entirely recovered again. I really felt miserable last night; and perhaps that may account for my not raving over a real good dinner, as you might expect.

But there you were, shivering, and gulping big lumps down your threat, just anxious to have everybody let you alone; and still wanting to be as sociable as possible. That is real fortitude, but don't bank to much on it, dearie.

As is usual, you might have expected it, but this morning Mr. Kneen came into Court and informed me that a special meeting of the present officials of the Borough and City, together with the newly elected ones would be held Wednesday evening of this week, for the purpose of going over matters preparatory to the City taking over the affairs of government, and asked that I make it a point to be present. What can I do? I'll wait till tomorrow and see what progress is made ,and will write so that you may know exactly what to do for Thursday, for I haven't given up hope yet for Wednesday.

I cannot begin to imagine what could have been the matter with you. You seemed to be so far away from yourself, that you actually were no more like the Helen we all know than I am at present like Harry Le Gore of the Yale team. And then how perceptible it was that you were playing a very hard thinking part, for the thoughts could fair­ly be seen rushing through your mind, but not being a mind reader, it was like Greek to me. And then two minutes before I left, you returned, and like the rainbow after the storm, everything looked so beautiful and cheery again, that those two minutes were worth waiting an eternity for; but why the necessity of waiting.

I am going to take a few minutes to get some lunch, and then try to get some girl to take the vacant place, of the stenographer, of course.
With heaps of love, that still remains undaunted and as constant as ever,
I am Your
Joe

Letter Number 2

November 27, 1916
My dear Helen,
A strenuous day has already passed since I held you in my arms. But do you know that if I were to paraphrase a new song it would be "Turn back the Universe, and give me a day before yesterday".

We really have so many useful things to do in our little act upon the stage, it's a pity we sometimes waste part of that fretting over nothing. Just think how lucky we are. We are young, healthy, have everything we need, even if not everything we want, we have vision - as Dr. Wise puts it - and a bright future. Way more, our past is one that we may proudly gaze back upon as an incentive for better and nobler things, considering how fortunate we have been.

This is Thanksgiving wee. Let's be unusually happy in the thought that we are as we are, and if we have tears to shed and sympathy to give, let us use them for those poor stricken souls, who so richly deserve it through no fault of their own.

So why feel blue?
All right now that you are smiling; here's a good chance to laugh. I've felt like jumping on a train this afternoon to rush down to New York to see you,and for want of that, I wanted to keep continuously writing to you all day.

That shows you just where my heart is, dear. I am anxiously waiting for tomorrow, to read how happy you are and that the folks are enjoying good health.
With love and kisses.

Your, Joe

The next letter is November 28.

November 23, 1916 - Oh you gefilte fish.

Here is a fun letter Joe wrote Helen after the engagement party at her parents house. Glad to see that both sides are happy with this special couple.

November 23,1916.

Dearie:
This is really the first time this week that I have had an opportunity of sitting down to write to you as I would desire; yet it is almost six o'clock and Charles will be ready to leave for supper in a few minutes, and naturally will expect me to go along.

I have all your letters in my pocket and will categorically answer them later; but at present will rush on to say that I'll see you tomorrow afternoon. Then I'll tell you all about it. I expect to take a train tomorrow afternoon around two o'clock arriving in New York around four o’clock, and at the end of this letter will scribble in the exact arriving time-after I've had it looked up.
This afternoon it has been pouting cats and dogs, and the evening looks as if it would be awful, in every sense of the word. It makes one feel like working because it is so dreary outside, that you do not care to get out at all. I spent the time drawing several wills for clients, and have already had them signed.

This morning I finished a case that was on trial for several days.
I have so many things that I want to tell you about, it is difficult to know just where to begin.

I will thank the senders of the telegrams to me later in the week, for very apparent reasons. You can tell Cousin Clara that her threat not to speak to us unless I accept her hospitality has had the desired effect, and that I shall not only accept but simply be tickled-shall I say skinny-to be able to live temporarily spasmodically on Riverside Drive-meaning thereby once a week or so. It is so good of her to open her house to me, and certainly shows a very loving disposition for you, because I know that whatever acts of kindness she is extending to me is solely because of her affection for you. If I am also included then I am still more glad.

You know the thing that impressed me more than any one other from your letters since the reception, when your family-so to speak had a chance to give me the once over-is the fact that you say they are pleased with your selection, and approve it. I always gave you credit for being very discriminating, and having refined tastes and am glad that they agree with me. And I am glad-Pollyanna-that the family seems to take to me or rather that we are all so congenial. That this is the case and more so with regards to your hold on my folks goes without my telling you. You have seen eviden­ces of it on more than one occasion already.

Your statement that you are booked for the next five Sundays listens good. That means that the Palace will lose two customers, but also that we are in it for a good time just the same. And whisper-little one-I am certain of five variegated sets of refreshments.

I am going to see you tomorrow. Oh you gefilte fish. Please oh please, when your friends insist that I have another portion, and like the hero of old, the more I plead to do so, the tighter you lash me to the figurative mast of declining. I commend my appetite to your keeping. May your conscience be your guide. With lots of love, and regards to the folks – I’m slipping,

I am Your Joe

I leave at 2:50 arriving at 4:21 P.M.

The next letter is November 27

November 17, 1916 - Your voice has a warm penetrating radiance

This letter is from 2 days before the engagement party to be held at Helen's parents home in New York City.

Friday afternoon
My darling,
I have just returned from Court, and recall that I promised to write just when I anticipated going to New York.
Doctor and Nat go down in the machine early tomorrow morning (6:30) and with Gus and several others will go on to Princeton to the game. I could not accept their invitation to go, for many reasons. In the first place, Sunday, you know is of some importance, and we ought not be off getting all tired out and frozen form a long trip and exposure at the game. Then it breaks up the whole day Saturday and I expect to take next Friday afternoon and Saturday off for the Harvard game.
Now dearie, I'll be righ5t here till 4:10, then I'll leave for New York and arrive at 5:36. I don't want you to inconvenience yourself a particle for me , now, but if you're near Grand Central, your presence will make me happy. "That's all!"
I don't suppose you want to go to the theatre do you? Oh , no, heaven forbid. Still if you do, with Sunday impending, you had better make up your mind on the particular play, so that we can try for pasteboards early. We'll try for better seats than we had at "The Moosic Marster", and Getting Married.
You talked yesterday as if you were all tired out, or discusted. Generally your voice has a warm penetrating radiance, but yesterday - ooh - it was so Antarctic.
Senator-elect Charles Williamson told me today that he thought he would call on us Sunday. So did Mayor-elect Mr. Kneen.
With a new consignment of love, I am
Your,
Joe

The next letter is November 23

November 15, 1916 - This is number five so far; and not a word yet from you.

Here we have a writer frustrated by Helen not beting as into writing as he. I believe they will work this out.

Wednesday afternoon
My dear Helen,

I was rather surprised to see the enclosed in the society column of tonight's Post; because they had mentioned it a couple of days ago. I don't know how they came to put it in in this form, but you must be very popular here to get repeated notices - and free too.

However your popularity is on the toboggan which is well greased, and  it will begin to slip fast if you don't write. This is number five so far; and not a word yet from you. What's up, huh?

If I don't hear from you tomorrow,I'll send you some paper, envelopes and stamps, and a few strong suggestion, and if that doesn't work, I'll go to New York my self; but, you'd better write.

Lovingly,
Joe

The next letter is November 17

November 9, 1916 - Reception Announced

Here is the engagement reception announcement from the Sentinel newspaper. I can not find a listing for the paper but you can see the writing on the bottom of the article.

 Reception Announced

Announcement of a reception to be given by Miss Helen Rosenstein, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Rosenstein, of 534 West 111th street, New York, and Joseph G. Shapiro, of Shelton, whose engagement was recently announced, has been made. The reception will take place at the bride's home on Sunday, November 19, from 3 to 6 o'clock.
Sentinel Nov. 9, 1916

The next letter is November 15.

October 30, 1916 - Shall I tell you all or a part of the nice things that I've been hearing . . .

Ending the busy month of October Joe's family and Helen's family have met. Joe certainly had a busy work schedule.

Monday afternoon about six.

My dear:

It is just about time to start for supper, and in view of what I'll tell you in a moment, you'11 see that this is a good time to write.

I have just returned from Court, having spent the whole day there on one case that had to be adjourned to Friday at two, because unfinished. And as I was thinking a minute ago that I should probably make arrangements to find time to go to New York tomorrow night, I received a card from Shelton that tomorrow night a special meeting has been called of our lodge, requiring my special attendance. Tomorrow morning I will argue the first case to be taken up by the Supreme Court, and that win probably take till one o'clock. In the afternoon, I think I'll take an hour's review of some reading matter and get some data for an address for the evening.

Wednesday morning two oases are assigned in the Court of Common Pleas before two different Judges, so that the prospects that at least one will be tried, and either of the two down on the list are good for the day. That evening, don't get peevish, I was informed this morning, has been set aside for a get together gathering of the candidates on our ticket to prepare for a large rally to be held, and I have been requested to come prepared with a few suggestions. The personal pronoun is getting so prominent in this letter that you'll think Teddy is writing to you, but you said you wanted me to tell you what I am doing this week.

Thursday morning I have a case set down in the Court of Common Pleas that will probably take the morning; and that night the Association of Credit men here hold their annual banquet at The Stratfield etc. By the way did I tell you that I was appointed a member of the National Committee on Legislation and also of the National Committee on the Investigation and Prosecution of certain classes of violations of the National Association of Credit Men?

Friday morning of course is devoted to the various Courts in making assignments and disposing of motions etc. and in the afternoon, the adjourned case of to-day to be resumed.

This is not an apology. It is a cold recital now of the week as I face it. And I look to the East with a smiling face, inspired by the fact that I know that you will too be very happy to hear it.
I'll finish this to-night after supper. So long temporarily

Here I am again. At this time I am enclosing a cartoon from your favorite paper, that undoubtedly will make that dimple of yours show itself as you smile. And perhaps the girls would enjoy it too.

I suppose you will say or think that I ought to have of all these appointments last night; but the only one that was set then was that for Thursday and of course that was not in the way at all. This would be a good time to put the proposition squarely up to you, what would you do under like conditions? Very naturally if I dared say that I might think of getting away Friday night, you’d simply laugh yourself to sleep over it, so that might better be left unsaid. Oh yes, somebody said that this was the last week before the election.

You might be interested-this to change the subject for a moment-to learn that Stella has collected either nearly or over $200.00 for Baby Day, as I understand it. And I have been informed that I was lucky to have handed over my dollar before Sunday; get me?

Shall I tell you all or a part of the nice things that I've been hearing to-day about the folks' trip to New York? Where shall I begin to start to open the commencement? Should it be with the nice things said of your dad, or the complimentary remarks about your mother, or the sweet things about Florence, the dainty comments on Lillie, the pleasant statements about Abe, or the lovely ravings about your­self? And would you be interested to know that the folks look for­ward to the nineteenth?

It would be fine if I could get away to see you some day this week; and perhaps after I've mailed this letter I may feel sorry that I told you of these plans so early; but as you said, you like to be kept informed all the time of what is going on. Still, you have seen how the last minute good seats can be obtained some times and so perhaps events may shape themselves to permit a little journey to the big City some afternoon. Oh boy, if that chance only gets within hailing distance.

The folks came back in record time, and were safely in bed at an extremely early hour considering the long trip.

This afternoon Barnet and the kidlets had a party, and you should have heard Myra tell about it. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that you should have seen her tell of it, for I could name every dish she fed her dress to.

And out of all this talk I haven't told you that I had a dandy time too. And just like a spring shower, when the sun comes out and drives away the clouds and the moisture has made the flowers smile and show their beauty, so you were last night. A motion has been made and seconded to cut out pinochle. The ayes have it.

With heap much love-a la Indian talk, I am
Your Joe

The next letter is November 15.

October 26, 1916 - What do you think of the new stationary?

As you may have noticed Joe used the stationary from when his brother Meyer was alive up until today. He was not one to waste good paper and at that time it would have been thought of as a waste to throw away quality paper. Here is his new stationary that he must have been very proud of. It is also a bigger sheet. More room to write!

Thursday noon
My dear,

What do you think of the new stationary? You certainly are a bright girl. How quickly you discovered the change in tone last night.

It was due to the fact that in the midst of our pleasant chat, several people came into the office walked deliberately into my room and started all kinds of things.
I told you I had been retained as associate counsel, and that I came back to the office to examine the papers to familiarize myself with the facts, and that I had an appointment to meet the parties  and go over the situation.

Well, they landed just at the most inopportune time, and began "laying me out" because my wire had been busy, and they had tried to reach me on an important matter earlier and couldn't, and of course I had to be pleasant and listen to them while talking to you.

I'm glad that you didn't hear what I told them after I hung up, for butting in; but that didn't help you did it?

I've tried one case today, and am waiting to be reached in another. There are five still for me to try on this week's list, but will be lucky to dispose of two of them.

It's near two o'clock and I must return so wont bother to start a new sheet.
I'll write tonight, knowing then more about my engagements for the morrow.

Love to all, and of course to you.

Your,
Joe

The next letter is on October 30.

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 16, 1916 - The fact that you have a cold bothered me today

Once Joe made the commitment to marriage he started to move fast to prepare for a life with his bride. He set out to look for a home and get everything in order. He always was a very organized man.

Monday afternoon

My sweetheart,

Can you guess the first thing I did this morning in Shelton? You are right, I looked up Mr. Keen and inquired about his inquiries regarding a habitat. There are three new single buildings just being constructed, in the South End - so called - but he thought they were sold as fast as they were commenced; tho he would make it a point to find out at once.

I have an appointment there tomorrow ans I'll try to look the situation over a little myself, to see what's what and why.

A rather fine gentleman here, saw me this afternoon, and congratulated me. He said that on his way out west last week he read about it in the New York Herald. He is a fine fellow just about my age. I guess he must have been jollying when he asked me if "she has any sisters like herself; for I'd like a girl that would suit your taste or a sister of such."

I consider that quite a compliment, yet modestly admit the truth of the allegation.

The fact that you have a cold bothered me today, for I couldn't tell whether you were getting over it. I wouldn't want you to suffer for anything in the world, nor would I want you ever to have an unpleasant moment.

That brief is in the printer's possession already and I expect proofs tomorrow.
I haven't had much time to figure out just how to entertain you when you arrive but maybe we'll run over to Stamford Sunday or Monday night, what say you? Naturally, we'll go to Shelton, too, and I'd just teem with joy, if something in the way of a house turned up meanwhile.

I'll see the kidlets tonight, and you know how happy that makes me. I do wish you were here too, to get in on the fun. Aren't you glad you will not go to the Palace next Sunday? But then, Polis is on the map. With four loads of love

I am your Joe

The next letter is October 18.

October 11, 1916 - The love you give away is the only love you keep.

Joe is getting more affectionate every letter.

Wednesday night
My darling,

I have just completed showing Stella how to carry on a set of books, as she is Treasurer of the Local Milk Station. It's great fun really, for by pointing out the way, we find it ourselves.
That's just like love, the love you give away is the only love you keep. So said Elbert and guess he knew.

This afternoon, I met a friend of the family, a young married woman, who calls on Stella frequently, and whose daughter Barnet entertained a day or so ago, and she heartily congratulated me. She then told me - shall I tell you the nice things?

She told me how fortunate it was that I was getting such an intelligent, accomplished, and charming girl. She admired your sunny disposition, your vocal and instrumental accomplishments, and hoped that she could meet you soon, as she heard so many lovely things about you.
Of course, said she, when she meets you, she'll tell you all about me, but wouldn't tell me a thing.

I am terribly sorry that I couldn't get away to New York. But I have explained that. I shall try to get to New York tomorrow and things look favorably in that direction. Of course, if anything unexpectedly turns up, to interfere, I'll let you know, but hope I don't have to.

I am terribly anxious to see you. Time is fleeting in business, but when I'm alone for a second, I want to have you near, and it seems so long from one Saturday to the other.

Charles & Stella are going out for awhile, and I'll stay in and read.

Your loving
Joe

The next letter is October 16.