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.

April 30, 1917 - I passed the house, how my thoughts went "a roamin".

Here is the last letter from April and Joe is beginning to feel the reality of June approaching. His mind wandered but they stayed conservative an their behavior.

Monday afternoon

My sweetheart,

The day has been very muggy, cold and dreary. It rained all morning and it's threatening this afternoon. Furthermore I found the decision on my desk; so there is almost enough cause for me to be blue. And it is enhanced by the fact that you are not right here, where I can reach out to grab you, violently but tenderly withal.

And when I had my lunch today, I passed the desert, recalling what you would say.
And when returning from Shelton, as I passed the house, how my thoughts went "a roamin". Just imagine, there's the peachiest magnolia all in bloom in front.

Darling, as June nears, I begin to think more and more of the partnership we are to form. And do you know what seems to weigh a good deal? Why the deuce, (the best I can find is that this expression must have meant "why the hell") we haven't already started. But then, it’s best to go about marrying more or less conservatively, for we hope to be together a long time, and let us get started right. Wont it be grand to look back with one eye on the pleasant past and forward with the other on a brighter future? I’m just tickled, but not skinny, over the prospects.

Lots of talking for me this week. I make several small rural communities, to talk to farmers.

I have been asked to address the graduating class of the high school. The date is not certain but it’s the week of the 18th of June. I accepted conditionally, provided it is the 18th, but no other date. The principal told me to prepare a heart to heart talk of facing life by youngster as I have seen it, rather than the usual bromidic tales. (There’s your word!) What do you think? I told him what is supposed to happen on the next day, and he said “Well, we’ll get another speaker this year, I guess. You’re likely to give them a talk on marriage”.

With lots of love and kisses I am

Your

Joe

The next letters, one from Joe and one from his sister Clara, will be May 1

April 26, 1917 - You said that the only two places-in writing-where I appear to be affectionate, is in the opening and closing.

I guess Helen must have let Joe that Joe's letters were a bit dry and with little affection. Of course he responded with humor and a tinge of sarcasm. Below is a book cover from the writer Laura Jean Libbey that he mentions in his brief letter. His mention of the Christian evangelist, Billy Sunday, is comical.

April 26,1917.

My darling:
I have to smile as I get this introduction down, because last night you said that the only two places-in writing-where I appear to be affectionate, is in the opening and closing. Get it?

So, just as soon as I can get time, I'll go out to the bookstore and buy one of Laura Jean Libby's books, or some other best seller of more modern days, and copy eight or ten pages of junk about the starlight in your eyes, or should it be moonshine in my talk? Still, how do I know but what you would rather have me write in the style of Billy Sunday.

Until these new conditions do arise, perhaps it will be best that I pursue the even tenor (really "soprano") of my way, in the usual good old fashioned style. At least you do understand what I'm talking about.

Twoohat, as Barnet calls him, just came in and said he would take us out for dinner, so will stop rather abruptly, and to-night, when I return to make some briefs, will add a few more lines.

I think that Clara is going down with Stella about 12:46 arriving at 2:15 and will direct to your house. Stella must return home that night, and thinks that she will leave around eight o'clock. Knowing that we would not have any one for supper, I said nothing and she thinks she will go to some friends with Nat for supper, and then take the train. Maybe we should ask that she stay with us; but do not know their plans.

Lots of love, girlie, did you see me wave?
Your
Joe



 The next letter will be April 30

April 23, 1917 - I had two brand new Underwoods installed in the office

Big news for the day - new typewriters. You will see that the letters are much improved. Here is a photo of what it may have loked like.

April 23,1917.

My darling:
Can you imagine Just what I am writing on now, other than a typewriter? This afternoon, about five, I had two brand new Underwoods installed in the office, and I feel as happy about them as a little boy does with a new toy.

Of course it goes without saying, that the girls in the office feel as jubilant as we do, for while the other machines were very good, and stood the test of time was about time that we got new ones; and we did. Really, since you know this, doesn't the type look much clearer, and more straight than ever before? They are the last word in the latest model. I wish you were here to see them; in fact I have determined to get you one when the occasion shall arrive in futuro where it will be con­venient for you to have one around the house, for you corres­pondence etc. 'Member what I promised you?

So much for typewriters. I had a very busy day. Early this morning-six sharp. I was up, at seven on the car to town, and at seven thirty on the road; but just as I got comfortably seated in the trolley, I had the pleasure of hearing an auto toot for me, and found that Mayor Kneen spotted me and then we went to Shelton together in his new Cadillac. And it is some car.

To-night on the eve of a trial for commission growing out of a real estate case, I am naturally looking up the law and getting familiar with all the various angles than can possibly arise, so far as I can anticipate them at present.

When I returned to the office this noon, I found a letter from Gov. Holcomb, of this State, asking me to go to Hartford on Wednesday morning to attend a conference in reference to the present state of preparedness in Connecticut etc. and naturally enough I shall obey the request, unless the trial that I start tomorrow runs into the next day, in which event I'll phone him about it.

Charles is in New York again to-night, attending a con­ference of the same committee that met with Mr. Rosenwald last Sunday. Golly, how I wish that it was I that could have gone.

For the first time, in a good long time, that taxi really moved along and got me to the station at five or six minutes ahead of time, and I would have phoned were it not for the fact that the folks are so easily aroused from their slumbers, and perhaps you would not have the heard the call in time for me to have said much or to have told you anything other than good night; yet those few words would have been worth while, don't you think so?

I shall try to retire early. Oh yes. I'll bet that you are to remind me in your letter tomorrow about that crazy suit you want me to wear; but late this afternoon I went to the store tried it on, it fit to a T, and I have yet to decide, tho I told the man that I'd be in in the morning.

Now, little girl, take an old man's advice and retire early tomorrow night. We have a very important meeting of the lodge and I feel that I ought to be present, so in as much as you said that you were not going to the Met. it would be very wise for to hit the hay at a seasonable hour; more than I anticipate doing myself.

Clara in in raptures at the thought of actually going to New York and being away for two days. As Florence would say: "My goodness."

Isn't it too bad that Mme. Sarah B. is so low? What a pity, for one who means so much to the world. I felt very sorry to-night as I read the articles, and am now very anxious to hear that she has really recovered once more.

Tempus fugit, meaning that if this letter is to get to you by morning, it is up to me to stop and get it into the box. Now which would you rather have, a longer letter and later, or this much in the morning? I know the answer. This much in the morning, and a longer one later in the day. Hoe abote it?

All mothers must be under the weather. Mine, last night, had both of her knees powerfully painful and terribly swollen. Louis bandaged them up. I cannot think what it can be; but the old girl to-day called up and said she was feeling better. Poor dear it is awful far her to be home all alone during the day, especially now in the spring with her gardens to look after and all that, and it requires considerable running around. But such is life, I suppose.

However, there are books in front of me that demand attention and this is a pretty good time to stop. With lots of love and kisses, till we meet again, very soon,
I am Your
Joe



Here is what Mayor Kneen's Cadillac may have looked like.

 The next letter is April 26

April 20, 1917 - Charles, mother, Clara and the doctor went to Shelton to look over the house.

It looks like things are ramping up on getting a place to live. Of course as a first time house buyer Joe is faced with some harsh reality. At this point he has only heard about the house he may purchase; he has not been there yet. I guess he was too busy working. It appears to have become a family affair.

Friday evening.
Darling:
Once again, in fact every night this week(but Monday) at the office.

We had quite a session last night. We were at it till nearly midnight; and at the hearing this morning what do you think happened?   It was a suit against the man I was asked to defend at the last minute, nearly, for a little over $18,000.00 and when we got through, well what happened?   We beat him hands down, as it were. Our books were so accurately kept, and our evidence was so clear, that it did not require much more than a clear presentation to prove it. As one of the newspaper reporters said to me "Gee, you are a lucky dog, here is a perfect­ly easy case, and you get on the right side at the last minute, and put it away on ice”.   Of course, he did not know that it took me practically all night, to get the pages in chronological order so that the evidence could easily be referred to, having made an index of my own for easy reference, and had to wade through a mass of bills and letters to get everything in a clear and understandable manner.

This machine has not been working right of late, and I guess it will land in the junk heap if it doesn't look out.
If you ever want to tackle anything hard, try to adjust a bunch of old claims ranging back about twelve years that have become a running account, with all kinds of debits and credits, with discounts, interest, and returns, and if at the end of the day you are not blind or woozy, you are made of steel.

Last night, Charles, mother, Clara and the doctor went to Shelton to look over the house, and also see if they could close the deal. Upon their return, late, I was told that the main obstacle is the time when I could actually take possession, though there was also some talk about the price but the main thing is the time. After spending the night, I understand Charles told him we would not consider it unless we actually could have it to be in by June 1st. And he said he would talk it over with his wife, and be down tomorrow(Saturday)afternoon about it and let us know what he finally decided.

As I was thinking about it this evening, in going over the matter with Charles, preparatory to being in a position to know just what to talk about tomorrow when he arrives, we dis­covered, although we knew it before, that if we can get this place, it is going to require quite a bunch of real “green”. While the house is completed, there are several important things still needed, such as grading the grounds, planting a suitable hedge, building a garage, laying a cement walk in front of the house, and installing some real electric light fixtures that would be suitable for our use. I have not been under the roof yet so do not know just what the house is like, but Stella, Charles, Clara and mother all unite in saying that it is built a la The Ladies Home Journal; in other words it is a seven or eight room bungalow of two floors with three rooms on the first floor, four on the second, and one or two in the attic, suitable for a maid etc. The woodwork in all the rooms, as I understand but am not sure, except the kitchen, is white enamel, with mahogany trimmings, and hard wood floors throughout. There is a real fire place in one of the living rooms.

The family have only been in possession for about two or three weeks, it being just completed, as far as I have out­lined. The walls are all white at present, because the builders say it is well to allow the house to remain that way all summer to give it a chance to settle, and then if desired it could be papered. Charles says the place is very pretty, and wants me to arrange to have you come and see it, just as soon as we can get anywhere near together in the deal. I'll tell you more tomorrow, when in New York.

I learned to-day that I have two cases on in Shelton in the morning, and so will not be able to get down as early as I thought. I have already changed my appointments to next week. And now as I see it I'll go to Shelton in the machine and return along about eleven or so. At least I'll try to get back by noon so that I can take the 12:46 or 12:55 or 1:03 arriving in N.Y. 2:15 or 2:19 or 2:37 respectively, taking one of those and the earliest at that if possible. Now then, I presume it will be convenient for you to meet me at the station, so that we can go direct to Carnegie Hall.   Let me add this, in case of emergency only; in the event that I should not be able to take either of these so that I would then arrive around three, don't wait but leave the ticket in Carnegie Ticket office and I'll call for it. Or if I do arrive on these trains, as I feel I shall on one of the three named, and I do not see you there, I'll feel that you could not come down, and will go right to Carnegie and to the ticket office. Is that clear?

I  hope that I don't have to use up all the available cash so that there may be a little left for some kind of honeymoon, and perhaps a chair or in case no one thinks of passing them over with that pianner (piano) that you were promised, and the Victrola that is most hopeless.
With love and kisses,
I am
Your
Joe


The next letter is April 23.

April 19, 1917 - Like the Czar's reign, this letter will come to an abrupt end soon as I am called.

Here is the letter that is the follow up to the letter from yesterday.

April 19,1917.

Darling:
It is just a little before eight, and am at the office waiting momentarily for a party to come up and take me to another law office where I am to prepare a case for that party and get ready to try it for him in the morning.

Charles, mother, Clara and the doctor have motored to Shelton to see our friend again, as I stated last night; and perhaps on their return something definite may have transpired. If so, I’ll call you up in the morning provided I get a chance before going to Court. Still, Charles said just before leaving that he would not close it to-night under any circumstances, but that he would expect the deal, if completed at all to be done at the office, where we could give it the necessary attention, such as examining the title and preparing the usual papers. Here is where I beschrie (a Yiddish expression that means bragging bringing bad luck.)  this letter. Not a mistake yet, gee whitakers.

Like the Czar's reign, this letter will come to an abrupt end soon as I am called. So to the point. At present, it may be, it is possible that I can come. Here is the man. Good bye.

Your Joe.

The next letter is April 20

April 18, 1917 - Again I am work on a paradoxical mission, preparing a long “brief”.

A long wandering letter. Perhaps it comes off that way because of the glass of wine Joe had before he sat down to write. The envelope says April 19 because it was sent in the middle of the night.

Wednesday evening.

Darling?

I at one time told you that it is not always well to disclose plane half executed nor to tell of undertakings while they are in the making, because if they should be changed no matter how, there is likely to be disappointment. Yet, knowing your optimistic abilities, and risking a chance again, shall I tip you off to some­thing good? Just remember that what I say now is not an iron clad accomplishment, fully completed. It is only now in the works, as you might say. With this slight preamble, I feel safe in going ahead with my story.

Do you remember when at school, in the debating contests, or when there were orations delivered in competition for some prize or trophy, when the judges retired to deliberate, and after being out about an hour(they could decide right from their seats a la Lew Fields the other night)returned and in a drawl, some tall, thin, almost emaciated fellow somewhere about sixty, would in a monotonous tone begin to explain the difficulty they had in deciding the best one, (the typewriter roll slipped)and after a lot more of that kind of bunk finally got to the place where he was ready to make the announce­ment, and as you were about disgusted and ready to quit he decided?
Do you remember that? This, by the way, is a hypocritical question, the kind you frequently read about in the papers in famous trials. (There is something the matter with the machine tonight.)

I’11 bet you are almost disgusted with the way I have been stringing along this much of the letter, aren’t you? Notice that the question mark is receiving plenty of exercise?

Well, at last here is what I started out to tell. Why didn't you skip over to here?   Charles received a phone call from our friend in Shelton to-night, at the dinner table, and has made an appointment to see him tomorrow night at home; and I think from the manner of their talk this evening that something very definite and favorable will result after the next conference. I have a pretty strong belief that the way they are now talking that the matter may be settled, and by the time I see you Saturday, I'll be in a position to laugh at some of our friends who think that they have been joshing you. (I’m positively ashamed at my typewriting to-night.) Do you know what I am thinking of? Well, it is the fact, based upon the hope that we might close that deal this week, that next Saturday at your "bachelor" dinner, that you might be able to announce to your friends that they must hurry and look at all the nice things you have, and leave those they have brought along, for you want to get to bed early for on the morrow you are to get up early to go to Shelton to look at your place and see just what you'll need. I had a little wine for dinner to-night, only a drop, and it seems that it is working, don't you think?

Are you remembering that I said something in the first para­graph that is well to keep in mind as you read the last one!

So far as Saturday is concerned, I have found that Charles has made two appointments for me, one at about 11:30 and the other for noon. Whether these will keep me downtown during the lunch hour I do not know but believe they will. At any rate I'll call you up when I get to the City, and tell you or leave word at the house just when and where I can meet you to take in the concert.

In last night's papers I saw that the British bombarded a French town -Tombois - and wondered whether that was a misprint. Now that I think of it, it was not the name of a town, but of an old castle and large estate. The place was burned down by the retreating Germans or something to that effect. So that Tombois could have been burned while Dombois played. With all the sar­casm that Lillian could put into it, I can hear you mumble "how disgusting".

Again I am work on a paradoxical mission, preparing a long “brief”.

News from the front. I understand that Stella will be down a week from Saturday to your party, and will stay for the night at a hotel with her husband, who expects to have a General Committee meeting that night, and will go to Temple with us in the morning, and have dinner on Sunday at your house, if you so will it. I invited her to go to the show with us Saturday night, but she and Nat and Gus are going out visiting friends instead. Clara has not said much about going down as yet, being very busy in the office, and not really getting a chance to talk to me for any length of time.

Well, girlie, this letter contains a few ideas that ought to make you smile (especially the punk looks of this letter)but I cannot be too fussy just now.

I am so sorry that I cannot be in New York to-night, but there is no use in crying over the broken milk bottle.

With lots of love and kisses, I am

Your
Joe

The next letter is April 19

April 18, 1917 - Chicago's Recipe for better living.

This is a random post that is actually not from this date but much earlier. I am sorting thru photographs and clippings from  Joe and Helen's archive and found this among Helen's treasured saved clippings.  The first thing that caught my attention was that the type in the middle was really amazing for a newspaper to do graphically in 1913. Helen was always conscious of healthy living. This is apparent from something she chose to save from when she was about 20 years old.