FishTales A Newsletter History of the Fish/Morse Families

November 1998 Issue # 16 Return to Contents

"There are others in the Sea" Arthur has some Women Trouble

Arthur M. Morse ca. 1894

For Arthur, 1894 would be much like 1893. Even with traveling to the south along the Atlantic seaboard, to New England and up-state New York, his life took on a pattern of work, with socializing in the evenings between trips.

Mon. 1/1/94 This morning at 109 Fullerton Ave. Quite a little snow on the ground. I went down to the stable and hired a pair of trotters to take Mother & Pup for a long drive. We started at ten and drove up over the mountain to Caldwell. Here we found good sleighing. We both enjoyed the ride very much. Came home by Little Falls and the Passaic [sic] River. Charlotte got dinner and in the afternoon staid around the [left word out]. In the evening dressed for dinner and with Charlotte went over to the Bradfords. Marshall & S. the only two. Karl and the other fellow did not turn up. After dinner the callers began to come and they came and came until we thought they would never go. Finally got over to the Club. Had a fine dance. Miss Howard 3 times and Stella, Nell, Miss Flo, O'Neil and Maria. Had a very good time. Home 12:30 alone. Charlotte came home with the Johnsons.

Tues. 1/2/94 Found quite a little mail awaiting me this A.M. Mr. Hoyt fell Saturday and hurt himself quite badly. Had lunch today at a little new place I found near Flanders. Came home at the usual time and lugged out some Plymouth Hymnals. In the evening took one up to the Johnsons, then the Myers and then called on the Bradfords. Karl, also Van Vleck, there. Said goodby and then went up to the Eshbaugh's. Talked with Mr. [Eshbaugh] for some time and left a little after nine. Mr. Johnson orders another lot of oranges from Aunt Lizzie.

Wed. 1/3/94 Today much as usual. Tonight went up and called on Julia Corbett. They have a very pretty house altho not as pleasant as the other inasmuch as both rooms face each other and the parlor is all open to the hall. Staid until 9:45 and then came home. I don't really know if the girl is glad to see me or no. She is quite interesting, but never says no or yes.

Julia Corbett

Thurs. 1/4/94 Tonight Charlotte is taking dinner at the Johnson's. Then I go up and meet her and we go up to the church with them to prayer meeting. We have to sit way down front and I am not very well pleased with the service. The room is packed full. We walk home.

Fri. 1/5/94 Tonight I spend at the house and play a game with Charlotte and Mrs. M. in the map scheme. It was very interesting indeed and requires a good deal of thought. As a means of education, I cannot be sure of it however.

Went downtown today and saw Lack. [Lackawanna R.R.] and Clark of Gaye. Made 30 line contract. Went to see Wyman and discovered that the Forum people were going into their old scheme.

Sat. 1/6/94 Came in at 7:30 and got things very well cleaned up and went back to lunch with Mr. D. Then came back after having a shave and part of a haircut and started for Montclair. Went up to the post office for Ma, but found nothing. Then later in the evening went up to the bank and got book for my $100 which I deposited. Mr. Gallagher is a stockholder.

Sun. 1/7/94 Up betimes and took hold and made a big furnace fire. Then took bike in parts and cleaned up the wheel. Then ready for Bible class and went. Saw quite a number. Got to church just as the last hymn was being sung and sat behind Place and then walked him down to Bible class. Saw Miss Corbett, Edith and Miss Wells. Had a good lesson and came home to find Mr. & Mrs. Potter to dinner. They staid until three.

In the evening went Christian Endeavor with Charlotte and enjoyed it very much. Miss Van Norden of New York. A salvation girl spoke.

Mon. 1/8/94 Up at six this morning and had to make a new fire in the furnace. Worked until seven downstairs and then wrote in my diary. Came in on the Erie R.R. train and rode up Broadway. I got to the office some 15 minutes earlier than I can the other way, altho I don't like the route. Worked in the office on copy and went out at lunch to our regular place. Hoyt came back. Says Seaman picked up piles of orders in Chicago. He should have been there. There is a row in prospect with Miss. R. I am sure I don't know just how to avoid it. She travels around in great style. In the evening called on Stella who was glad to see me and staid rather later than I should.

Tues. 1/9/94 Today I decide not to go to Lakewood. This is the day which I have the row with B.R. and come out on top. I bring up several things and make tears, etc. but keep it up. It is not tasteful, but has to be done. This evening I wander up town and buy some quinine for Mother who is sick and I am afraid quite so.

Drop into the club for a few moments

Wed. 1/10/94 This evening go with Charlotte and Edith to the Cantata at the Church. The house was packed. I slept some but I enjoyed it very muchly. Got an order from C of J today and found that Fall River Line will do nothing at present. Quite a snow storm today. Called on a company called Earle & Earle who are advertising something, just what they will not say.

Thurs. 1/11/94 In on the 8:13 today. Saw Seaman and took lunch with him at the St. Denis and also the man who looks after his theatre business. He told me he had 72 local offices to look out for. I suggest a scheme to Seaman that I represent him on special trips. He pays Outlook & Co. $15 per day and also we get order. We are to try it first on Adirondaks. Then Hot Springs, Ark. possibly. It is a big deal if it goes. In the evening go up to 80 Park and call a moment then to town but find no stores open. Annie H. sick with gripe [sic]. On way home meet Stella who stops and talks.

Fri. 1/12/94 This morning up at 5:30 and made fire and cut up a lot of wood down stairs. Charlotte got a very good breakfast. Left via uptown where I stop at the florist's and order some flowers for Annie Howard and Mother. Pink roses. Caught train. In the city today. Worked at the office and waited for Frank Seaman who was to come. Went up to Grand Central this morning and tried to see GHD. Mr. Storey had told him in regard to scheme. Lunch with Doughty. After three went up to Seaman's with Mr. H. and closed deal. Left at 5 for home. Came out on train with Sutton. Found Mother up, but not very warm. Rushed fire until we had good heat. Called at the Johnson's a few moments. Very cold and windy tonight.

Sat. 1/13/94 Nothing special on hand today. Instead of going out at the usual time went home at 4:25. Spent the evening in the house as it was stormy.

Sun. 1/14/94 Up in good time and got a good fire in furnace and then dressed and went to church with Charlotte. We had a very interesting service. Dr. B. said all the money he made in outside work went to missions. After church went to bible class and had 20 present. Then home to dinner. Spent the afternoon in rearranging sitting room. In the evening went to C.E. with Place and sat with Marshall. Then went to church. After which meet Stella & Daisy Rinelle. Then home.

Charlotte Morse

Mon. 1/15/94 This morning take the 7:50 train and came in as usual. It was very foggy. After being in the office quite a little time, Geo. Morse came in and I got it in the neck from Mr. Howland in relation to finding a train for him. Then Mr. Earle came in. At noon went up town and called at Seaman's and Forum and got cut. Then had lunch and then back to the office. Mr. Ingold came in the afternoon and left order. Then took 4 o'clock train out to Montclair. Everyone was talking of the terrible wreck on the D.L.&W. 9 killed. We saw a little of the wreckage. In the evening went up and called on Miss Corbett and at 9:45 PM left for the club. I meet a Miss Williams & Murray who knows Mr. Roome. Home at 12:15. Very good dance.

All was not smooth at work. There was some dissention with a woman who worked in Arthur's Recreation Department. On January 8th, he wrote in his diary: "There is a row in prospect with Miss. R.. I am sure I don't know just how to avoid it. She travels around in great style." On January 9, he wrote "This is the day I have row with B.R. and come out on top. I bring up several things and make tears, etc. but keep it up. It is not tasteful, but has to be done." On March third another confrontation, this time Mr. Hoyt, who seemed to be office manager at The Outlook was involved: "Had a long talk with Mr. H. and Miss Rufner in regard to tickets, Erie road, etc. We came out on top. It is horrid to have so much trouble." On March 16, Arthur had lunch with Mr. Hoyt, and they talked of Miss Rufner. He also wrote a letter to his boss, Mr. Howland. Mr. Howland responded with a letter of his own, showing his continuing affection for Arthur.

The Outlook Company
13 Astor Place

17 March 1894

My Dear Mr. Morse

I have just been talking with Mr. Hoyt, and he has given me your message. I appreciate your feelings, and sympathize with them to a considerable extent. I am glad that there is good prospect of settling the matter harmoniously, and in a way to serve the interests of all concerned. This may take a little time - possibly two, three, or even four weeks, though I hope not as much as the last-named period. Meantime, it is desirable that you be patient and forbearing if there is anything of which you do not approve.

You need have no fear of suffering in reputation or efficiency by anything that may be said or done - unless you allow your own nerves to give way, and say something under sudden temptation that you will afterwards regret. I am quite sure you will not do this, and will trust me to arrange the matter in the way that will be on the whole best for all.

Please do not work too hard. I know you are doing a lot of things, and have a great ambition to get them all through on time. But don't worry, and don't work too much. All will come right in the end.

You have a good friend in Mr. Hoyt, and other good friends in almost (if not quite) all the rest of us. I don't think there is any malice toward you anywhere in the office, and I am sure you will look back at these days in the future, and see that things might easily have been worse than they were.

Remember me to all the folks whom I know, among those you meet, and believe me, as always

Your sincere friend

William B. Howland

The troubles with "Miss R." continued. On March 30, Arthur wrote in his diary, "Miss Rufner is playing a funny game and I think someone is going to be bit or else she has a case of big head. I certainly wish things would settle so I could get my work done. The work is not being done as it should be and how it will be after she leaves I don't know. It certainly is a shame she can't do as she should altho I know I have been at fault." On April 2nd: "Miss Rufner has left things go and now it is decided that she go. I am very glad altho I sorry to lose a girl as bright and quick. Still I think there are others in the sea." April 3: "Miss Rufner was asked to resign this morning." April 11: "Miss R. still here. Have a talk with Mr. H. and she is to go tomorrow night. April 12: Miss R. comes in and is in high feather and acts as the very much insulted. She writes 3 personal letters, one to Hufford and then gets out. I am very thankful altho it will be hard for awhile and this has hurt business very much. She is going to work on the Eagle, we think." The next day, Arthur writes: "This morning find Miss Jackson here and Mr. Howland has a talk with both Miss Stedman and her. I also talk to Miss S. I feel that she is going to be able to do the work and do it well. There are a good many things we will miss Miss R. for but I think she wasted a good deal of time in foolish work. She absolutely refused all help from Mr. H. and we don't actually know where she is going."

On Sunday, March 4, 1894, Arthur joined the First Congregational Church in Montclair.

"Up this morning and began at once to get ready for church by taking a bath. It was rather cold, but my towel soon fixed that all right. Then got ready for church. Sat with Mr. Meyers or rather next to Miss Meyers and when the proper time came marched up and stood opposite Dr. Bradford and he read to me and took my hand and I was with the church. It was a trifle hard for, of course, everyone was looking, but I came out pretty well. Then Miss Meyers shook my hand & Mr. & Mrs. Eshbaugh came round."

Rev. Dr. Amory H. Bradford

He continued to pursue Julia Corbett. On Sunday, April first, he walked her home from Christian Endeavor and went into the house "for a little while." The next night he went to a dance at the club where he had two dances with Julia and commented, "I can't understand Julia C. I guess no one can." That seems to be the end of Julia Corbett, though she does show up as a bridesmaid for Maria Fish when she married Arthur in 1898.

Arthur continues to pay quite a few visits to Annie Howard and takes her flowers when she is ill. He seems to be good friends with Stella Bradford, but a romantic interest there is not evident.

In July, Arthur made a visit to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard and wrote in his diary:

"Saw Wood's Hole first and then Vineyard Highland Cottage City and Nantucket. Fine sail. Sat in front of pilot house and went to sleep. Also read. At Nantucket, walked up to the Springfield to get room and was given a pleasant room. Dining room in separate building. Walked over to see the Nantucket and saw the Point Breeze. Saw one of the local characters who sold newspapers and rang his bell. Also saw a cottage called The Outlook." The next day he wrote: "This morning up at Nantucket at the Springfield. Found it very foggy so did not get up as early as I would have. Had a bit of a walk up to the corner of the street before breakfast. Then went up on the hill. Saw the Cliff View House and Mrs. Pettee took me all over it. It is a new and very handsome house. The dance hall is very fine. Then went over and saw Mr. Tupper of the Nantucket and closed with him for one year. Went back to town. Saw The Veranda, Mrs. Davenport, and had a long talk and left with two suggestions. Did not talk special scheme to her. Then saw Mr. Mowry of The Springfield. Found him very wide awake. Before I had finished, Mr. Waugh came in and stopped [our] talk and so I did not actually close with him and I am afraid Waugh may knock it out. Was on to him. Had dinner and started on boat. Slept and read. Met Mr. Fish at New Bedford, who gave me some lilies. He had just come from Quissett - Maria's uncle. Rode in hot cars to Providence and took train there to Drownville [Rhode Island], having late supper when reached the Metcalfs. Martha's Vineyard has changed greatly."

The last sentence is something of a non sequitur, as he does not indicate that he went to Martha's Vineyard on this trip. Also, he refers to Mr. Fish as Maria's uncle when it is more probable that he ran into her father, Thomas. As Maria was living with the Careys, Arthur may have been confused about the relationship of Maria to Mr. Fish had he been introduced to him in Montclair. It is not likely that he had actually met one of her Fish uncles. His romantic interest in Maria was still three years away.

Arthur wrote in his diary sporadically during the summer of 1894, ending his entries for the year in September.

In the next issue, we will explore Arthur's relationship with a young lady named Alice Marshall and cover his trip to Europe in 1895.