Mid 19th C. Sidewalk Etiquette

The common rule is this: If men and women are walking together, she should always be at his right arm, whether it be toward the inside or outside of the walk ; then the woman will not be shoved against the passers.

Someone of our Chesterfieldian exchange has the following on sidewalk etiquette: 

Only villagers, or persona with rural ideas, any longer contend that ladies should always be given the inside of the pavement in passing. The rule adopted in all cities is to turn to the right, whether the right leads to the wall or to the gutter; and an observance of this common sense rule would obviate much unpleasant "scrouging" by over-gallant gentlemen who persistently crowd for the outside of the walk.

Another common custom, not required by fashionable etiquette, and one which is as nearly as unexplainably absurd, is the practice of men filing out of a church pew, making themselves as ridiculous as an " awkward squad" practicing a catch step, in order to give a woman the wrong end of the pew. Another is that of a man, when at promenade or walk with a lady, to keep himself on the outside of the pavement. A little exercise of judgment will convince any person of the perfect uselessness of this bobbing back and forth at every corner.

The common rule is this: If men and women are walking together, she should always be at his right arm, whether it be toward the inside or outside of the walk ; then the woman will not be shoved against the passers. Those who giggle at persona who follow this rule are themselves the "greeniea" and should read the book of manners before, they indulge in the laugh of fashionable fools. — The Daily Alta, 1868

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia