Etiquette of Written Correspondence

Miss Allen said, “I am sure you did not open this, girls. You see, your mother knows that it is not correct to close the flap when she sends a note by messenger...”

The Children Learn Fine Points Of Letter Etiquette

The two Green sisters had a note for teacher. Mother had sent it with them. As the teacher took it in her hands, the girls saw her eyes fall upon the open flap of the envelope before she looked at the address on the envelope itself. The girls said, “Mother didn’t lick the envelope, Miss Allen, honestly, she didn't.’’ They seemed to think that the teacher might believe that they had opened the envelope to read the note. Miss Allen said, “I am sure you did not open this, girls. You see, your mother knows that it is not correct to close the flap when she sends a note by messenger. Suppose we talk about letter writing when the last bell rings.” 

During the ensuing discussion the children learned the following things about letter writing. First, that simple, plain letter paper is better than any gaudy or heavily decorated stationery. Correct letter paper is always unlined and certainly not perfumed. Fashions in monogramming change but rather plain initials, not too large, are always in good taste. Gold edged cards, monograms heavily embossed or engraved in silver or gold are not as correct as the smaller ones embossed in a color. 

Any note should be enclosed in an envelope, not sent with a corner of the folded paper turned down. But when the note is delivered by anyone other than a professional messenger the flap of the envelope is left unsealed. The envelope may carry the words “kindness of” but this is unnecessary. The recipient will know it has been brought by the bearer, so why state it on the envelope? 

It is silly to use colored inks. There is nothing easier to read than black on white or cream. Lavender ink, green ink, red ink may have their place on invitations for special affairs, such as a Saint Patrick's day party or a Christmas affair, but for every day use there is nothing nicer than black, or a blue so deep it looks black. – By Florence La Ganke, 1936

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