A Gilded Age Critic of New York Customs

 

A trio of antique toothpicks– “Three 18th to 19th century toothpicks, including a late-Georgian or early Regency era toothpick, that retracts back into itself― A toothpick is something that should NEVER be seen at a beautifully set table, yet worldwide, toothpicks are more commonplace on dining tables than one might believe. Culturally, they are accepted in some areas as long as one covers his or her mouth while picking the teeth. But this only leads someone to imagine what’s going on behind that hand. We’re all for good dental hygiene, but please... not at the dining table.” And may we add, not in the jewelry shop?!? – Image and text from the book, What Have We Here?: The Etiquette and Essentials of Lives Once Lived, from the Georgian Era through the Gilded Age and Beyond...
by Etiquipedia Site Editor, Maura J. Graber

Miss Palfrey Observes and Criticizes New York Customs

A friend of mine went into a well-known jeweler's shop on Union Square and asked to see some salt-cellars. The sales gentleman was using his toothpick vigorously, and asked her if she meant the kind that “you stick your knife into.” “No,” she answered, “I want the kind with which a spoon is used.” The man had the grace to appear embarrassed, and laid aside his toothpick. Those are first-class shops, and such things should never occur in them. Unfortunately, the toothpick has become, among a certain class, as much a part of the dress as the necktie, the watch or the collar and cuffs. 

Apropos of jewelers, a leading watch dealer tells me that watches for ladies are no longer made with second hands. Ladies say they have no occasion for timing races, nor for counting seconds, and they do not care for the second hand. I think the objection is in the name: a “second-hand watch” does not sound attractive. For my part, I want the second hand, for I like to see it go round.– Sacramento Daily Union, 1891

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