Etiquette Humor in a Wild West

 

“Arizona is getting hep to the society stuff,” a salesman who travels in that state tells us. “I was at a hotel last month” he said, “and an old chap was sitting at a table with his son. Somebody called the son a liar. The kid didn’t pull a gun, the way they do in picture shows. He just grabbed a table knife and started after his detractor. “There was no tragedy, though. That boy’s dad grabbed him by the collar and forced him into a seat in less time than it takes to tell it.” ‘Ain't ye got no manners?’ hissed his pa. ‘What have I learned ye?” “He called me a liar!” yelled the struggling son. ‘What if he did? They’s strangers from the east in this room. You shame me! Drop that knife an’ use yer fork, like ettiket says!’ “Don’t tell me they’re not up on manners out there!" – Los Angeles Herald, 1915

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