1920’s Correspondence Etiquette

For the informal letter there are no arbitrary rules, except the social laws of common courtesy, and one may express his thoughts in his own best way.

Every letter one writes introduces anew the problem of what expressions to open with. Each letter presents a viewpoint of its own and requires a distinctive and separate approach. No set rule to cover all cases can be given, fortunately.

One general law may safely be given: First and foremost, do not begin a letter with an abrupt apology for neglect and delay. No one likes to receive a communication which opens with an admission of neglect, delay or worse behaviors. A formal note must not exceed one page in length is written on the first page only. The social letter is either formal or informal.

The formal letter must be written according to socially established practice. It is employed for invitations to formal affairs, for announcements, and in the acknowledgment of these letters. The third person is always used. When one receives a letter written in the third person one replies in kind. In formal notes and letters, the hour and date are written out in letters, no figures being used.

For the informal letter there are no arbitrary rules, except the social laws of common courtesy, and one may express his thoughts in his own best way. In any correspondence certain observances are requisite, namely:

• Correct spelling, capital letters at the beginning of each sentence.
• A new paragraph with the start of every new subject.
• Periods, commas and question marks in proper places.
• A blank margin on each side of the writing. 
• Do not substitute dashes for proper punctuation.

— “From Etiquette of Correspondence, A Tuckaway Book for Milady's Desk,” by Belle Brandt, 1928

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