Etiquette at the Library in 1949

Conservative to a degree, Emily Post has been in-part replaced, or at least modernized, by newer authorities such as Margery Wilson whose “The New Etiquette” is called the modern code of social behavior. She covers all the usual items plus servants, entertaining– how to eat and how to serve wines, traveling and tips— always a troublesome point, and even a bit on children’s etiquette. 

A new book on showers reminds me of the frequent occasions when one or another of you come in to consult an etiquette book. The shower isn't the kind that makes your garden grow, but the kind you give the bride-to-be, or the mother-in-waiting. The book is

“Shower Parties for All Occasions” by Helen Webster, and there are showers for engagement, anniversary, birthday, baby, or going-away. The parties are described complete with decorations, games, menus and appropriate presents. It's really not such a chore to give a shower with this book at hand.

Speaking of etiquette, there are many times when you may wish to check up on the correct way to accept a formal wedding invitation, or the proper form of address for a widow. Perhaps you have to co-hostess a tea or be in the receiving line at a big function. These are details which few of us keep in mind all the time, but want to be sure of at the appropriate moment.

Emily Post we have had with us ever since 1922 when she published her first “Etiquette.” She believes that “good manners are less a matter of rules than a sensitive awareness of the needs of others.”

Conservative to a degree, Mrs. Post has been in-part replaced, or at least modernized, by newer authorities such as Margery Wilson whose “The New Etiquette” is called the modern code of social behavior. She covers all the usual items plus servants, entertaining– how to eat and how to serve wines, traveling and tips— always a troublesome point, and even a bit on children's etiquette. 

There are also chapters on official etiquette (when next you are called to Washington), business and club etiquette and necessary observances in sports such as golf and tennis. Her point of view is casual and relaxed in the modern manner.

For special problems we have "Vogue's Book of Brides" which carries the engaged girl right up to the altar with all details of dress, presents, photographs and decorations.

The young of the species sometimes amaze us with their consistent disregard of what we consider rudimentary good manners. If you have such problems, I recommend Stevens’ “The Correct Thing,” a guide book of etiquette for young men, and “Behave Yourself!” etiquette for American youth by Betty Allen and Mitchell Briggs. – By Elaine Howe for Washington Township Newsletter, 1949

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