“Etiquette and Manners” at Program

Dr. Aydelott spoke of the different kinds of “Men of the Hour” throughout all ages. In the early age he was a cave man. From that time on until the present each age claimed a type to be copied by the general populace. But now the man of the hour must be a gentleman, a real gentleman, not the mamby pamby sort that often pose as such. He had no use for the invertebrate ass who promenaded the street with his monocle and cigarette, a pattern of etiquette, but with no moral fiber in him. 

CHAUTAUQUA IS AUSPICIOUSLY LAUNCHED

Program of Varied Nature at Chautauqua Tent Last Night Wins Rounds of Applause; Expectations Exceeded

One of the many subjects spoken on was, “The Man of the Hour.” : 

This was the subject a Dr. Aydelott used. He began by mentioning the different kinds of “Men of the Hour” throughout all ages. In the early age he was a cave man. From that time on until the present each age claimed a type to be copied by the general populace. But now the man of the hour must be a gentleman, a real gentleman, not the mamby pamby sort that often pose as such. He had no use for the invertebrate ass who promenaded the street with his monocle and cigarette, a pattern of etiquette, but with no moral fiber in him. 

Dr. Aydelotte’s lecture had the strain of truth and sincerity throughout. He drew many clever and humorous comparisons during the course of his talk. He had the utmost contempt for “the measly old mises, whose wizeneo, dried up soul could be put into a peanut shell and then rattle about like a grain of Kansas mustard seed. Still he bad the utmost regard for the hale and hearty fat people. He thoroughly believed in the “survival of the fattest.” 

“There is a big difference,” he said, “between etiquette and good manners. Parents should learn the distinction and dedicate their home to good manners.  The Man of the Hour must have a heart as well as a brain." Dr. Aydelotte then spoke of the “Big Brotherhood Movement” in New York. This organization has taken hold of over by 3000 boys, out of which 97 per cent have made good. When one man goes down he always takes others with him, and when he rises up he generally helps someone else up. 

Mr. Aydelotte mentioned the fact that he would rather have a boy grasp his hand and say, “You made me what I am.” than to own all of John D. Rockefeller's millions. The language of the human heart is as old as toe beginning of the world, and that is what helps young men to rise. With startling abruptness Dr. Aydelott asked several questions of the audience, based on a brief personal observation of San Luis Obispo. He wanted to know if the schools were adequate. Several in the audience answered “no,” and he replied he thought no. 

He also wanted to know if the city had any place for boys to spend their evenings besides saloons and pool parlors. Another suggestion was that something should be done to preserve the old Mission, as it is a historical landmark that should be cared for. He didn’t want to criticise, he said, but merely warned to help. Speaking of Chautauqua, he reminded the audience that the total cost was only about as much as the price of a good automobile. There are always people willing to discourage home movements, but every successful town is built on something besides wealth. 

He next told of a sick boy in a hospital who had admired Walter Johnson, the baseball star. Mr. Johnson heard of the boy’s illness and sent him a baseball he had used that day, together with a personal note. From that time on the boy continued to improve. It was a lesson that some boy or girl is always watching us and waiting to copy, whether it be for good or bad. Dr. Aydelott closed by saying that storms make men. When a man does his task and does it well, that man is great. After the lecture nearly half the audience waited to shake hands with Dr. Aydelott. – San Luis Obispo Daily Telegram, 1916

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