Etiquette and Inquiries?

Calling cards were not just a method of communicating an introduction or a personal visit. They were used to write personal notes of sympathy, queries as to another’s well-being and even coded messages of one’s departure or return dates. Similar to sending a text today, utilizing the little cards was much quicker than sitting down and composing a letter. There was also no doubt as to who left the card. – Image source, the Etiquipedia  library. 

About Inquiries

If you hear that one of your acquaintances is ill or in trouble it is usual to call at the house to ask how she is and leave a card having “With kind inquiries.” or, “With sincere sympathy.” written on it. You should not go in unless you are specially pressed to do so. 

When your friend is better she will probably send out postcards having, “With thanks for kind inquiries.” written on them. These cards count as a call, and it is then your turn to call again. – Good Form, Riverside Enterprise, 1911

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