1957’s Modern Etiquette

Q. … what am I supposed to do at a wedding dinner when a toast is drunk to the bride?
A. You hold the drink which has been poured for you in your hand, lift it when the toast is made, and then put it down at the first opportunity.

MODERN ETIQUETTE

Q. Is it improper for a man to tell a woman friend that her slip is showing?
A. This is quite all right, if there is a place where she can go to fix it. Otherwise, it would be more thoughtful if he keeps quite about it to avoid making her feel un- comfortable.

Q. Since I do not drink alcoholic beverages, what am I supposed to do at a wedding dinner when a toast is drunk to the bride?
A. You hold the drink which has been poured for you in your hand, lift it when the toast is made, and then put it down at the first opportunity.

Q. Is it a matter of etiquette for a new father to give out cigars and candy to his friends?
A. There are no rules of etiquette regarding this. It's just an old widespread American custom. — By Roberta Lee, in “Modern Etiquette,” Press Tribune, 1957

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

A 1920’s “Modern Etiquette” Sampling

Roberta Lee was a popular “Agony Aunt” who was syndicated in newspapers across the United States, answering random, but helpful, questions in her column, “Modern Etiquette” from the 1920’s through the 1960’s. Women at the time were often characterized as ditzy or flighty, like the popular comics’ page flirt, “Mopsy” (from the 1930’s through the 1960’s), and were not always taken seriously as journalists until the 1970’s and beyond.

“Modern Etiquette” of 1927 by Roberta Lee

Q. How should lobster claws be eaten?
A. They should be pulled apart and conveyed to the mouth by the fingers.

Q. Can one accept a second helping at the table if one wants it?
A. Yes, unless doing so makes the others wait.

Q. Are napkin rings still used?
A. No; they are out of date, except in the nursery.

Q. What rule governs the form of introduction?
A. It should be cordial and simple, but never careless or offhand.

Q. Is it proper for children to be introduced to adults?
A. Yes: children should be taught the significance of formal introductions.

Q. Is it bad taste to be demonstrative in public?
A. Very; well-bred people will avoid it.

Q. What are two subjects that always should be avoided in general conversation?
A. Religion and politics.

Q. In what way can a business man or woman get rid of a tiresome caller?
A. By rising, or by pleading a pressing business engagement.

Q. If a man finds himself by chance next to a woman of his acquaintance in the street car, should he offer to pay her fare? 
A. No.

Q. After attending the theater with a man, is it necessary for the woman to thank him for a pleasant evening?
A. No, unless he has in some way inconvenienced himself to be with her.

Q. If her next dance is promised, should the woman go to seek her partner?
A. No, she should wait until he comes to claim her.

Q. Should ushers at a wedding be friends of the bridegroom or of the bride?

A. The ushers are chosen from among the friends and relatives of either the bride or the groom.

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