Etiquette and Typed Personal Letters

 Even Emily Post was known to type personal correspondence in the 1930’s and 1940’s. It stands to reason that her etiquette books were sanctioning it, as well, at that time. As someone with arthritis, Etiquipedia has, at times, handwriting which is illegible and approves of typing one’s personal correspondence if one feels a letter will be too poorly written to read. — Above, a letter from Emily Post to a friend in 1940, from the Etiquipedia private library and future Etiquette Museum

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DEAR ANN: My handwriting is the worst I've ever seen. It is illegible and looks like the scribbling of a child. Because of this, I type all letters, invitations, thank you notes, and condolence messages. Last week a friend criticized me because I had typed a letter to a mutual friend whose husband passed away. She said it is better not to send any message than a typed one. Will you express your views on this subject? — Rozelle

Dear Roz: The old hide-bound rules of etiquette are fast bowing to common sense. And I say it's about time. It is better to send a typed note that can be read than a hand-written one which is illegible. — Ann Landers, 1969

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

Etiquette and Typed Correspondence

While handwritten notes and letters are wonderful to send and receive, even Emily Post sent out personal letters and notes in which the bodies were typed, but signed by her. Perhaps Emily suffered from arthritis in her hands. — Image source, Etiquipedia private library

DEAR ABBY: I know that etiquette demands that ALL personal letters and notes be handwritten, and it is considered very poor manners to use a typewriter on these occasions, but this is my plight: I suffer from arthritis in the fingers of both hands and it is extremely difficult for me to use a pen. I am able, however, to use a typewriter, so I type all my letters and notes. Is it necessary for me to mention in my typewritten notes that I know better, but because of my arthritis I beg to be excused? KNOWS BETTER

 

DEAR KNOWS: I believe that regardless of what the etiquette books say, consideration, convenience and common sense should dictate behavior. I personally appreciate typewritten notes, the propriety of which never enters my head. – Abigail Van Buren, 1967

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