Gilded Age Romeos and Juliets

“The smitten youth finally conformed with etiquette and approached the banker with the subject of accepting him as a son-in-law. He was met with a point blank refusal…” –  I’m sure it’s safe to say that romantic pairings have often been considered “unsuitable” to parents of one or both sides of a couple, since humans started pairing up and settling down, so many, many centuries back in time. Above, the lovely Peggy Scott and her handsome beaux, Dr. Kirkland, picnicking at Newport in  HBO’s series, “The Gilded Age.” Their blooming romance is seemingly about to get rocky due to parental interference. Image source, Pinterest.

A Romeo–esque Romance

 The nephew of one of the most eminent physicians New York ever had, says a New York correspondent, fell in love at Newport two summers ago with the only daughter of a banker of this city. Very wealthy and coming under the head of “leading citizens.” As is sometimes the case the object of his affections reciprocated and in six; weeks it was all arranged, at least as far as the two happy mortals were concerned. 

The smitten youth finally conformed with etiquette and approached the banker with the subject of accepting him as a son-in-law. He was met with a point blank refusal, and, additionally was forbidden ever to enter the house again. Romeo and Juliet had a consultation, and decided to become husband and wife, though the heavens should fall. Papa heard of this determination on the part of the lovers and forthwith, without any ceremony turned his daughter out of the house.

Without any of her money, save what she had on her person, the young lady repaired to the residence of her aunt, who received her with outstretched arms, and preparations for the wedding were hurried night and day. The estimable aunt provided her niece with a fine trousseau and last week the wedding occurred. This is the prevalent scandal, and in this case it is strictly true. Truth is, indeed, stranger than fiction, and did the course of true love ever run smooth? – Feather River Bulletin, 1874

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

New ‘Approved Etiquette’ of 1880

“I certainly would consider sharing this carriage ride with you if you weren’t wearing such an outlandish suit. That loud plaid won’t be fashionable for several years!” — The fashionable girl now lays her head on the shoulder of her male companion when traveling, according to a Cincinnati Enquirer writer...

Filed Under “Sensible Advice”

The fashionable girl now lays her head on the shoulder of her male companion when traveling, according to a Cincinnati Enquirer writer, who says: “The nicest girls do it, and they are so demure, so innocent, so unconscious in their manner that nobody could deem the practice harmful. They have the unconcerned air of using a pillow. This would have been reprehensible a year ago; now fashion and mothers permit it. But the man must not so far forget himself as to slyly hug the girl. If he does, she pops bolt upright, and will lean on him no more forever. That is new but approved etiquette.” — The Daily Herald, 1880

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