Etiquette and Patriotic Rings, 1918

Until recently diamonds —either a solitaire, a cluster or circlet— set in platinum were most in vogue, but the recent plea on the part of the government for the conservation of platinum has put this type of engagement ring out of the list of things patriotic. 

What Readers Ask 

“Will you please tell me what is the most approved style of engagement ring at the present time? Is it usual to have the ring bought ready to present at the time of proposing marriage or is it usually purchased afterward?”

A man would have to be a mind reader or pretty sure of his own powers of persuasion to be sure before asking the young woman of his choice that he was going to be successful in his suit. Most young women wouldn’t like to be so taken for granted, and besides it is usual to consult the one who must wear the ring as to her taste in settings and stones. Until recently diamonds —either a solitaire, a cluster or circlet— set in platinum were most in vogue, but the recent plea on the part of the government for the conservation of platinum has put this type of engagement ring out of the list of things patriotic. Diamonds are still the usual stones, but they should be set in gold. —Mary Marshall Duffee, 1918

 

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

Patriotic Etiquette for WWI Rationing

“Don’t forget that every patriot in the nation has a personal obligation to aid in winning this war by reducing consumption of wheat to a minimum, until the next harvest. Wheat means victory.”

— Photo source Etiquipedia private family library  

Don’ts for the Patriotic Diner

While practically the entire commercial baking and public dining industries of California, including hotels, restaurants and clubs, have pledged strict conformity with the wheat saving rules and regulations of the United States food administration, and have perfected organizations among themselves to force observance by those who might refuse to do so voluntarily, their cooperation, to be 100 percent effective, depends largely on the attitude of the individual patron, Ralph P. Merritt, federal food commissioner for the state, announced today when he issued a list of “Don’ts” for the guidance of patriotic “diners out.” They follow in brief:

• “Don’t ask for food containing wheat flour or wheat products unless you are an invalid and must have it for your health’s sake. 
• “Don’t ask for more than two ounces of wheat bread and wheat products combined at any one meal under any circumstances. The restaurant is fordidden to serve more.
• Aid in observing the restrictions. “Don’t allow the waiter to serve you any foods containing wheat on the wheatless Mondays and Wednesdays, or at the daily evening wheatless meal. 
• “Don’t buy more bread from your baker than you absolutely must have. 
• “Don’t hesitate to report personally observed infractions of the rules to the food administration, or to your local food administrator. They will be investigated. 
• “Don’t forget that every patriot in the nation has a personal obligation to aid in winning this war by reducing consumption of wheat to a minimum, until the next harvest. Wheat means victory.” 
• The advice to the people to eat chicken and game is a good deal like the suggestion of Marie Antoinette that the people of Paris eat cake instead of bread. — San Pedro Pilot News, 1918

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