Etiquette for Political Wives of 1972

“Never let your picture be taken while holding a cocktail glass or a cigaret.” – From the same era, a retro 1970’s GOP Cookbook with a female elephant  chef gracing the cover. 

GOP Lessons in Etiquette for 1972

“Discriminate women never smoke on the street or when dancing; they never let a cigaret dangle from the lips or exhale through the nose.”

Those words of advice appear in a 10-page booklet written for the wives of Republican candidates running for congress. 

The booklet’s cover is illustrated with a picture of a girlish elephant wearing lipstick and a pantsuit and its contents include rules for lady-like behavior on the campaign trail.

Some of the tips offered are:

• “Never let your picture be taken while holding a cocktail glass or a cigaret.”
• “Gum chewing: Never!”
• “When your husband is speaking, watch him proudly.”
• “Never appear bored, even if you have heard the same speech repeatedly.”
• “A steely handshake is unlady-like.”

And finally, 

• “When the meeting starts, always bow your head and close your eyes for the entire invocation.” — The California Aggie, 1972

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