Manners and More at Department Store

      

Poise

Cultivate poise. The poised girl maintains calm when she has a difficult situation to handle. She goes about it naturally and easily and avoids nervous movements of the body.

Spirit of Adventure

Since you can always pack your bags and sail to faraway islands, begin to develop the spirit of adventure, by trying new ideas, new thoughts, a new method of study, a new way of wearing your hair or even a new food!—

The Wendy Ward School of Charm was a “charm school” that was offered by individual Montgomery Ward department stores throughout the United States. Other department store chains and shops offered similar courses, but none were as well-known or well-attended. The helpful courses were held throughout the 1960’s and into the 1970’s, until charm schools fell out of popularity with ‘tween and teen girls who were becoming more socially and politically conscious in the 70’s. Course books and even vinyl records were sold under the ‘Wendy Ward’ name.

“The girls of Camp Fire Group O-Wa-Tenda-ya graduated from the Wendy Ward Charm Course last Friday night with flying colors. The course is presented by Montgomery Ward and the girls were fortunate to have as their instructor Miss Lynn Steiner, former Miss Sacramento and a one time regular on the Dean Martin Show. 

“The girls completed a six week course, teaming manners, poise, hair and skin care and ended with a fashion show held in the downtown Montgomery Ward store. The girls receiving their diplomas were Pam Anderson. Gayle Davis, Michelle Ferris, Debbie Gomes. Debbie Metcalf, Kim Patterson Mary Richardson, Amanda Vine and Janette Vine.” — By Valerie Wiley, for the News Ledger, 1969

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

Charming Swans and Wendy Ward

A book sold in conjunction at the Montgomery Ward department store’s “Wendy Ward School of Charm,” was full of advice which covered posture, social graces and even dating.- “Most people aren’t their natural selves. Rather, they are an accumulation of habits and affectations picked up through life. Inside, they’re different. Do you want to learn to be the real you instead of a phony?” - The Wendy Ward School of Charm

Wendy Ward’s Program Makes Them Into Swans

Expected to be one of the most popular services of the new Montgomery Wards Fullerton store is the Wendy Ward charm and glamour grooming program, left. One of the aims of the program is to be the teenage girls’ friend with its glamourizing sessions of six-week, 12 hour program in basic good grooming geared especialy for 12 to 19 year old girls. Tuition is $10. 

All classes will be held after school and on Saturdays in the 150 - seat Wendy Ward auditorium. Classes will be conducted by a professional model. The auditorium is also available to local community groups on reservation. Along with this glamour course, Wards plans to expand its fashion department to encompass a new couture collection especially created for the store. – La Habra Star, 1966

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

Etiquette and Attributes of Charm ~ Part 2

The Golden Rule is as important today as ever.

At the Heart of Charm

Spiritual Graciousness

Spiritual graciousness is at the heart of charm. Know and practice the courtesies of daily living. Avoid jokes at the expense of others; avoid gossip and a critical attitude. Forgive those who hurt you. Show tolerance for those who upset you. Generosity of spirit involves giving credit and praise when they are deserved. Respect the opinions and rights of other people.  Treat them the way you would like to be treated regardless of their station in life. The Golden Rule is as important today as ever.

Balanced Emotions

Perhaps the hardest requirement of all is self discipline-control yourself and your emotions. Spontaneously showing happiness, choice, surprise – or even annoyance when you were angered – is to be true to yourself.  But to live happily with others, you must also exercise self-control. It is this balance between spontaneity of feelings and discipline or control that you will want to achieve.

Be Interested in Others

Making Friends

The charming girl is interested in virtually all people in all aspects of life. She knows that almost everyone can contribute something to her life. So meet and make new friends; don't limit your circle of friends to just a few if you really want to grow.


Good Family Relationships 

Because we are so close to our families, we tend to lose sight of the fact that they deserve the same courtesies we give others. Too often we expect parents, brothers or sisters, to give us more than we give to them. There should be a mutual respect and understanding within family groups. If you don't think you're getting it, try giving it. It will probably be returned. 

Believe in Yourself

Self-Confidence 

If you don't like yourself, if you don't feel your actions, habits or appearance can stand competition, or comparison, you lack self-confidence. If you don't believe in yourself, no one else will. If you do believe in yourself, there's almost nothing in life you won't be able to do. So do everything you can to build solid self-confidence, and it will be reflected in the world. — From 1972, Wendy Ward Charm Book 

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

Etiquette and Attributes of Charm ~ Part 1

According to the Wendy Ward Charm Book, you can hardly be charming and beautiful, if you can't see and feel beauty; if you don't know and love it.

Here are some of the attributes you should acquire if you do not already have them...

Poise

Cultivate poise. The poised girl maintains calm when she has a difficult situation to handle. She goes about it naturally and easily and avoids nervous movements of the body.

Spirit of Adventure

Since you can always pack your bags and sail to faraway islands, begin to develop the spirit of adventure, by trying new ideas, new thoughts, a new method of study, a new way of wearing your hair or even a new food!

Sense of Humor

A girl may have many good qualities and still lack charm. Often, the missing quality is a sense of humor. You'll find the person you enjoy being with most is the one who finds the things you say witty. More important, the one who enjoys being with you is also someone who's wit you appreciate. Nothing pleases a boy more than discover he can make you laugh. You only have to develop a sense of humor if you lack one. Look for the things in life worth laughing about. 

You'll get extra points for telling a funny story about yourself. Remember, however, to laugh with people, and not at them.

Appreciation of Beauty

You can hardly be charming and beautiful if you can't see and feel beauty; and if you don't know and love it. If you haven't thought about it, try starting now, to appreciate the beautiful. There is beauty all around — in the shape of a leaf, the changing sky, the smell of spring, or the laughter of a friend.

Being Interesting 

You should be interesting to others. That means you must be able to contribute to conversations -— at a party, in groups large or small, even on a one-to-one basis. Learn a new party game especially well, one that doesn't require props, so you'll always be ready to suggest and direct it. Find out what you really like. Learn to talk about interests such as music, books, movies or sports. — From 1972, Wendy Ward Charm Book 

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

Etiquette, Charm and Smiles

"Why do some girls always look so pretty and act so confident? These girls know how to do the right thing at the right time. They also know how to have fun. Very few of us are born with those characteristics. A lovely appearance, confidence, knowing how to act on every occasion — these attributes are acquired. They have to be learned. Now, you have an opportunity of learning how to bring out the best that is within you, of finding out how to look your prettiest, of gaining the feeling of confidence."

"Most people aren't their natural selves. Rather, they are an accumulation of habits and affectations picked up through life. Inside, they're different. Do you want to learn to be the real you instead of a phony? You can. Are you have to do is learn the techniques and rules that help develop a charming personality."  – From 1972,  Wendy Ward Charm Book

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

Etiquette and Appropriate Attire

Will I be able to relax and behave with confidence, knowing that I've made a good selection?

Taste — Good, Bad and Indifferent

You've heard the term many times. As applied to fashion it means knowing and wearing those things that are right for the right occasion. What may be in good taste for the beach is probably not so for a shopping trip. What may look right on Sallie Mae not on you, and vice versa. How can you know that an outfit is or isn't in good taste for a certain occasion? Ask yourself:

• Will I feel comfortable physically, and psychologically, wearing this outfit on this occasion?
• Will I be able to relax and behave with confidence, knowing that I've made a good selection?
• Do I feel gaudy, overdressed or underdressed?
• Do I tug at my attire, or do I forget about it and enjoy myself? 

If you can answer yes to the first two questions and know to the last two, your outfit is probably in good taste.

Some Fashion Guidelines

• Keep current — you don't have to be fad happy. Just know what's going on out there in the fashion world. It's the only way you can pick and choose what's right for you.
• Know your strong points and emphasize them. Do you have a long Grecian neck, a wasp waist or shapely gams? Make the most of them! 
• Recognize your weak points, as well. Learn how to disguise them artfully with the illusion of color, fashion shaping and make up.
• Like and care for your clothes. Make good use of your trusty needle before that button falls off or that tiny tear becomes a major repair. Get to know your friendly neighborhood cleaning establishment and your "village cobbler." You'll look well groomed and you'll be surprised how your wardrobe has grown after the torn and soiled prodigals have been returned to the flock. — Wendy Ward Charm Book, 1972

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

Etiquette for Getting Into a Car

The Montgomery Ward department stores offered the Wendy Ward Charm School for teenaged girls, in the 1960s and 1970s. Once a week, American girls would meet in a room at the department store and learn to how to walk and sit gracefully, good posture, etiquette, how to dress and personal grooming. A lot of the advice is still applicable today.

 Entering A Car Gracefully

1. After the door is opened, pivot smoothly and lower yourself (back straight, please) to the very edge of the car seat. It's a long stretch from the edge of the seat to the outside of the car.

2.  Place one hand high on the back of the seat and the other on the front edge of the seat.

3. Keep your knees together, lift your legs and swing them into the car, knees leading and feet lifted so you don't bump into the dashboard or door-frame. This will take a little extra exertion, using the muscles in your thighs, but it will be more than worth it, because your skirt will stay in place, and you look like a graceful lady always in command.

4. Place your hands flat on the seat, and lift your body up, and back. Don't wiggle it over into the seat. You then should be comfortably seated with no fuss or embarrassment. It even works in a small sports car.

Getting Out of a Car

Getting out of a car is just the reverse of getting in.

1. Place your hands on the seat and lift your body as close to the door as possible.

2. When a fellow opens the door for you, swing your legs out, just as you did getting in. And there you are. — "Wendy Ward Charm Book," 1972

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