Serendipity Sunday - Some Came Calling...

While doing research on Death Cards last week, I came across sites that reminded me of another custom.

What started in China in the 15^th Century, spread throughout Europe in the 17^th century and soon after made its way to the United States, was the custom of the Calling Card. This was the forerunner to the Trade Card, which was a form of advertising for a tradesman, and led to the modern day business card. You can read about the history and etiquette of calling cards in some of the links below. Some cards were fancy-schmancy in all their Victorian glory, and others were plain with just the person’s name.  The cards were carried around in a special case (silver, mother-of-pearl, etc) and left on a calling card tray on a table in the foyer by the door.

 

Personal Calling Cards were also popular among groups like the Masons, with their symbol and the address of their order. This custom of personal cards has continued in modern days, especially among travelers. While RVing we made cards with a photo of our RV and included our email address and cell phone number.  These were exchanged on our travels and at RV parks with people we met that we would like to keep in touch with. The same with the Sailing Set.  Whether they sail around the Islands or around the world people have cards to leave with new friends they meet at the docks or anchored in the bays.

 

Check the eBay link below, mayhap you’ll discover a card bearing your ancestor's name!

 

Relevant Links:

 

The Gentleman’s Guide to the Calling Card

History of the Calling Card

Calling Cards and Etiquette

Styles of Calling Cards

Nice collection of Cases and Trays (someone on Pinterest)

Printable Victorian Calling Cards

eBay Calling Cards and Cases

Cards; their significance and proper uses, as governed by the New York society 1889