On the appearance of a calling card

Calling cards came in various shapes, sizes & on various kinds of cards.  Hidden messages were enclosed in many of the designs and messages. However, the folds in the calling cards are messages to the person that received the card & it is not an imperfection.

The cards designs also had meanings hidden in them. Each element on a card has a meaning and the most popular are: fans, hands, bouquets, ribbons, and various kinds of birds.

---

The Folds and the Practices of Use

• Upper left hand corner - Greetings
• Upper right hand corner- A call or visit has been made.
• Lower left hand corner - Sympathy for a loss.
• Lower right hand corner - Taking Leave or traveling, some people may write in P.P.C.
• Folded down the middle of card - Card left for the whole household
• Multi-folded Cards - Often cards had multiple folds - each meaning as described above.

---

• Calling cards in envelopes - According to various sources a calling card was never placed in an envelope and mailed.
• P.P.C. Cards in the mail - If someone was to travel, using the mail was an option to getting the card to people they could not talk to directly.
• By Messenger - Cards were sent by messenger like the invitations to functions at someones house.
• For announcement of ones arrival - A family member, servant or staff member would take the card to the person. Who will then give instructions to the person on if the person should be escorted to them or turned away.
• Husbands Cards - A wife would leave a few of her husbands cards along with hers in the specified place after a call.
• Daughter's - May have cards made or noted on the Mothers cards.
• Addresses - Calling cards never have addresses noted on them. A city maybe added when traveling. The address is suitable for a business card.

---

The Call

A morning (10 am to 5 pm) or evening (6-10 pm) visit conducted by individuals, couple or small group (never small children) to a friends or an acquaintances home.

The call lasts no more than 20 minutes and if someone new arrives a slight bow or nod and the call is over. After leaving the parlor or meeting area the calling card(s) is/are left in a specially appointed place.

For More information about calls & the usage of calling cards:

• Young, John H., A.M. (2001) A guide to the manners, etiquette, and deportment of the most refined society (Rev Enl Illus ed). New York: Lyons Press. (Original work published 1879, 1881 & 1883)