Cards, from Calling to Greeting!

Calling cards played a major role in social etiquette throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Smaller than a modern business card they would contain someone’s name, and occasionally their address, social standing, or a handwritten note on the back. Calling cards were left to indicate that one had stopped by for a social call. Notes left on the back of the card could mention more specifically the reason for the visit (ex: condolences, a return to/departure from town, congratulations, etc.). When calling cards were introduced in the 18th century, they were simple in design, as printing technology evolved, and as the new wealthy class rose, calling cards became increasingly ornate. The most decorated cards could include a fringe made of ribbon, bright colors, be cut out in the shape of an object, or have illustrations. Calling cards share similarities with both business cards and greeting cards, the lines between the three are not especially clear as seen in these examples from a scrapbook.

Within the museums collection there are many calling cards, business cards, and greeting cards. These are all powerful forms of communication, akin to a text message in our modern day, helping people keep in touch. While cards are still given they don’t quite have the same creative spin as some cards of the past. One particularly interesting selection of cards is Phebe Warren’s Valentines, collected between 1915 and 1930. Some of these are a product of their time displaying some decidedly outdated takes, many were just plain kooky.