Personalized Calling Card Stationery History & Etiquette

Calling Card Stationery History Brings Us Back to Customs That Have Stood the Test of Time

The history of calling card stationery spans back to an era when personal calling cards were left after finding that no one was home upon making a house visit.   Life without cell phones and computers was a different life, unimaginable to many of us today.  Yet we can still appreciate the charm of personalized calling card stationery and handwritten letters.

Personal Calling Cards of the 18th and 19th Century

In 18th and 19th century society, what we now refer to as “visiting” was known then as “calling.”  Personal visiting cards, as they were termed, actually postulated their own delivery etiquette.   As Belight Software points out, the history of business cards harkens back to a time when society embraced certain social conventions and rules of etiquette.

Personalized calling card Victorian era

Calling Cards in the Little House on the Prairie

In Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie series, there is a lovely chapter in “By the Shores of Silver Lake” when Laura becomes mature enough to socialize; there is great excitement when Ma and Pa tell her she can order her own personal calling cards.  Obtaining her own calling cards is as much a rite of passage as putting her hair “up” or the length of her skirts. The shopping and purchasing decision on Laura’s calling card design is detailed, as is the admiration of her friends’ personalized cards. It truly is a glimpse into a forgotten, yet captivating , way of life.

Personalized Calling Card Stationery Etiquette Throughout History

The historic etiquette of personal calling cards reminds us of age-old social formalities that we can appreciate in the present day.

• There had to be a personalized calling card for each lady in the home on the first visit.
• At the ring of the door bell, the servant greets the guest with a card tray on the left hand on which to place the calling card.
• The calling card was given to the servant, who would then present it to the hostess, and only upon approval would the guest be allowed entry.
• Young ladies could only have personal calling cards of their own after one year ‘in society.’  They could carry their cards in cases.
• Gentlemen would carry their personalized calling cards in their pockets.  In America, men would never fold the corner of a card, whereas European gentlemen folded the upper right corner to confirm that the calling card was personally delivered.

These personal calling card rules of etiquette echoed the formal societal customs of this period, which necessitated a certain period of “courtship.”  We can see hints of this practice in today’s new world of communications and relationship-building.

Easton personalized calling card

Flourish Customized Calling Card

Stylish personalized calling card stationery

The Significance of Personal Calling Cards is That People Desire Personal Ties

Personal Calling Card Etiquette can help us gain insight on how to build relationships in today’s world

If we compare the personal calling card courtship period to that of courtship in dating, it seems that we may actually be resorting back to this societal convention of taking more time to get to know one another on a personal level with online dating.  And judging from the success of online dating sites, perhaps this actually still works!  In this same way, businesses that recognize the value of building personal relationships with vendors and clients are more successful.

Using personal methods of communication such as Personalized Calling Card Stationery and Thank You Letters generates a subconscious feeling of connection

The recipient feels that the sender has taken the time to cordially present themselves or show their appreciation.   And in today’s world of mass production, a little personalization goes a long way.

A movement to bring back this traditional approach to communication and relationship building through the use of personalized calling cards and personalized stationery is on the rise.  You may want to explore some options for yourself; follow these links to view some of our Personalized Calling Card Stationery and Personalized Thank You Notes. It just may be time to bring back these tried-and-true customs.