EarlyAmericanEtiquette and Books

Etiquette has played a prominent role in the cultural

development of early America. A very young George

Washington was the first prominent American to place

an emphasis on proper manners and behavior.

In the Victorian era, the language of the hand fan

came into popular use, as the evolving rules of courtship

became more formalized.

Increasingly, more and more standard etiquette

manuals began to describe acceptable behavior and

manners at social engagements, encouraging proper

behavior and the observance of the best manners possible.

Early American Etiquette

Made in USA

American History Pioneer Folk Toys, Games, Crafts, and Music from Homestead Folk Toys in the Historical Village of Nashville, Indiana

A Homestead site. Site designed and hosted by Homestead Folk Toys.

#901 CHILDREN'S MANNERS & MORALS~ This best-selling 32-page book offers excerpts from early American etiquette manuals of the 1700's & 1800's, describing acceptable behavior of the time--including how to behave, table and classroom manners, the art of writing, courting etiquette and much more. OUT OF STOCK

#908 TRADITIONAL HAND FAN~ Our traditional wooden hand fan is packaged individually and includes fan history as well as many of the secret fan signals that were used to communicate affections or intentions in the days of early American courtship.

#906 CHILDREN'S TEA PARTIES~ Easy-to-read book for planning an historical children's tea party. Includes decorations, manners, place setting, service manners, recipe for tea making and baked goods. A delight for children and adults alike. 32 pages. OUT OF STOCK

#907 CHILDREN'S TOYS & FASHIONS FROM LONG-AGO MAIL-ORDER CATALOGS~ Contains 19th-century excerpts & original pricing from many of the very first mail-order catalogs in this country. 32 pages.

#102-B LIL' GRACES~ Smaller version of this historical game, designed for smaller hands. Includes four 16"throwing rods and two smaller ribbon-tied hoops, complete instructions and history. The 'Graces' game was intended to teach graceful movements to young ladies and , later, young gentlemen.

#702 HANDKERCHIEF DOLL KIT~ Popular doll activity both during the colonial and Victorian eras in America. Our Handkerchief Doll Kit contains materials to make and 'lace' one traditional 'play-prettie' doll. Handkerchief dolls were known as 'Church' toys in days gone by, as they were used to keep girls quiet during the long church services.

#407 MAKE YOUR OWN GOOSE QUILL PEN~ Make your own goose quill, as used in early American society. Learning correct penmanship was an important social grace in those days. Includes complete directions for fashioning the pen and making homemade ink.

#336 LADY ANNE'S CAROSELLO RING-TOSS TOY~ Delightful ring-toss toy that dates back to the early Renaissance! Toss the ribboned ring in the air and try to catch it on the rod. Includes the complete history of this fascinating toy. This toy was used to teach graceful movements.