Themes Gallery: Leisure

The custom of carrying calling cards began in France in the early 1800's. Calling cards were very popular with "well-to-do" ladies who made a point to "going calling" on friends and family on a specified day of the week or month. The cards were left at each persons home the individual went to visit, whether they were home or not. In the day of genteel manners and formal introductions, the exchange of calling cards was a social custom that was essential in developing friendships.

With the development of early penny post cards around the turn-of-the century, visiting became less common and the postcard era began.

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Roll over this photo to switch between the visiting card box in the museum's collection and a Victorian photo.

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