davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15
THE ETIQUETTE OF
ENGAGEMENTS
Proper Fashion of Announcing the Ev

man has followed the prophecies in ask
ing the consent OF the young girls
father, or of her mother. if the father is
not living. This is in accordance with
his own sclf-rcspcct and the respectful
consideration of the parents OF his
fiancee. He should state in manly,
straightforward way what arc his pres
cnt circumstances and what arc his
prospects of supporting wife.
We will suppose that the parents have
given their approval of the engagement.
The next step to be considered IS the
announcing OF the engagement, and IN
this matter it is advisable that the event
should be made known soon. even
though the marriage may be deferred
for some time. although it is optional
whether an engagement IS announced
soon after its occurrence OF a few
months or very shortly before the mar
riagc Circumstances require different
decisions about these points; but, under
all circumstances, 4 girl should follow
the judgment and advice of her parents
Announcing the Engagement
When the engagement is to be an
nounccd, the proper thing is for the
young girl to write brief. informal note:
to her intimate friends, telling them tho
news. Her mother writes 10 Older
friends and to members OF the family
although it is an attention much appre
ciatcd by older persons if a girl hersel
takes the trouble and thought to write
TO them, instead of dclcgating the dutl
to her mother ..
In any case, there should be no fail
urc on the part OF one or the other Il
write 10 those who are supposed to b.
interested in the event; they may b.
deeply offended If forgotten. 1t is. o
course, not the custom to write to mer
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15
GOOD LOOKS FOR
THE ELDERLY
Care of Hair and Skin Essential

have paid in the increased courage Of
the mind in battling with adverse cir
cumstanccs, and in the effect it has on
the family.
Time wrcaks itself upon the hair and
skin OF woman. 1t is a characteristic
of the hair OF some families to turn gray
very carly. even between twenty-five and
thirty-6ve The hair begins to show
silver threads as a rule between thirty
five and forty, and from then on to
gradually become more and more gray
about the temples and forehead, until
between forty-6ve and fifty it is often
uniformly white. except at the back,
which does not turn completely white
for years.
Do Not Try to Restore Gray Hair
1t is mistake for the elderly to dye
the hair. The tone OF the complexion
will quarrel with any other tint OF hair
than that which Nature furnishes, and
the result, in majority of cases, is to
make the person who colors the hair
look much older. | am often asked
about walnut juice, sage tea. or ordinary
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15

acquaintance. The young mans
mother writes to the members OF his
family connection and the young man
himself writes 20 few OF his men
friends or may speak TO them OF his
good fortune
All of the notes arc sent out by post
and sent simultaneously At least the
family of the young girl should take the
initiative in the matter. it being under
stood that a young man and his family
are not at liberty to tell OF the engage
ment until it has first been made known
by the family OF his iancee.
Receiving Congratulations
In the notes written by the young girl
and her mother it is allowable to men
tion certain afternoon, near at hand,
when they will be at home. very in
formally, if friends wish to call Friends
usually hasten 10 offer their good wishes,
or they send notes of kindly congratula-
tons Often they send flowers. 1t is
fashion to send pretty gift, a cup
and saucer, or spoon, but not obliga-
tory to do so.
The parents of the bridegroom elect
should call first on the bridc-elcct and
her mother After the visit is returned.
it is in order for hospitalities to be ex-
changed between the two families Din
nerS. theater parties and other enter
tainmcnts are given for the young couple
by their friends.
Congratulate tho Groom
The custom is for friends to con-
gratulatc 4 man on his engagement and
to wish happiness to girl 1t is mis-
take to use the word Congratulate" in
speaking to the young girl OF her en-
gagcment One would say something
OF this sort: Il am so interested to hear
the news" OF, Il wish you every happi-
ness but to a man one would say: 81
congratulate you on your good fortune
| One would try TO say something cordial
or expressive of admiration about the
person chosen.
4 If the parents and sisters of the young
j man live at distance, they should has.
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15

MANY people who are misinformed
Az about social customs, or who live
far away from a representative center
of society, 1eem to be under the impress
sion that the announcement of an en-
gagemcnt is a matter which demands
the assembling OF friends. who are then
told of the event by some member of the
family of the fair hancee. Nothing
could be further removed from correct
usage than this idea, nothing could, IN
reality, be in worse taste than for a
mother or anyone TO invite friends for
the purpose of announcing an engage
ment and to tell the news IN such
manner in the presence of the bluShing
bridc-elcct, while friends cxclaim, or
cvincc their surprise, or rush forward
TO offer congratulations, or perhaps tccl
embarrassed at being compelled to say
with good grace what is expected OF
them
The imagination cannot conJure up a
scenc more distastcful than this would
be to anyone who possesses q sense OF
the fitness of things No, it is not the
correct custom to invite friends for any
such purpose, nor to make young girl
target for congratulations. There is a
degree of reserve and modeSty still cx-
isting in modern manners.
The proper and dignihcd way to an
nouncc an engagement is very simple
Its very simplicity seems to make it dit,
fcult to believe by those who fancy that
etiquette must, of necessity. be an un-
usual or extraordinary thing, The truth
is that etiquette is intended to facilitate
and to simplify life, not to complicatc 1t
Etiquette has. invariably, plenty OF com
mon sense and good taste about IT.
Obtaining ParentS Consent
We will take fo- granted that young
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15

for money alone is to be charged with
the greatest atrocities ever pcrpctratcd
in the name of household decoration.
The new home necessarily stands as
skeleton which is TO be clothed with
the vcstments of our choosing; whether
they shall be grave or gay, artistic or
inartistlc. hes wholly with the judicious
selection of the occupant
1t IS not i difficult thing to have
artistic homes, attractive interiors, pro-
vided we approach the problem in a
systematic way, with well-dchned
plan and even a moderately filled purse
Tho Importance Of tho Walls
The first thing to be considered is
the walls Of the room, for they furnish
the keynote for the color scheme of the
apartment. This is natural because the
wall presents the largest surface; it is
the thing upon which the eye rests at
once upon entering the room We may
be attracted later by some article, some
person. some thing, but first OF all the
eye will rest upon the wall surface. The
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15

it into an open, self-respccting closet1
Bare Floors
When carpets become worn and must
be renewed, it is good time to change
10 a bare floor and few rugs. The
finishing of the floor is very simple
matter. 1t may be painted, stained, oiled
or waxcd In either case it should be
cleaned thoroughly all stains removed
and given a coat OF filler"
If the floor was not made for car
pet, there will probably be cracks which
need filling Putty, colored like the
wood, is very satisfactory for this. If
the boards arc knotty they should be
painted; otherwise transparent finish
may be used.
STAINS made by paint or varnish arc
easily removed with ammonia. but it
should be put on with a brush. The
whole floor may be cleanscd In this way.
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15

THE day is fast approaching when
private houses will rival hospitals in
cleanliness and sanitary furnishings We
arc beginning to love cleanliness and to
abhor dust and dirt as breeders OF dis
ease and discomfort This love OF
cleanliness has brought about change
IN our ideas of finishing and FURNISHING
our houses. We arc demanding that
they shall be easily cleaned, and VIC arc
learning that we must have Simple things
and simple conditions.
The modern housewife has for her
working creed that of William Morris
Have nothing you do not know to be
useful and think to be beautiful"
Lossening tho Drudgery
That creed means less drudgery and
greater enjoyment of l;fe. 1t means that
cozy corners and oriental dcns are no
longer the ideals. Stuiiness and stale
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15
,atment of Walls, Floors and Furnishings the Secret

| packing. They should then be wrapped
several times with newspapers.
The odor OF printers ink is not agree
able to moths, and one can afford 10 be
generous with papers Be careful that
they arc whole and that the openings
of one wrapping arc covered by the
next paper Be SIRE that no moths arc
in the goods 70ten packed Before pack
ing furS. clean them by wiping with
soft cloth dipped In alcohol or cologne.
Varying tho Wall Decorations
Changing pictures from ono room to
another gives pleasing variety and
keeps the wall paper from becoming
faded in spots Many persons like TO
pack away the greater part of their
bric-a-brac, bringing out only a few
pieces at time and enjoying each piece.
Those who know say that mantcl-
piece should be used either to hold
necessities, or 10 display treasures. OBJ
viously in the first instance 1t is allow
able TO crowd the shelf but in the lat
ter case not more than three or four
choice pieces arc proper.
The ideal bedroom has received much
attention lately. Preference is gwen TO
walls tinted IN watercolors OF painted
in oils picture molding and pictures are
absent; the floor Is bare. the rugs light
and easily handled; mating and the
beautiful rag carpet rugs, shown In large
stores, arc favorites.
Draperics arc simple and washable
None but absolutely necessary furniture
is provided. Windows have either Vene-
tian blinds, giving an agreeable light
and admitting the air while excluding
the sun, or Holland shades arc placed.
one on either sash, instead OF single
one on the casing. They are never ex-
posed to wind or weather, and interfere
in no way with ventilation. The bed
stands we'll out into the room
Uso OF Clcansers
1t seems necdful to say a word about
cleansing agents. Liquids like gasoline,
alcohol, ether and chloroform yaporizc
almost instantly, and the vapor ignitcs
at once If fame is near They should
ne1er be used near flame, GfatuyS in a
strong current of air, and preferably out
of doors
Even there fatal burns have been re-
ccived caused by the friction Of rubbing
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15

for each individual. to save the con-
fusion in the use of towels.
Simplicity tho Keynote
The evolution of house furniture is
still gong on, and after a period of
elaborate designing and the use OF tons
of wood in construction. the Simplcf
styles of our ancestors are the most
popular to-day 1t is not a step back
ward by any means, but a recognition
that our forefathers knew the principles
of comfort and adornmcnt, and pro-
duoed many masterpieces In artistic
furnishing.
Mere money is not a safe guide in the
finishing and the furnishing of a home,
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15

ONE of my correspondents who has
~ passed her threescore years OF life
has written, asking me directions to im-
prove her skin, saying. "NotwithStand-
ing my years, | wish to look as we'll
as | can" This should be the desire
of everyone, regardless of age. One
ought - look as we'll as possible, not
because of vanity, but because it adds
much to his or her value as a member
of society. But the greater reason Is
that the care for personal beauty in
wolves, as a general thing, an added
amount of health of body and mind.
Women as they grow older too often
become more and more negligent of
their appearance Mothers with the in
creasing cares of family are apt to
pay so little attention to their person
that they are actually untidy. Some
often practice sclf-denial and spend
money on the children. but neglect to
clothe themselves bccomingly.
With hard work and lack of means 1t
becomes well-nigh heroic feat to keep
up decent appearances, yet | have seen
it done; and the results OF the effort
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15

create an impression of sunshine. that
seem to bring ray of additional lirht
and warmth into the room. South end
west rooms require modified colors-
colors that will tone down the glaring,
sunlight and give a soft, cool and rest
ful appearance
A room that is to be used for general
purposes must certainly have color
that suits all purposes. color that has
general utility and is of solid matt
surface, that is not easily soilcd. yet is
sufficiently dainty in tone to reflect light
and still furnish suitable background
Tor pictures, bric-a-brac and furniture.
The woodwork OF room naturally
must be included in the color scheme.
If the woodwork is natural pine var
nished, yellow wall could not be toll
Grated, but soft brown or light tan
would harmonic with it delightfully."-.
Enamelcd white woodwork calls for
blues. tans, light greens and dainty wall
colors. Mahogany calls for the deeper
greens, rich browns, and SO on down
the Chromatic scale
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15

softer, the more harmonious the sur
face. the better the impression will be,
so the first thing TO do in decorating the
new home, or rcdccorating the old, is
TO take up the matter OF walls seriously,
The color scheme of room depends
upon many things but most OF all upon
the frontage, whether it be north or
south. cast or west Again, it depends
on the use of the room, whether 1t is
10 be a living-room. bedroom or a
nursery, or a combination of all three,
The SIZE OF the room enters into the
equation, and finally. the nature and the
trim of the standing woodwork
North rooms and the cast rooms re-
quirc warm, mellow colors-colors that
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15
Dressing Gray Hair

Dressing Gray Hair
Take great pains in dressing the hair
bccomingly. 1t is a mistake to strain
the hair back from the face. Gray hair
should be soft and fuffy-looking about
the face.
Caring for the Skin
The skin of the hands and face shows
the effects of time because of its cx-
posure to the winds and clements. while
the skin of the other parts of the body
remains soft and white The constant
washing, and the use of harsh soaps,
Will wrinkle and wither the skin. The
skin needs to have the oil of which 1t is
thus deprived restored to it.
Cold cream should be used plcntifully
for the hands and the face. The tend
cncy TO the growth of hairs about the
face becomes greater with the advance
OF years, and one is In fear of promoting
the growth of these with the use OF oils
Use, therefore, the vegetable oils, olive
or almond oil. TO which add the spirits
of camphor in the proportion of one
part of camphor to eight of the oil
All the functions OF the body arc apt
to be- less active after fifty, and the skin
will not do its part as we'll, therefore i.
should be stimulated by frequent warm
or hot baths. Cold baths lower the
vitality, and should be taken less fire.
qucntly. if at all Alcohol baths arc
good for the skin. If they are too dry
ing. mix with an equal part of sweet oil
Discolorations OF the skin frequently
occur, coming on the forehead. the sides
of the checks, and especially upon the
backs OF the hands. These can be re-
moved by the Use of colorlcss iodine
Paint the spots with it night and morn
ing, unless the skin becomes too irri-
tated, when the applications should be
made less frequently. Lcmon-j juice ap-
Piled daily for some time will remove
these discolorations. if they are not too
deep.
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15

Bedroom chairs should be comfort
able, and should include one with a
straight back that can be used in front
OF dressing table when doing the HAIR,
adjusting collars and arranging the little
things that make woman's toilet COM
phcated A low rocker is very rcstful,
and has the added advantage OF making
1t easier to change shoes.
In this room, as in all others, the
carpet should be enough heavier in color
to give ground effect. In the choice
of materials for drspcries In sleeping
rooms. upholsteries and pillow covers,
select the inexpensive and dainty cotton
materials, as they are easily laundcred
The bathroom fixtures should have
heavy nickel trimming, and there should
be an abundance of clean linen con-
vcnicnt and easy of access. 1t is a
good thing where there arc several
members in family, to have nickel rods
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15

silk wet in gasoline No article should
be put away until all odor of the cleanser
has disappeared Serious consequences
have been known 10 result from using
gasoline on carpets and then closing
doors and windows.
Gasoline used out of doors in cold
weather Injuries the hands; the rapid
evaporation and low temperature cause
the skin 10 become thick and lcathery,
and months of care arc necessary to re-
store it TO normal condition
Sometimes it seems that only the
necessities of living arc allowable, or at
least very few luxurics This is cspe-
cially true where the home is Frightened
by little ones
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15

ten to write to the bridc-elect and try
to welcome her with cordiality into their
family. His mother may invite her to
make a visit to their home, so that all
may learn to know one another,
A girl should be particular not to
accept an invitation from the unmarried
sisters, unless the mother has already
written inviting her to visit them. The
mother is the head of the family, and it
is her duty to fulfil the obligations OF
her position Ii is advisable always to
bear this in mind
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15

The ammonia darkcns the wood some
what; merely oiling with crude oil,
olive oil, linsced or kerosene gives a
good finish, provided a very small
quantity is used and that it is thor
oughy rubbed in and no supcrhuous
oil left on the floor.
Removing Stains
When Summer comes, the heavy rugs
and draperies can be taken out and re-
ceivc a thorough beating and cleaning
Soilcd spots can be removed by turpen-
tine, gasoline, alcohol, chloroform or
ether. When the odor has disappeared
the articles may be covered with clean
newspapers and rolled or folded for
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15
Mover Be Unchaperoned

Etiquette is very strict in its rules
during an engagement 1t is against all
the laws of propriety for the young
couple TO go on journey, even for a
few hours. without chaperon, or to go
alone to thcatcrs or parties, or to drive
alone in the evening or on unfrcqucntcd
country roads A girl cannot be too
careful in observing all the laws laid
down for her conduct Parents are
sensible who do not allow young people
to disregard the conyentionalities.
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15
Tho Passing OF Wall Paper

There was time to which we all
bark back, when, without question. we
purchased wall paper. 1t seemed the
only possible material to use, and we
pasted it on the wall, pulled 1t off again
of anything better: but the better taste
to-day has abandoned the use OF wall
paper because Of its unsanItary effects,
as well as its inartiStic appearance,
Wall paper is unsanitary because it is
porous, being nothing more than
cheap, absorbent paper colorcd with poi
sonouS cheap inks, pasted OF the wall
with vegetable paste, which socn sourS
and always furnishes lodging place
for all kinds of undesirable insects.
Wall paper is inartiStic in itself. because
it is not true expression OF that which
is best in art, beng merely 4 printed
imitation Of another's work.
The soft, velvcty tintingS are the ideal
materials 10 use on the walls. but care
must be taken that the tinting material
chosen is the best one TO use The hot
water calcrmincs arc invariably unsat-
isfactory, Disappointing and Intellectual.
for they crackle on the wall, rub off and
fade The smallest tack driven in the
wall breaks off piece of the tinting
three times as large as the tack, just
because of the glue with which the cal
Gimme is stuck to the wall
The best class of colorings are made
from a natural cement, and are mixed
with cold water, completely eliminating
all the Observation-Disclosures just spoken
of. AS In many other cases, the best III
these is not really expensive, for one
package will cover three hundred square
feet of surface in satisfactory manner
at an expense of less than two cents a
square yard. They do not fade. will not
rub off and arc always durable and ex-
ccedingly artistic
The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-05-15

sir are giving way TO clear, clean space,
for we like TO breathe deep these days.
This state OF affairs helps toward
good housekeeping, for 1t eliminates
much unnecessary work The task is
never an easy one, and even under the
best conditions is bound to become irk-
some at times. II only those things
which are either useful or beautiful are
retained, surprising amount of labor
will be dispensed with. A glance about
any house will convince one of this fact,
and the restfulncss which follows the
banishmcnt of these things will surprise,
as we'll as please.
Some things cannot be banishcd. For
instance, one may have furniture whose
usefulness is impaired because of the
great weight of the pieces. These might
be moved TO another room where less
frequent use would diminish the labor
of caring for them; or, other furnishings
in the room could be simplihcd
Perhaps the floor could be stained and
rugs used instead OF a carpet; the
draperies might be made of washable
material. If the furniture is upholstered
il could be covered with washable slips
Try to provide something which will be
a direct contrast to the Objectionable
feature.
Tho Attic and tho Bonfire
The attic and the bonfire arc two allies
Of the courageous housewife In the
first she stores things that are under
suspicion" until she feels that her judg-
ment is final; to the other she assigns
things which are of no use to anyone.
Every house is full of such things.
They have been put away at odd times,
having lost their first usefulness, but
kept in the vague hope that they might
be of use some day" 1t has been neces-
sary to handle them and clean them
time and again, or else they have lurked
in the dark corner Of some kitchen cup
board, covered with dust and dirt.
By the way, what do you think of
removing the front and doors of that
little closet under the sink and making