Courting in the 1890s was nothing short of...tricky. A gentleman interested in a young lady might try strolling along the same street every day when she might be walking, or attend church services where she worshipped to try to catch her approving glance. Once contact was made an elaborate flirting protocol, even more exhausting then having your 27 inch waist cinched to a tiny twenty two in a stiff Victorian corset, began with this small but necessary piece of equipment.
Fan slow—I am engaged
Fan with right hand in front of face—Come on
Fan with left hand in front of face—Leave me
Fan open and shut—Kiss me
Fan open wide—Love
Fan half open—Friendship
Fan shut—Hate
Fan swinging—Can I see you home?
The Young Ladies’ Journal, 1872
Fan with right hand in front of face—Come on
Fan with left hand in front of face—Leave me
Fan open and shut—Kiss me
Fan open wide—Love
Fan half open—Friendship
Fan shut—Hate
Fan swinging—Can I see you home?
The Young Ladies’ Journal, 1872