Hats and Manners

Did your mother ever scold your brother or father for wearing a hat at the table? Those scoldings are traditions! and they go back hundreds of years!

A man in the 1800's had alot to remember in regards to proper etiquette..with his hat!



A gentlemen had to remove his hat when:

1.) Being introduced to someone

2.) Passing, speaking OF, or speaking TO a lady.

3.) When speaking of the dead.

4.) Attending a funeral, or in the presence of a passing funeral.

5.) When saying goodbye to a friend or woman.

6.) In court.


In some cases a gentlemen just "tips" his hat when:

1.) Asking for directions.

2.) When you see or speak to a woman you don't know.

3.) When a stranger shows courtesy to a woman you are accompanying.


You can leave that hat on! IF:

1.) You are dining at the lunch counter in a cafe.

2.) If you are in the main parlor area of a saloon or general store.

3.) You are in a public building such as post offices, railroad stations, ect..


Ah, the days when just being a woman got you "some" public respect from men...