Country Roads

The community is gearing up for the weekend’s activities for the Vestey Festival, to be held in Superior, the Victorian Capitol of Nebraska. The Victorian Era was named so because it was the time of the long reign of Queen Victoria of England, 1837-1901.

It was during the Victorian Era that many influences and practices were done in certain ways, maybe not so much in rural America but in England and in urban area in the United States. Most of these practices and rules certainly would not be accepted in today’s society.

Here are just a few of the Victorian Era rules:

Beware of exterior application of cosmetics. Instead once every two or three months, take a teaspoon of powdered charcoal mixed with sweetened water or milk and apply it to the face. This proves useful in making the complexion clear and transparent. (Some of today’s facial applications do implement charcoal).

A gentleman should not bow from a window to a woman on the street, though he may bow slightly from the street upon being recognized by a woman in a window. To greet someone by saying “Hello, old fellow,” indicates ill-breeding. When crossing the pavement, a woman should raise her dress with the right hand, a little about the ankles. To raise the dress with both hands is vulgar and can only be excused when the mud is very deep. A slight burp is social ruin if it is heard. For a woman to be asked to dance by a stranger could pose an etiquette problem. Young women should be constantly chaperoned. To be found alone with a gentleman, other than family, can meet social death. When a man is seated, he should rise to one’s feet as respect to a woman or an older gentleman. Never tap your fingers as a nervous gesture, rub your hands, yawn, or sigh in public. A gentleman should always precede a woman going upstairs and follow her going downstairs. A gentleman or woman should never cross their legs as it’s considered to be unbecoming. The established career for a society woman is marriage. Women are expected to represent their husbands with grace and provide absolutely no scandal. Gentlemen have to keep track when it could be proper to bow or tip a hat at a woman. It is the duty of a gentleman to be ever attentive to the women.

Tea Time in the Victorian Era was observed. Afternoon Tea was served from three to four o’clock. It was the tea time mostly for the upper class. The afternoon tea was usually taken in the garden, dining room or parlor. The finest china and linens were used. The menu during this tea time was small sandwiches, cakes, scones, cookies or pastries. Later, tea time was expanded to include a High Tea Time. It was a combination of Afternoon Tea with the evening supper. It was during the time of the Industrial Revolution where working families would return home tired and exhausted. The table would be set for tea, but also meats, breads, butter, pickles, cheeses would be served. This High Tea time would be from 4 to 5 p.m. which fit the middle class schedule better. The dainty finger sandwiches, fancy scones and pastries of the former Afternoon Teas were out.