Yes, these really existed in the late 1800s (1870s to 1900). It was a method for either a young lady or young man to make known to the other their interest in each other. It was a very early form of texting someone today.
It was a way to introduce yourself rather than using the formal calling call. On the flirtation card you let if be known that you were interested romantically in that person. These were also known as ‘escort cards’. If a card was returned the person was not interested.
The designs varied across the country. Some very simple and others with a bit of poetic verse and cute illustrations. By using some humor and the card it serviced as an ice-breaker to meeting people over a hundred years ago.
As you have gone through some of your family heirlooms, you may have come across such a card and didn’t understand what it was all about. Some of the cards have a person’s name, that for such would help your investigation, however many didn’t have a name.
Interesting – just another method our ancestors got to know each.
Related FamilyTree.com genealogical blogs:
Your Great Grandparents Were People Too
Your Great Grandparents Did What?
< Return To Blog