May 19th Colonial Dames Meeting

 The May 19, 2012 Colonial Dames meeting was held in  The Reserve main dining room at St. James Plantation in Southport, NC. Colonial Dames member, Vesta Burroughs presented a very unusual and fascinating program, “Victorian Calling Card & Calling Card Cases.”

The “Victorian Era,” is generally considered the years during which Queen Victoria reigned - 1837 to 1901.

Calling Cards were popular in America from about the time of the Civil War until just after WWI. Prior to telephone, people could not call ahead to schedule visits. They would arrive unannounced and present their calling card to the servant, or else place it in the calling card receiver near the front door.

Calling Card Cases came in a variety of styles, and were used by both men and women to protect their cards.

Sample of a calling card...

May Tu Szalankiewicz and President Bonnie Becmer chat at the Colonial Dames meeting.

Diane Kuebert looks at samples of the calling cards and cases with Ruth-Ann Boltz.

Helen Taylor and Mary Lackey look over the display of calling cards and cases.

Lord Craven Chapter chaplain, Doris E. Thompson offered a prayer at the memorial service for Melisande Kopp on May 19, 2012 at The Colonial Dames Meeting held at The Reserve Golf Club at St. James Plantation.