Victorian Calling Cards

In Victorian times the world of communication lacked the Internet, e-mails, and telephone calls. But that's not to say that Victorians did not have ways of communicating. In fact, Victorian society used calling cards as a necessary tool in making friends. A tradition begun in France, calling cards were as special as a personal visit. A visitor would leave her card, which included her name, greeting and some kind of decoration, at the home of her friend. Through leaving a card, a girl could communicate with her friend.
In order to make one's own card special, the printers, or makers of the cards, provided several different styles of writing and many colorful images from which to choose. Sometimes, color pictures on the cards helped to turn the art of calling into a game by "hiding" the name of the caller amongst a group of flowers or even under a flap. Beyond the decoration and name on the card, folding the cards certain ways told different messages. For example, if a card was received with the left corner folded down, it meant that the caller had come in person. And because calling cards were such special things, they were often carried in small, beautiful boxes that were many times more decorative than the cards themselves!
These antique calling cards were special, in that a portion of the picture lifted up to reveal the card-giver's name underneath!
Rose Lawn would like to invite you to make and decorate your own calling card to bring to the tea party being held for Blanche on October 6th. That way, you will be able to make lots of new friends and introduce yourself to Baby Blanche when you come to Rose Lawn Museum!
These are examples of modern day calling cards. You can make your own on a computer, or the "old-fashioned" way, with crayons or colored pencils.

Make Your Own Calling Cards
	· Cut pieces of paper 2 inches tall and 3-1/2 inches wide. (If you're too young to use scissors, ask a parent to help you.) · Draw and color, or paste a picture on the card. · Decorate the borders with crayon or colored pencil. · Be sure to write or print your name somewhere on the card.
Remember to be creative! Your calling card is an expression of who you are. Here's an idea! With just a little more information, you can use your calling card to advertise your website.

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