Clinton Township Newsletter

2 A u g u s t 2 0 1 8 www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com www.RetireStrategically.com Don't Just Retire... Retire Strategically. Mark Chioda Managing Director/CEO • Income Planning • Insurance • Social Security Planning • Annuities • LTC ...and more! Call 908.797.3881 We'll Make Your Money Work For You! retirement planning services Shirley (Sherry) Havens CRS, GRI, SRES ® Sales Associate Because the Right Realtor Really Makes the Difference. Questions About Real Estate? Ask Sherry Over 30 Years Serving Hunterdon, Somerset, Warren and Morris Counties cell: 908.507.4927 office: 908.735.8080 shirleyhavens@gmail.com sherryhavens.com Recently I came across an old book of etiquette that was published in 1922. If you have any doubts that our society has changed drastically since that time I will dispel them with what follows. I'm ever so thankful that when I was born in 1928 these "rules" were not in place at my house. The first chapter deals solely with how to handle servants. "Those who serve as butlers and maids and valets must learn the rules of good conduct that govern their duties and responsibilities". Apparently there was "an invisible barrier" between the inferiors who worked for us and their superiors (us). When announcing guests, the butler should ask "Name, please" – not in a sing-song or indifferent manner but in a polite tone of voice and with a genial smile. Butlers' duties confined them to the drawing room and dining room only. "The ladies maid does not take part in general housework". Her duties were only to care for the wardrobe of her mistress, to assist her at her toilette, to draw her bath and to lay out her clothes. It was the duty of the chamber maid to make her bed. And she was to wear a black dress with a dainty white apron in winter. There is no mention of her summer garb but you can bet it wasn't shorts and a tee shirt. Of course there was also a nursemaid for the kids and a housemaid "dressed spotlessly in white and a cook who, in addition to preparing all meals, perhaps attended to the furnace." The house must have been packed solid with such an array of servants. For me, in 2018, my house seems crowded when my son visits from Minnesota. There is a chapter devoted to luncheons. Not meeting at a nearby diner for a hamburger! These luncheons could be formal with at least six courses where cut glass platters were used for nuts and bon-bons and candles were NEVER used. "Informal luncheon invitations may be sent only a few days before the occasion. Informal luncheons should only last for an hour and a half. It would be exceedingly inconsiderate and rude to delay the hostess who undoubtedly would have afternoon engagements." A delightful chapter instructs bachelors how to entertain. Activities include theatre or yachting parties. Wealthy bachelors found pleasure and diversion in giving balls and dances. (Wealthy bachelors have somehow eluded me my entire life.) The book has sections on Speech (importance of correct vocabulary) and Dress (gaudiness versus good taste) and Etiquette Abroad. I've been called "a broad" a few times but I've never been there. The book ends with rules about tipping the taxi driver, tipping on a train and while crossing the ocean and in foreign countries. It appears I've been doing it wrong for decades. In today's world etiquette seems almost non-existent. 2018 is far from perfect... but I'll take it! Ruth Keesing's booklet "What Do I Do Now? A practical guide for surviving the tasks associated with the death of a loved one", addresses Probating a Will, Social Security, Military Benefits, Funeral Information and other relevant subjects. And, most importantly, What To Do While Everybody is Still Alive. If you'd like to buy a copy, please email Ruth @ ruth.ella@comcast.net. CALL TODAY! 908.735.4499 Locally Owned and Operated by Phil & Diane Koury 185 Center Street, Clinton "Summertime is always the best of what might be." ~ Charles Bowden

• Cover