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A popular custom originating in the 19th century, dance cards resulted from a woman’s social dilemma of choosing dance partners at parties. Typically made of paper with an attached cord and pencil, ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä women wore the small card around their necks or wrists so men could sign their names for a desired dance.

In addition to adding a flair of sophistication, dance cards provided women a predictable schedule for the evening. ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä sorority girls often found their dance cards full as they waltzed the nights away at Homecoming dances and formal balls. The ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä cards pictured are from the ’20s and ’30s.

Photo courtesy Patrick Campbell