2010, Washington University in St. Louis, University Libraries & Missouri History Museum Library. Data are freely accessible.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year
The
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at
In submitting to the social world of
first directory of its kind ever published here, we
consider it naught but a duty to ourselves to allude
to some of the difficulties encoutered in gathering
the material for the same. While the “Elite” is
submitted with a confidence, that it is as nearly cor-
rect as it is possible to make a book of the kind, it
still might have been more complete; and in this con-
nection we must make the statement that our can-
vassers met with many refusals and rebuffs from
persons who would not, or could not, understand the
nature and objects of the work. Still we console
ourselves with the fact that all innovations for public
good or convenience have met with steady discoun-
tenance and opposition from those who have after-
wards become their best supporters.
We do not claim for the “Elite” that it is in any
sense a complete directory of
On the contrary, we have used extreme caution in
gathering the material, and our aids have been of
those best able to judge its purposes and objects.
We did not desire to make it a bulky volume—which
would have really been an easier labor—but rather
to constitute it what its title implies it to be. A
number of unitentional omissions have undoubtedly
occurred, but this is through no fault of ours, for our
canvass has been complete and thorough. Again: we
have accomplished a great deal, and feel no small
sensation of pride in submitting the book to the
society people of
variety of purposes and make its standing so good
that in our second venture, a year hence, we will
receive a more general indorsement and co-opera-
tion.
We flatter ourselves that our little book will be
found in the drawing-rooms of the best people in
Louis
work; and to those who have kindly assisted us in the
undertaking we extend our warmest thanks. Trust-
ing in a substantial indorsement of our efforts, we
leave the “Elite”in the hands of the public.
The Publishers.
The time at our disposition for the compiling of the
Elite Directory was very limited, and so large a num-
ber of names were unintentionally omitted from the
Directory proper, that in order to facilitate its publi-
cation, it was decided to publish an Appendix, which
adds greatly to the completeness of the volume.
There was not a sufficient number of names in this
portion of the work to require distinct lists of the
ladies and gentlemen, and no such classification has
been made. In some instances names have been du-
plicated, and in such cases the address in the Appen-
dix can be accepted as correct.
In the immediate neighborhood, first calls among
social equals are due from the oldest resident. This
rule does not extend to the different grand divisions
of the city, nor even to remote districts in the same
division.
After a residence of some years, the distinction of
oldest or newest resident is lost, and either party may
make the first call at pleasure, or as occasion may
require.
Lovers of literature, music, or art, may at pleasure,
or on any occasion, call on any other of like taste
without regard to local divisions, and without cere-
mony, to form a personal acquaintance, or invite to a
social affair to gratify the common taste. In such
cases the parties are presumed to be known to each
other by social reputation, and a reasonable discre-
tion will avoid any serious mistake. Not to respond
in some way to such an invitation, would be regarded
as an affront, and afterwards the person invited must
make a return call, or the acquaintance will termi-
nate.
The first call is due to the families of the clergy,
and to all high officials, including the mayor, judges,
and senators.
First calls should be returned as early as practica-
ble. Thirty days is very ample time for this import-
ant courtesy.
In case illness, excessive occupation, or other just
cause renders it impossible or very difficult to return
a call in person within the proper time, a card or note
of friendship and regret may be sent by post or mes-
senger. This will continue the acquaintance until a
call in person can be made, or an invitation to a re-
ception or other entertainment given.
The usual for calling are from two to five
P. M. An evening visit by a lady implies some degree
of social acquaintance, and should never be made as a
first call, except under special circumstances. From
seven to nine in the evening are the usual hours for
gentlemen to call; and there is nothing more delight-
ful in society than calls by husbands and wives, or
brothers and sisters together, during the evening hours, on their acquaintances and friends.
Plain engraved cards are always in good taste. In
making visits, always send in or leave your card.
At receptions the usher takes your card. At other
times, if the person called upon is not at home, you
turn down the right hand upper corner of the card,
to indicate that you came in person. If the visit is
intended for the various members of a family, you
either give several cards, or leave one with the entire
right end folded over. The choice is immaterial.
On leaving the city altogether, do not omit to send
a card upon which P. P. C. is written, on one of the
lower corners.
Gentlemen may commence calling at nine o’clock
in the morning, and will leave cards where the ladies
may not be ready to receive them at so early an hour.
At or before ten o’clock, the ladies should be in
their parlors ready to receive callers.
Calling may continue until ten o’clock in the even-
ing, but not later.
First calls are due to the clergy and their families,
and they may receive calls on New Year’s day, or
make them at their pleasure.
Wines are not expected, and when on the table, are
rarely offered to guests. Liquors are prohibited.
Coffee is the standard beverage of the day. In gen-
eral, tables will be supplied with substantial food,
and gentlemen will partake at their usual hours.
Calls are expected from friends, and gentlemen will
not take the liberty of introducing strangers, except
under special circumstances, which seem to warrant
such a liberty. A gentleman calling with friends may
introduce them, but this, as a rule, is a mere formality,
and gives no privileges unless followed by a subse-
quent invitation to the house.
First calls, especially neglected ones, may be made
on New Year’s day; and if friendly relations have
been disturbed, either party may offer to resume them
by making a New Year’s call.
Should ill health, absence, number of calls to be
made, or other cause prevent making any intended
calls on New Year’s day, they may be made at any
time during the month; or if that is not practicable,
cards may be sent by messenger or by mail, as it is
scarcely possible for any gentleman of large acquaint-
ance to make calls fully in all parts of a large city
like
In cards a large liberty is allowed. A written or
engraved visiting card may be used, or a card with
the date and New Year’s compliments. An auto-
graph card is considered most complimentary.
To avoid confusion of names, and to assist the mem-
ory, gentlemen are expected to leave cards at all places
where they may call. It is considered more complimentary to leave a card for each lady, who receives
the call.
To some extent, callers have been requested to
write their signatures in an autograph album pro-
vided for the occasion, but this practice has not yet
been fully established.
The list below has been selected and arranged with
great care by the compilers, and will be found to
contain representative establishments and such as are
deemed worthy the confidence of the public.
Mahler’s Academy Band, Charles Nitochke, direc-
tor,
Bohne, August, No. 16 S.Fifth
Cages and Bird-Seed.
The Eureka Patent Condensing Coffee and Tea Urns
and Pots, Chas.
Locust
Embroideries, Dress Trimmings, French Corsets,
Kid Gloves, Zephyr Worsted, Fancy Goods, etc.,
Dressmaking Emporium
gans
English Kitchen,
terer
Patent Leather Shoes & Pumps
A Specialty.
The simplest, cheapest, most economical and complete inven-
tion ever offered to the public.
Coffee and tea can be prepared in three minutes, so much
superior in point of quality and economy by the use of this
invention to that made in any other manner, that proprietors
of hotels, restaurants, boarding-houses, steamers and private
families who consume these beverage, cannot afford to make
coffee and tea in any other way.
Are cordially invited to call and see the coffee made and sample
same, or address inquiries to
The Choices Stock of the above ever brought to the city, is
on exhibition at and will be sold at Extraordinary
Low Prices, by
Send for Illustrated Catalogue. Special Bargains in Diamonds.
Everything in the Eating Line served on short notice,
and at reasonable rates.
Its leading departments will comprise Editorials on topics
of fresh interest, Brilliant Romances and portraitures of Ameri-
can life; Editorial Reviews of new events in the world of
Belles Lettres,
Painting, Music,
Drama,
and Sports.
Original Essays, the first look at New Books, and racy ac-
counts of sayings, happenings and doings in the Beau-Monde—
embracing the freshest matters of interest in this country—the
whole completely mirroring the wit and wisdom, the humor and
pathos, the news and sparkling gossip of the times. Also a
complete record of all sporting matters.
Subscribers living in the city will have their paper delivered
at their homes by carriers every Saturday.
To clubs and parties getting up a subscription list, a liberal
discount allowed or commission paid.
Subscriptions will take place immediately, or at any time the subscribers prefer.
Address the proprietors and publishers,
The importations of this house are direct from
Paris, and ladies will have their orders promptly
filled for all kinds of Millinery Goods.
Private School for Dancing,
Classes for Ladies, Misses and Masters,
Fridays at 4 1/2 to 6 P. M., Saturdays, 10 1/2 to 12 M. and 3 1/2 to 5 P. M.
Gentlemen
May receive instructions (private only) at their option.
Private Lessons
in the
“Glide,”
“Waltz Lanciers,”
“Newport,”
“Elite Lanciers,”
“Harvard,”
And all Fashionable Dances of Society.
Mahler’s Academy Hall may be rented by private
clubs, concerts, etc.
Mahler’s Academy Band may be engaged for parties,
weddings, etc.
Oil—painted Wall-Paper, and a full line of Imported
and American Paper Hangings of all grades, European
Tesselated Wood Floors, Marks’ Adjustable Folding
Chair, Excelsior Weather Strips, etc.
All work and material warranted.
Special attention paid to Society Printing.