Dear Mses. and Messrs.,
I do not wish to cause you alarm yet I must address a matter which deserves your consideration posthaste. I am writing to you today on behalf of formality. The ceremony of written discourse has suffered a notable decline with the advent of digital correspondence. The rapidity of our age dictates communication be relegated to 140 character tweets and abbreviated text speak; nevertheless, superficial acts of brevity have not supplanted loquaciousness. In erstwhile days, a gentleman would compose a business query, quill to parchment, with the utmost respect and regard for its intended recipient. Whereas the cogitation behind our professional discourse remains intact, our courtesy for the reader has been compromised.
Admittedly, I have allowed my digital communication skills to falter. Of late, I have endeavored to infuse my emails with even the most elementary civilities. No longer are notes expeditiously sent lacking a proper salutation. Statements are complete thoughts and stream-of-consciousness typing has been abated. The incremental time commitment has been inconsequential.
After all, our civilization has been chronicled through the letters passing from one distinguished personage to another. What will we leave behind?
Your most obedient servant,
The Modern Traditionalist
The calendar rarely deceives and presently I find myself rapidly approaching one year since decamping to Washington, D.C. A domestic expatriate by trade, I’m acquainted with the romanticized gossamer shrouding one’s former address, conveniently cloaking the tendrils of vexation which had once smothered me. New York, however, will forever carry a resplendent patina from which I will never tire. And while I’ve yet to discover the abundant treasures of this historic land I presently inhabit, my mind is habitually diverted by the charms of that city residing to the North.
I’m perpetually enchanted with artisanal entrepreneurs such as Williamsburg’s Mast Brothers, New York City’s only bean to bar chocolate makers. I’m unable to validate the merits of their chocolate as I’ve only admired it from afar; nevertheless, as an amateur packaging connoisseur, these stand unrivaled. Upon our next pilgrimage, BTG and I will drop in on the Mast Brothers and savour the sumptuousness.
Whilst business took me away from home for over a week, BTG received an invitation to an informal gathering on a Saturday evening. With his accustomed diversion 2,000 miles away, he reckoned an evening out would be the appropriate elixir for his loneliness. He had, after all, been briefed on the guest list as his journey would prove the most extensive and positively nettlesome when you factor in the driving skills of the locals. Many familiar names were disclosed; one, however, was conspicuous for its absence.
Upon his arrival, he delighted in the conviviality until he was met with the subject whose name had been concealed. The events of that evening were undeniably sullied because of this individual’s presence, not for BTG alone, but rather for all others in attendance. In fact, had he known of the individual’s participation, he would have politely declined the invitation.
It is natural for one to desire camaraderie amongst their varying coteries; however, one must acknowledge when oil and water refuse to commingle.
“When making up a guest list, a hostess or host must try to invite and put together those who are likely to be interesting to each other...Making a dinner list is a little like making a gift list. You put down what they will like (you hope), not what you like. People who are placed between congenial neighbors remember your dinner as delightful, but those who are not will need wild horses to drag them your way again.”
Emily Post’s Etiquette, 16th Edition
Over the holiday I had the opportunity to view some incredibly uninspired architectural structures. Upon returning to my hometown in Michigan, I’m regularly aghast at yet another natural space which has been bulldozed, leveled and paved into submission. Granted, most of these “developments” sit unfinished, vacant memorials of the great burst bubble. The surviving homes look as if they were produced on an assembly line with no personality or uniqueness.
Conversely, I also had the pleasure of visiting New England for the holidays. Driving in as darkness cloaked the tiny seaside community, we passed colonial after colonial, decorated with natural greenery and a simple candle per window. While each home bears a striking resemblance to the next, the histories contained within hint to volumes of footsteps, whispers, tears and laughter. If those walls could only talk.
Having come of age in a run of the mill subdivision has always made me long for a home with story. One that creaks even on the most peaceful evening. Locating the perfect historical home isn’t always feasible. In such cases, one may turn to Historical Concepts, an architectural firm specializing in traditional and classically inspired designs.
This an example of their work, the Great Marsh Estate in Midland, Virginia. I can envision Elizabeth Bennet walking the halls in search of Mr. Darcy. It was built in the 80s. The 1980s.
After a short holiday hiatus, Modern Manners Monday returns. I am revisiting George Washington’s Rules of Civility as it provides ample material. Today’s topic is near and dear to my heart as BTG will attest.
Rule 52
“In your Apparel be Modest and endeavor to accommodate Nature, rather than to procure Admiration. Keep to the Fashion of your equals Such as are Civil and orderly with respect to Times and Places.”
One should always dress in a manner appropriate to the situation and environment. Cleavage is not acceptable in the workplace unless you spend your working hours wrapped around a metal pole. I would also add that as a parent, one should consider the impression they make upon their kin. If you deem it tolerable for yourself, you are declaring it passable for your children as well.
As for the photo above, to quote BTG: “There is no place where that would be appropriate, not even the bedroom.”
This holiday when I found myself in want of a perfect gift for BTG’s mother, I happened upon Ancient Industries. It wasn’t my first visit; I had already swooned over their Bauer cat dishes and Redecker wooden scoops weeks prior. I settled on the Brown Betty Teapot, somewhat of a legend amongst tea enthusiasts, and the hand knitted tea cosy.
Everything progressed according to plan, except for a minor hiccup which delayed delivery of my packages past my date of departure. AI’s proprietor, Megan, swooped in on angel’s wings and not only ensured prompt delivery of the packages directly to BTG’s mother, but she also wrapped each gift in delightfully charming brown paper with red & white accoutrements. In a world where retailers tend to respond to matters of urgency with a simple shrug and mumbled “better luck next time", I was overwhelmed by Megan’s helpfulness and genuine concern regarding the incident. Aside from the stellar customer service, the teapot and cosy were absolutely perfect.
It wasn’t until I began to write this post that I revisited Ancient Industries and realized that their modus operandi is quite aligned with that of the Modern Traditionalist. If you are searching for an item that has a history, a story and a soul, Ancient Industries is your ideal destination.
