Calling cards

Years ago, "calling cards" were the order of the day if you went visiting. The maid or butler would extend the "calling card tray" and you would place your calling card on the tray.

The household servant would then present the the tray to the homeowner who would then decide if they were receiving visitors that day. My mother recalls that that both she and her mother had "calling cards." Harken back to the 1920's.

My mother acquired this item through an estate sale from a prominent Eugene family who did have household servants.

Special thanks to my sister in law Karen who was willing to be a "hand model" in the sub freezing Eugene, Oregon weather when this image was taken.