NOT JUST A WALK IN THE PARK
Walking in the park, in many places, has become one of those ordinary things that seems to have extraordinary significance, because it’s been one of the few outdoor activities that are safe and permitted – even encouraged – under social distancing rules. And really, a simple walk has never been that simple for a lot of people…for example, courting, or potentially courting, couples in the Gilded Age.
In a world where young men and women, never mind single adults, lead independent and lightly-chaperoned lives, it’s hard to imagine why walking in the park was such a popular courtship option. Yes, walking and talking are fun, and scenery, of the natural and human variety are always good things…but…meh.
Not meh, though, in 1899, when a nice young lady would never have been alone with a man who was not her blood relative. (And even her fiancé would have counted himself lucky to be allowed a chaste kiss in the foyer with a protective parent spying through the pocket door!). For people who had very few chances to get to know each other as humans, never mind potential partners, a walk in the park was a great way to start.
A lady could take her swain’s arm in full propriety and converse about all manner of things without some interfering relative making sure they kept topics to improving books, classical music and recent sermons. Her escort might actually express, and defend, interesting opinions he would not dare offer under watchful eyes in her parlor. Not to mention, she might stumble on an uneven paving stone and require a hand to hold – or even, perhaps, an arm around the waist, though that would not be permitted for more than a fleeting instant.
And all of it without the least danger to her reputation – or her gentleman’s standing with her family – because of course, they were simply walking in a public place.
The very public nature of such an outing also served as a bit of a declaration as well. Consenting to be seen walking-out with someone meant that you considered them at least a potential suitor. And the neighbors would make assumptions if they saw you more than once or twice with the same person, whatever your intent.
In fact, plenty of assumptions are made when Ella goes walking with the Duke in A FATAL FINALE to discuss the search for his cousin’s killer. Ella, if not a celebrity by modern standards, is certainly known in the City, and when she’s seen with this dapper British fellow, the gossips immediately wonder if there’s a courtship underway. That’s not happy news to either Ella’s stage-door admirers or the society mama who wants the Duke for her daughter…but this time, a walk really is just a walk.
At least for now.
Let’s just say that in future visits to Washington Square Park, we may well see some of our favorite characters walking out for more than the view of the Arch.
In a world where young men and women, never mind single adults, lead independent and lightly-chaperoned lives, it’s hard to imagine why walking in the park was such a popular courtship option. Yes, walking and talking are fun, and scenery, of the natural and human variety are always good things…but…meh.
Not meh, though, in 1899, when a nice young lady would never have been alone with a man who was not her blood relative. (And even her fiancé would have counted himself lucky to be allowed a chaste kiss in the foyer with a protective parent spying through the pocket door!). For people who had very few chances to get to know each other as humans, never mind potential partners, a walk in the park was a great way to start.
A lady could take her swain’s arm in full propriety and converse about all manner of things without some interfering relative making sure they kept topics to improving books, classical music and recent sermons. Her escort might actually express, and defend, interesting opinions he would not dare offer under watchful eyes in her parlor. Not to mention, she might stumble on an uneven paving stone and require a hand to hold – or even, perhaps, an arm around the waist, though that would not be permitted for more than a fleeting instant.
And all of it without the least danger to her reputation – or her gentleman’s standing with her family – because of course, they were simply walking in a public place.
The very public nature of such an outing also served as a bit of a declaration as well. Consenting to be seen walking-out with someone meant that you considered them at least a potential suitor. And the neighbors would make assumptions if they saw you more than once or twice with the same person, whatever your intent.
In fact, plenty of assumptions are made when Ella goes walking with the Duke in A FATAL FINALE to discuss the search for his cousin’s killer. Ella, if not a celebrity by modern standards, is certainly known in the City, and when she’s seen with this dapper British fellow, the gossips immediately wonder if there’s a courtship underway. That’s not happy news to either Ella’s stage-door admirers or the society mama who wants the Duke for her daughter…but this time, a walk really is just a walk.
At least for now.
Let’s just say that in future visits to Washington Square Park, we may well see some of our favorite characters walking out for more than the view of the Arch.
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