Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØ

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, Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØwomen 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. Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØsorority girls often found their dance cards full as they waltzed the nights away at Homecoming dances and formal balls. The Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØcards pictured are from the ’20s and ’30s.

Photo courtesyÌýPatrick Campbell