This article is not a sermon, but a simple reminder of a presbyterian father to his own family of how the simple meal of the American family should be served and consumed. The article was published in the year 1908, the month of December. This article is about the family meals- tradition of preparing, serving and dining in the United States of America in 1908. A simple reminder of a table manners and how the Family meals are appreciated every day. Yes, Agape has simple rules, though not so strict if the meal is served on everyday occasion and is not the festive meal.
The article is presented as it was found in the magazine of the United States of America: Herald and Presbyterian , 1908 December
FAMILY MEALS
A certain amount of ceremony should be observed even at the simplest family meal, but when this is carried too far it crushes sociability and cheerfulness.
One should be careful not to eat so rapidly that the food may not be properly masticated, or that one will have finished others at the table are still eating.
When a meal is announced, go to table promptly. It is annoying to housekeeper and cook to have the delayed. It often happens that a few minutes' waiting may spoil some dish, and in any case it causes a waste of precious time to the housekeeper and other members of the family. Some thoughtless people seem to think that it matters less that the whole family be kept waiting five minutes or more than that they should complete the work which they happen to have in hand. There are many jars and breaks in the household machinery from this cause.
In many households where there is a regular waitress, there is a rule sometimes that nothing shall be handed by the members of the family.
In offering to serve any one at the table use one of these forms, "May I help you?" "May I offer (or send) you?" "Let me give you, etc." They are better than "Will you have?" Do not say "May I give you some more?'
So far, as you have noticed. the Table Manners of the American families were simple, polished and self explanatory. The family dinner was polite, respectful and always somewhat elevated.