On Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:26:12 -0000, Gary > wrote:


>My question: Were (purchased, pre-assembled) fruit baskets given as
>gifts in the 1930s -- and, if they were, what sorts of things did the
>typically contain?

I can answer the first part. There are classified ads in the New York
Times.

Nov. 10, 1935: "Attractively arranged fruit baskets from $3.50;
delivered anywhere"

Dec. 19, 1934: "Gift Baskets. An assortment of rare fruits; a box of
Louis Sherry candy; crisp, salted nuts; Smyrna figs; clever,
tinfoil-wrapped chocolate Santas and tree novelties -- packed in a
gift basket, wrapped in cellophane and tied with *** satin ribbon!"
The ad mentions the availability of other baskets and hampers, but
doesn't mention contents. It's from a fruit shop in Penn Station, New
York.

Dec. 19. 1937: "The Epicure Fruit and Nut Store. Gift baskets and
table delicacies. Prompt delivieries."

There were quite a few ofther hits that I didn't look at. Almost all
of them were ads printed in November and December, so it may have been
mostly a a holiday gift phenomenon.

You might also look at etiquette books of the era.




Robin Carroll-Mann
"Mostly Harmless" -- Douglas Adams
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