Because I'm Lonesome

Enter now to win a copy of

Object Matrimony:

The Risky Business of Mail-Order Matchmaking on the Western Frontier

The New Plan was a mail-order catalog/newspaper that was in circulation from 1911 to 1917. The following are a few samples of advertisements found in the September 1917 edition of the periodical.

Ad #101 Everybody says that I’m fine looking for my age; am honest, intelligent, neat and clean, kind-hearted and have a good character. Age, 58; weight, 120; height 5 feet 2 inches; blue eyes; brown hair; fine homemaker. Income, $200 per year. Have real estate worth $4,000. Object matrimony. Will answer all letters.

Ad #102 A winsome miss of 22; very beautiful, jolly and entertaining; fond of home and children; from good family; American; Christian; blue eyes; golden hair; fair complexion; pleasant disposition; play piano. Will inherit $10,000. Also have means of $1,000. None but men of good education need to write from 20 to 38 years of age.

Ad #103 Would like to get married, because I’m lonesome. Am considered rather good looking and of a lovable disposition. Age, 35; height, 5 feet 5 inches; weight 145; hazel eyes; brown hair; American; occupation, stenographer and bookkeeper. Will inherit a few thousand. Will answer all letters.

Ad #104 Lonely in Pennsylvania. Society has no charms for me; prefer a quiet life. Am an American lady, with common school education; well thought of and respected; age 25; height 5 feet 9 inches; weight, 155; blue eyes; light hair. Have means of $3,000. Wish correspondence with good natured, honest, industrious man.

Ad #105 A perfect blonde; trained nurse, wishes to make the acquaintance of a nice young gentlemen, view to matrimony; age 23, weight 124, height 5 feet 3 inches; German-American; college education, very neat dresser; will answer all letters.