Part 7/14:
As evening approached, families gathered for dinner, often the main social meal of the day. In the late 19th-century America, formal dinners around 6 or 7 p.m. were typical, especially in middle-class households. The dining area was meticulously arranged: a large table, fine dishes, and a decorative sideboard showcasing the family's best china.
Dining was governed by etiquette. Talking about the food was discouraged; praise for the meal was expected without boastfulness. Conversation topics were usually general—weather, literature, or current events—avoiding controversy. Guests and family members were seated to ensure proper social mix, with strict rules about who sat beside whom.