Wherever there are people, there are rules to live by. Riding in a stagecoach is no exception! The travel would be hot, cold, long, and cramped. Here are a few “Old Fashioned” rules. Or are they?
- Abstinence from liquor is requested, but if you must drink, share the bottle. To do otherwise makes you appear selfish and unneighborly.
- If ladies are present, gentlemen are urged to forego smoking cigars and pipes as the odor of same is repugnant to the Gentle Sex.
- Chewing tobacco is permitted, but spit WITH the wind, not against it.
- Gentlemen must refrain from the use of rough language in the presence of ladies and children.
- Buffalo robes are provided for your comfort during cold weather. Hogging robes will not be tolerated and the offender will be made to ride with the driver.
- The best seat on a stage is beside the driver.
- Don’t snore loudly while sleeping or use your fellow passenger’s shoulders for a pillow; he or she may not understand and friction may result.
- Firearms may be kept on your person for use in emergencies. Do not fire them for pleasure or shoot at wild animals as the sound rifles the horses.
- In cold weather, don’t ride with tight-fitting shoes or gloves.
- In the event of runaway horses, remain calm. Leaping from the coach in a panic will leave you injured, at the mercy of the elements, hostile natives, and hungry wolves.
- Forbidden topics of discussion are stagecoach robberies, native uprisings, politics, and religion.
Any gents guilty of unchivalrous behavior towards lady passengers will be put off the stage. It’s a long walk back. A word to the wise is sufficient.
DON’T KEEP THE STAGE WAITING!!