What a strange piece of furniture, yet one with which I have always been intrigued.  If you have never seen one, it can come in any number of styles from simple to intricate, but ALWAYS in an “S” type of configuration.  One person in the chair faces one way, and the other faces the opposite way.  The seats of the chair are deep so that as the two people sit comfortably in it, they can still look at each other and converse. 

            Few people know the history behind this strange piece of furniture.  The practice began back in the Victorian Era when courtship had its rules.  A young man would seek approval from a young lady’s father to take her on a buggy ride, WITH a proper chaperone, of course.  After several rides, he might escort her to a dance where he would be honored to have his name as the first AND last on her dance card, with several other young men in between.

            EVENTUALLY, if they young man proved himself to the young lady’s family to be trustworthy, he would be allowed an UN-chaperoned visits with her in the family parlor, given of course that the couple remain in the Courting Chair.  While seated in this chair, which had VERY high arms, creating a barrier of sorts between the two, the couple could talk and even hold hands and perhaps even steal a kiss or two.  BUT that would be the limit of possibility of physical contact with the configuration, this ensuring the virtue of the young lady.

            My how courting and dating have changed.

            I recently Officiated a wedding a the STUNNING Rosewood Manor B & B in Port Tobacco, MD, and was surprised to find a BEAUTIFUL antique Courting Chair beside the fireplace.  The hand-carved cherubs on the backs of the chairs and the intricate woodwork and tapestry upholstered seats were in wonderful condition. 

     Naturally, I couldn’t resist taking a photo of the bride and groom in this magnificent piece of furniture. 

                                                                 Steven & Destiny D.