On March 30, 1890, an officer of the First National Bank placed a warning in the help-wanted section of the Chicago Tribune, to inform female stenographers of our growing conviction that no thoroughly honorable business-man who is this side of dotage ever advertises for a lady stenographer who is a blonde, is good-looking, is quite alone in the city, or will transmit her photograph. All such advertisements upon their face bear the marks of vulgarity, nor do we regard it safe for any lady to answer such unseemly utterances. The
On March 30, 1890, an officer from the First National Bank issued a warning in the Chicago Tribune's help-wanted section, targeting female stenographers. The notice expressed the belief that respectable business men would not seek female candidates based on superficial qualities like looks or being alone in the city. It emphasized that any advertisement seeking such traits signified a lack of honor and caution, advising women against responding to these types of listings.
This warning reflects the societal norms and challenges faced by women in the workforce during that era. By advising against these degrading advertisements, the bank aimed to protect female job seekers from inappropriate situations and highlight the importance of maintaining professional standards over merely marketable appearances.
