A phrase from historical newspaper personal ads, explained with real examples from the archive.
The writer has recently arrived and knows almost no one.
| Type | Historical language |
|---|---|
| Category | Description |
| Earliest example in the archive | April 1, 1900, Aspen Daily Times (Colorado) |
| Most common | 1880s to the 1920s |
Personal columns were one of the few ways a newcomer could meet anyone, and stranger in city was a common opening. It told readers why the writer was advertising at all. A 1908 Salt Lake City widow uses it, along with well educated and some means.
A STRANGER SOLICITS CORRESPONDENCE of ladies who are matrimonially inclined, from the ages of 20 to 30 years; only those who are sincere need apply. Address "Siva," News…
A young and handsome widow of education and refinement, possessed of a small fortune, and a stranger in the city, wishes to correspond with a gentleman of some means. No…
YOUNG man, 26, stranger in city, desires lady acquaintance, object matrimony. Address T-240, News.
A WIDOW LADY, STRANGER IN city, well educated, some means, would like to meet a gentleman not over 45; object matrimony; no triflers need answer. Address E-50, Tribune.
A GENTLEMAN of 32 and a stranger in San Diego would like to meet a refined lady. No other need answer. Address Box P 67, Union office.
Today the equivalent is new in town, or just moved here.
Know a term we are missing? Suggest one.
How this fits into 170 years of personal ad shorthand: From Object Matrimony to LTR: How Personal Ads Learned to Talk in Code.
All dictionary entries · The Personals Archive · How to write a personal ad
The form is still open. Say who you are, what you want, and who it is for, and choose exactly who can see it. Free on iOS and Android.