'Twas Ever Thus...

Sometimes Victorians included amusing anecdotes and popular jokes in a section near the end of the newspaper. This one from The Isle of Man Times and General Advertiser in 1893 is a humourous anecdote concerning the choosing of names. 

 

"Papa," said the young mother, "I've decided on a name for the baby; we will call her Imogen."    Papa was lost in thought for a few minutes. He did not like the name but if he opposed it his wife would have her own way. "That's nice," said he presently, "My first sweetheart was named Imogen, and she will take it as a compliment."    "We will call her Mary, after my mother," was the stern reply.    The Isle of Man Times and General Advertiser (Douglas), Tuesday, December 05, 1893