A timid young man of retiring disposition and rather sickly wants to meet a young lady who would make a good nurse and respectable-looking widow in case I should pass away.
—Bismarck Daily Tribune (North Dakota),
Attractive Couple: He, 55, voyeur, retired, experienced in open relationships; she, French, 46, slim, timid, curious, sensuous; would like to meet sensitive, experienced, and assertive couples or single male or female for erotique games of quality. Photo and detailed letter appreciated.
—The New York Review of Books,
October 9, 1986
Whereas, on Saturday last, a lady, genteelly dressed, was seen to lead a string of beautiful stone horses through Edmonton, Tottenham, and Newington—this is to acquaint her, that if she is disengaged and inclinable to marry, a gentleman who was on that occasion is desirous of making honorable proposals to her; in which state if he be not so happy as to please, he will readily purchase the whole string for her satisfaction.
—General Advertiser (London),
March 30, 1748
D.C. area: MWM, 40s, professional, desires nonentangling afternoon eroticism M–SWF, WCs. Interesting, virile, experimentitive.
—The New York Review of Books,
June 16, 1983
If the gentleman who met a lady in Gracechurch Street, on the evening of the ninth of November last, and walked with her to the lower end of Bishopgate Street, and then waited till her return, and then accompanied her into the city, will be at the exact spot where he waited for her, at eight o’clock on Wednesday and Thursday next, she will meet him, having something of importance to communicate.
—The Times (London),
September 10, 1811
Any gal what's got a cow, a good feather bed, with comfortable fixings, 500 dollars in hard pewter, one that has had the measles and understands tending children, can find a customer for life by writing a small billet box, addressed “Z.Q.” and stick it in a crack of Uncle Ebenezer’s barn, back side of the hen pen.
—An American newspaper,
reprinted in The Times (London), 1840
Three active and attractive youngish female librarians interested in getting out from behind the stacks. Any suggestions?
—The New York Review of Books,
May 20, 1971
Young man, moderate circumstances and who has glass eye, would like to form the acquaintance of young girl who also has a glass eye or some other deformity not more severe; object, matrimony.
—Coshocton Daily Age (Ohio),
August 17, 1903
San Quentin Convict. I am 26 years old, Hawaiian, doing time for robbery. I’d dig hearing from chicks that aren’t hung up on middle-class Amer.-type life! If you’re into the communal organic bag, that’s outasite. Saying what you think and feel is beautiful. Don’t know anyone from Ca. as I got busted right after coming from Hawaii, so it’ll be an experience for me too. Will answer all. Peace!
—Los Angeles Free Press,
1971
AKC Amherst Standard Poodle, comely, fit, hyperintelligent; mistress ditto, seeks strong-bodied man, c. 50, of wit and gentle disposition, for paddling, woods walking, husbandry, heteroglossia. No dogs or married men need apply.
—The New York Review of Books,
October 21, 1993
April 21, 1915
Personal: Bachelor with 40 acres of excellent land would like to make acquaintance of lady with tractor; matrimony in mind. Please send picture of tractor. Box 325476, Atwater.
—Indiana Evening Gazette (Pennsylvania),
March 5, 1957
Aural erotica with a naughty raconteur. Uninhibited, unhurried kinky fun and fetish friendly.
—The New York Review of Books,
October 23, 2008
Matrimony—an early but thoroughly aristocratic matrimonial alliance is sought by the attractive and only daughter of an American millionaire, who will respond generously with respect to settlements, in case of a suitable engagement. A British title is preferred, but a distinguished or well-descended foreign nobleman not objected to. Address “Ambitions,” under cover to Editor, 103, New-Oxford Street, London, W.C.
—The Marriage Gazette (England),
reprinted in the New York Times, November 1895
Nudist WM 32, in-shape fitness buff. Looking to meet other in-shape male nudists, any age, to hang out and spend some nude time together. Watching TV, surfing ’net, sunning in the summer, nude travel, etc. Father/son family nudists also welcome!
—Chicago Reader,
February 14, 2004
