Pre-revolutionary Tinder: how they looked for a couple 110 years ago.
At the beginning of the 20th century, specialized publications in which marriage advertisements were published were popular in Russia. Such newspapers were published throughout the Empire – in St. Petersburg, Riga, Odessa, Kerch, but the largest was the Moscow “Marriage Newspaper”:
“520,000 copies of the Marriage Newspaper, distributed annually throughout Russia and abroad, 5,000 advertisements placed annually, make it possible to calculate with mathematical accuracy that every person who applies will find a suitable match for himself”
(“Marriage Newspaper”, January 1, 1912)
We have prepared a selection of advertisements published in January 1912:
“The Siberian woman asks for a response, preferably from a southerner, in order to warm her heart in the warmth and light of mutual love and respect. Marriage with ardent sympathy and mutual respect”
“A widower, owner of an embroidery factory in Saxony, independent for 11 years, 38 years old, 178 tall, evangelist, with a 10-year-old daughter and large incomes, wishes to establish correspondence for the purpose of marriage with a wealthy lady of beautiful appearance, or with her parents. A widow is not excluded, religion does not play a role, age is no more than 38. Kind suggestions with a photograph and an indication of the material side should be addressed … “
“30 years old, noblewoman, educated, of excellent character, pretty, wants to marry an elderly, well-to-do nobleman. Physical disabilities do not play a role”
“A newcomer, young, they say a handsome and kind brunette, a specialist engineer, is looking for a wife from a good family who can contribute large sums of money to the profitable enterprise he is starting.”
“Landowner, 30 years old, starting to run his own business, with a university education, hardworking, somewhat reserved character, wants to get married. In the absence of suitable acquaintances, I decided to resort to publication.”
“I’m tired of living alone, I wish you a family life and a passionately loving husband. Summers are indifferent. I am a brunette, 25 years old, I have an inheritance, I serve”
“I will marry someone who will financially help me get a higher education and specialize in medical sciences. I bow before generosity”
“I am young, intelligent, handsome and healthy (Jewish). I want to meet a beautiful, healthy, intelligent and kind Jewish girl for the purpose of marriage, with a capital of up to 10,000 rubles. I have my own business with 20,000 rubles. My present and future are secured. Offers are extremely serious, I don’t accept anonymous offers.”
“Prayer to the altar of the goddess of happiness! An insignificant pilgrim from a distant, unknown land (with outstanding beauty) marries only a representative of aesthetics, taste and elusive charm.”
“I’m looking for happiness. I dream of meeting and marrying a wealthy man.”
“Ukrainians! Well, where are you: why are you talking about my publications and not giving me any services?
“ВЧК ОГПУ”
