And, in 1939, the remembrance of the Great Depression was still fresh in their mind.

These protocols and civility were the way that people started communicating and rebuilding from devastating losses in 1929-1933. The worst of the Depression lasted 4 years, 1929-1933. Things weren't good after that, but at least the layoffs had stopped. As Hitler started marching through Europe, the U.S. was able to export goods in 1936-1938 that enabled people to begin buying again.

The Depression had taught this country a lot about civility and helping one another, because SO MANY people had been out of work. The country did fall on it's core values and helped each other, so that people didn't starve.

My father's parents took another a single mother with 3 kids into their home during the depression. My mother's father allowed his workers to live rent-free in his rent houses during the winter, when they couldn't pour concrete. My wife's family fed that hobos that rode the trains, looking for work.

It was a simple recognition that both my and my wife's family were blessed just to have a home and food during this time, that led them to help others. That led to civility in broader society, and the politeness came out of that.

The greed of the 1920's turned into compassion in the 1930's.

Also, as the economy started to recover, workers and business realized that they needed to be on the absolute best behavior to get business. Thus, they dressed better, acted better, and adopted a "protocol".

The same thing is happening now. I've already noticed that employees, without their employees prompting them, are cutting hair, removing or hiding "rings", and dressing like employers want them to. Suits and ties are making a comeback. Dockers are actually on sale for less than they were 3 years ago, because people are buying dress slacks again.

There will be a "new" protocol here, too. Look for it to happen as the economy recovers. Maybe someone will write a new book about business protocol. Of course, such a thing could only come from a New Yorker, for it to be "really big".

So, if you live in New York, and know the "protocols", here's your shot!