This used to be a common sign above small- town hotel doorways. The Men went into the bar through their own door, and the Ladies entered, escorted by men, through a different one. Weirdly, both doors led to the same room.
Not so very long ago, it was unacceptable for women to enter bars without men.
In one of her books, Gloria Steinem describes a moment in her life as a journalist that reflected the attitude of the times. A man she was scheduled to interview was late to arrive at the agreed on meeting place, which happened to be a New York bar. While waiting, she ordered a drink, and the barman asked her what business she had being there alone.
Anyone else might have slunk out, such was the strength of custom. But Steinem not only stood her ground, she told the barman she was a journalist, meeting a contact to do an interview for a prominent New York magazine. He backed down and served her a drink while she waited.
Ladies and Escorts signs were common when I was a child. For the most part, we didn't question them. I do remember my astonishment when I first entered the hotel bar I had seen only from the outside and discovered that both exterior doors led to the same room.
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