Hilarious 1958 '128 ways to get a husband going' list goes viral

A list of ways to find a husband published by a 1958 woman's magazine has gone viral, with people calling it 'hilarious' and 'shocking'.

The list was originally published in now-defunct American magazine McCall's and was first shared on Facebook by Kim Marx-Kuczynski, from Wiscosin last year. It recently resurfaced on Twitter after it was shared by journalist Jane Lavender, who called it 'amazing' and 'incredible'.

The extraordinary tips for finding a spouse include standing on a busy street corner with a lasso, or carrying around a hatbox to grab the attention of single men.

Other advice from the magazine, which was published monthly from 1873 to 2002 includes 'be friendly to ugly men' and 'rent a billboard and post your photo and phone number on it',.

The article begins: 'In the United States today there are sixteen million women over the age of seventeen who are still waiting for a marriage proposal Presumably the vast majority of them would like to be.'

Since sharing it online, Jane picked up more than 3,000 retweets, with many sharing their pleasure at the list.

'I need to find myself a hat box - now,' one said.

'I'm a big fan of 'carry a hatbox'. Simple, yet effective' added another.

'Get a government job overseas' and 'make a lot of money' good advice but erases the need for a husband,' commented a third.

'How strange. I walked past an engineering school last year & kept tripping over all these easels – now I understand why…' joked a fourth.

Since posting it, Jane picked up more than 3,000 retweets, with many sharing their pleasure at the list

Others said the list was a 'perfect rom-com prompt' while some joked about finally releasing why they're single.

'First rule of engineering school is to under no circumstances look one of those sirens behind those easels in the eye,' joked one.

'23 is my favorite—hell, you could start circling the obits like classified ads if you get really thirsty!' added another.

Kim's post shows the full list from US magazine McCall's, which was published in 1958. It's cover is pictured

'I'd like to know more of the backstory to 38 and why the author chose to say dropping a handkerchief 'still' works. Was it falling out of fashion? Was there a PR campaign by the handkerchief makers? So many questions!' said another.

Speaking to BoredPanda last year, Kim said her boyfriend saw the magazine at a rummage sale and bought it for a dollar.

'I think the article is reflective of the social mores and 50s style in general, and I found the comparison between what was acceptable then and what is acceptable now fascinating. It also made me grateful that so much progress has been made.