"Two's a couple, Three's a crowd, Four..." (1914)

[Bapopik at AOL.COM]

I've seen this one in several collections...Four people on a New York City sidewalk, filled with snow. Seen just this week.


WHAT THEY SAY IN NEW ENGLAND
AND OTHER AMERICAN FOLKLORE
collected by Clifton John
edited with an introduction by Carl Withers
New York: Columbia University Press
1963

Pg. 134:
Two's a couple,
Three's a crowd,
Four on the sidewalk
Is never allowed.


(PROQUEST HISTORICAL NEWSPAPERS)
A LINE-O'-TYPE OR TWO
Chicago Daily Tribune (1872-1963). Chicago, Ill.: Mar 21, 1914. p. 6 (1 page):
_Signs of the Times._
In an Oskaloosa livery barn: "Two's a couple, three's a crowd, four in a buggy is not allowed."

Teen Etiquette; Sidewalk Courtesies
Kitte Turmell. Los Angeles Times (1886-Current File). Los Angeles, Calif.: May 1, 1949. p. G17 (1 page):
That childhood chant "two's company, three's a crowd, four on the sidewalk not allowed" is a reminder to divide a foursome, two by two, and to avoid jostling, crowding, or weaving which might make any stranger regret that he or she "met" you, smack-bang, accidentally.