I have always loved victorian valentines since I was a
little girl. My grandmother had given her collection of
valentines to my Mom. My grandmother had made some of these
valentines herself from "scraps".
I took these valentines to my Junior High School in the late
1940's to be displayed in the hallway show case for all to
see. My grandmother was pleased that I did that.
The first valentines made in the U.S. were crafted by a
Mount Holyoke College student, Miss Esther Howland. Her
father was a stationer in Worcester, MA. He had imported
valentines from England. Esther decided to make her own
valentines. She began importing lace, fine papers, and other
supplies for her valentines. Miss Esther Howland became one
of our first successful business women in the 1830s.
Cupid is the main motif used in many sentimental victorian valentines.
Red valentine hearts, white doves and flowers grace
many valentines.
Many specialty stores carry reproduction valentines.
I like to shop at these stores and I have bought several.
I have also found several old valentine postcards to add
to my valentine collection.
Many Victorian valentines were made for children.
"Here I stand with blue eyes,
There you sit with brown;
Let us play together."
But she gave a frown.
"Here's a bunch of roses,
Roses white and red;
Give me back a daisy."
But she shook her head.
"Here are peaches for you,
Peaches large and small;
Give me back a cherry."
But she ate them all.
"Here I have a necklace,
All of beads so gay;
Let me put it on you."
But she ran away.
"Such a forward maiden
I shall never miss."
Up she came behind him,
Gave his curls a kiss.
M.E.E. circa 1904
History of "Scrap Albums"
Angels and cards to send to your family and friends
Penny postcards
Another Valentine Site
Happy Valentine's Day
to
My Family and Friends
