On this day lovers excange love notes in the form of valentines In modern times Valentine symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Intially handwritten notes were excahnged But since 19th century handwritten notes are replaced by greeting cards. The sending of Valentines was a fashion in nineteenth-century in Great Britain. In 1847, Esther Howland developed a successful business in her Worcester, Massachusetts home with hand-made Valentine cards based on British models. The popularity of Valentine cards in 19th-century America started future commercialization of holidays in the United States.
 Esther Howland Valentine, circa 1850: "Weddings now are all the go, Will you marry me or no" |
 Handwritten poem, "To Susanna" dated Valentine's Day, 1850 (Cork, Ireland) |
 Comic Valentine, mid-19th century: "R stands for rod, which can give a smart crack, And ought to be used For a day on your back." |
 Valentine card, 1862: "My dearest Miss, I send thee a kiss" |
 Folk art Valentine and envelope dated 1875 addressed to Clara Dunn of Newfield, New Jersey |
 Whitney Valentine, 1887; Howland sold her New England Valentine Company to the George C. Whitney Company in 1881 |
 Seascape Valentine, date unknown |
 Vinegar Valentine, circa 1900 |
Postcards, "pop-ups", and mechanical Valentines, circa 1900-1930
 Buster Brown Valentine postcard by Richard Felton Outcault, early years of 20th century |
 Postcard by Nister, circa 1906 |
 Valentine postcard, circa 1900-1910 |
"Pop-ups" create a three-dimensional effect when opened, circa 1900 |
 A tiny 2-inch pop-up Valentine, circa 1920 |
 Football-playing Disney-like rat and bulldog are set in motion by the pull-tab on the right, circa 1920 |
 A grommet affixed to the center of the card permits the dog's eyes to glance side-to-side when the blue bow is moved |
 Rocking horse and rider, circa 1920-1930 |
Black Americana and children's Valentines
 Postcard, 1906 |
 Raphael Tuck Valentine by Frances Brundage, circa 1910 |
 Black Americana Valentine, circa 1940 |
 Children's Valentine in somewhat questionable taste, 1940-1950 |
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Anthropomorphic Valentine, circa 1950-1960 |
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