Valentine's Cards

Sending Valentine's cards has become just as important as sending Christmas cards.

The first Valentine's cards were sent in the 18th century.  These were handmade cards that would include flowers and/or lines of poetry.  Secret admirers would slide these cards under the door for their true love.

One of the oldest surviving Valentine cards dates back to 1797 and is currently at the York Castle Museum.  This card was sent by Catherine Mossday to a Mr. Brown of London.  It is decorated with flowers and images of Cupid, with a verse printed around the border reading, "Since on this ever Happy day, All Nature's full of Love and Play, Yet harmless still if my design, 'tis but to be your Valentine."

In the 19th century, the Valentine's card came to America.  They became very popular and were advertised as a British fashion.  In 1913, Hallmark Cards produced their first Valentine's card.

Here it is 2017, 104 years later, and people are still sending cards to their true love!

Happy Valentine's Day!