Vintage Valentines

Roses are red

Violets are blue

Visit the CAM Library

Peep some valentines on view

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, a selection of vintage cards are currently on display in the Mary R. Schiff Library and Archives. These particular examples of love notes are mostly from the late 19^th and early 20^th Centuries.

Before printing techniques made paper cards more readily available often valentines were handmade by one’s beloved.  Ornate embossing techniques, the presence of cupids, and silk fringe characterize the earlier examples.  Bright colors, glitter, and the appearance of puppies, children, and flowers adorn some of the later cards from the 1920 and 1930s. Additionally humorous poetry often appeared alongside the images. One of the cards on display features this little poem:

“I liked this little card

so much

I rather thought you’d

Like it too

It’s such fun sending

Valentines

To someone awful

Nice –like you.”

Visit the Library with your valentine and be inspired to make your own keepsake cards to show your love.