How Esther Howland Invented the Modern-Day Valentine’s Day

The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately 190 million Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year in the U.S., with Hallmark alone making 1,400 different valentines. But in the 1800s, valentines were a far different affair of the heart. Back then they were usually a cheaply made token of love, a few lines of […]

Uncovering the History and Value of Antique Valentine’s Day Cards

Dear Lee, We can’t help ourselves. We are fond of vintage Valentine’s Day cards. We can thank Esther Howland of Massachusetts for the first commercial Valentine’s Day cards in the United States. In the 1840s, she added lace to her own drawings and put them in decorated envelopes. A tradition—and an industry—was born. You can […]

Collectors Love Valentines

The first commercial Valentine’s Day cards in the United States were made in the 1840s by Esther Howland of Massachusetts, who added lace to her own drawings and put them in decorated envelopes. She started an industry making cards with the help of artists and printing machines. In the 1890s, embossed valentines with moving parts […]

Valentine’s Day Traditions

Dear Lee, Hello, February! ‘Tis the season of love and … Valentine’s Day cards. Vintage valentines cards are favorite collectibles because of their sentiments and graphics. If you are thinking of collecting old cards or find some in a box in your attic or at a flea market, remember that how they were made and […]