Comic Valentine, "All for Dress," circa 1862
Add to SetSummary
From the 1840s into the early 1900s, some people sent inexpensive Valentine's Day greetings that chided, warned, or insulted the recipient. An exaggerated, often garish cartoon and short verse described and dismissed someone's looks, intelligence, personality, or behavior. Within the atmosphere of a festive holiday, under the cover of humor, these "vinegar valentines" were acceptable critiques of behaviors that deviated from social norms.
From the 1840s into the early 1900s, some people sent inexpensive Valentine's Day greetings that chided, warned, or insulted the recipient. An exaggerated, often garish cartoon and short verse described and dismissed someone's looks, intelligence, personality, or behavior. Within the atmosphere of a festive holiday, under the cover of humor, these "vinegar valentines" were acceptable critiques of behaviors that deviated from social norms.
Artifact
Comic valentine
Date Made
circa 1862
Collection Title
On Exhibit
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
89.0.540.632
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Printing (Process)
Color
Multicolored
Dimensions
Height: 7.5 in
Width: 5.75 in
Inscriptions
printed on front: J. WrigleyPublisher, 27 Chatham Street, N. Y. ALL FOR DRESS. on the back of your head a neat little bonnet, A great wide spreading skirt, with fur'ows on it, Your pride is in dress, but, really, you somehow, Just put me in mind of a doll, on a hay-mow.
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