Valentine, "Bank of True Love," circa 1852
Add to SetSummary
The custom of sending messages of affection on February 14 dates back to Roman times, when mid-February was a time to meet and court prospective mates. The earliest American valentines were labors of love, handmade by the sender. The spread of commercially produced valentines in the second half of the nineteenth century made sending and receiving Valentine's Day cards a more lighthearted activity.
The custom of sending messages of affection on February 14 dates back to Roman times, when mid-February was a time to meet and court prospective mates. The earliest American valentines were labors of love, handmade by the sender. The spread of commercially produced valentines in the second half of the nineteenth century made sending and receiving Valentine's Day cards a more lighthearted activity.
Artifact
Valentine
Date Made
circa 1852
Creators
Place of Creation
United States, New York, New York
Creator Notes
Published by Richard Marsh, New York, New York.
Collection Title
On Exhibit
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
89.0.540.683
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Engraving (Printing process)
Dimensions
Height: 3.25 in
Width: 7.125 in
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