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Valentines The antique Valentines that are on exhibit are from the museum’s Carl collection. Many are multi-dimensional, die cut, lithographic printed Valentines that unfold (today they are known as pop-ups) and date from the early 20th century. In addition there are five honeycomb tissue Valentines that “fan” out into shapes such as an umbrella, boat, tea pot, and trumpet. There are also numerous postcard Valentines as well as several mechanical (moving parts) Valentines. Many were printed in Germany and given as gifts from Grandma, Aunt Carrie, and Uncle Dorsey to Edward Carl, when he was a young boy. Edward Carl was the last of the Carl family to own and operate Carl’s Drug Store before it was sold in 1974. In 1796, the first patent for embossed paper was applied for in England. Shortly after this, it became fashionable to write Valentines on this kind of paper. One could obtain verses for homemade Valentines from little books called Valentine writers, such as the one entitled “The Young Man’s Valentine Writer” that was published in 1797. Then by the 1830’s, lace paper was invented and also became popular with which to make Valentines. In America the earliest Valentines first appeared during the late 18th century. In the beginning, Valentines were handmade – many of cut work. Beistle paper (a honeycomb tissue paper) was a favorite medium of lovers for their handmade cards. Beistle paper was first invented and produced, almost simultaneously, in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania about 1905 by The Beistle Company and in New York City by The Paper Novelty Company. Martin Luther Beistle, also known as M. L., founded his company in 1900. A joint sales relationship with The Paper Novelty Company ended in 1913. At that point, The Beistle Company expanded its manufacturing operations into a wider selection of honeycombed tissue creations becoming known internationally for its collapsible honeycomb decorations and party items. Beistle honeycomb tissue paper is still produced in Shippensburg today. Although hand wrapped Valentines still remained popular, embossed envelopes began to appear with the introduction of penny post. Made of lace papers and lithograph pictures that were imported from England in the beginning, Esther Howland is credited with starting the mass production of Valentines in the United States. In 1848, Howland began her mass production business by hiring local girls to do the work. Howland is also credited with the innovation of tiered Valentines. Valentine’s Day was considered a very special occasion and many marriage proposals were made via Valentines. The high level of importance of this holiday was also justification for some to spend large amounts of money on Valentines. Some Valentines, once the materials were bought, could cost as much as $50. During the late Victorian era, flowers and symbolism became a popular theme. Each flower had its own meaning and those who made Valentines for the special people in their lives learned how to incorporate this in to their cards. Some of the corresponding meanings of flowers included the rose – love and secrecy, violet – think of me, poppy – sleep and dreams, tulip – declaration of love, morning glory – affection, ferns – fascination and sincerity, and ivy – fidelity and friendship. After WWI the importance of the Valentine changed. Expensive ones were no longer made and the custom of proposing by Valentine died. |