The History of Valentine’s Day at Mount Holyoke
Handcrafted Valentines created by Esther Howland, class of 1847
Esther Howland, class of 1847
Mother of the American Valentine
Esther Howland, class of 1847, grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts, where her father owned a large book and stationery store. Shortly after graduating, Howland received a beautiful, handcrafted Valentine from one of her father’s business contacts in England. She was so impressed with the card, that she began creating her own, and sent her father’s salesman out with a few samples, hoping to make about $200. The salesman returned with $5000 worth of orders. Howland acquired special paper and lace, hired a few of her friends, set up an assembly line, and the rest is history. She is now known as the “Mother of the American Valentine.”
Send a Special eValentine from the Archives Collection
Every year, in honor of Esther Howland, the Mount Holyoke Archives & Special Collections displays its collection of Valentines that date between the 1840s and 1980s. Below is a sample of the collection, which you can use to send an ecard to a special friend or family member. Just click on the images to go to our postcards page. Select your favorite and insert a message.
February 10, 2014
So cool!