The Chronicles Of Grant County
Saint Valentine's Day 2024
The summary description of this image is "Card shows an angel paddling in a small boat called 'Hearts Delight'; the sail has the inscription: 'Pray Sweetheart, send me just a line to say you'll be my Valentine.'" (The image was provided courtesy of the Library of Congress, 1890.)
Today is Saint Valentine's Day. A day for people to express their love to special ones in their lives.
While some traditions have remained the same throughout the generations, some aspects of this holiday were celebrated differently in the late 1800s and early 1900s in Southwest New Mexico and throughout the State.
The Southwest Sentinel of Silver City reported on January 31, 1893, that "The ladies of the Episcopal church at Deming will give a Valentine party at the Opera House in Deming on February 14."
On February 9, 1898, The Eagle of Silver City reported that "Next Monday, February 14, is St. Valentine's day. Our merchants are displaying love missives in profusion in their show windows."
Just as flowers are an important aspect for today's holiday, flowers were also an important gift at that time. While roses are common to give loved ones today, violets appear to have been one of the flowers that some would give to their loved one in the early 1900s.
On February 10, 1900, the Carlsbad Current reprinted information from the Chicago Inter-Ocean. In this news article, the paper reported about a woman who received a "…95-cent bunch of violets" and placed some in her hair; "she [also] pressed one bunch of violets to remember that Valentine's day."
Payton Drug, Book & Stationery Co. advertised "Gift Books for Valentine Day" in a display advertisement that was in the Roswell Daily Record on February 13, 1907. The ad indicated that the store had "A nice assortment to pick from. Everything late and up-to-date."
A year later, the same newspaper had a small text ad on its front page. In that ad, printed on February 10, 1908, this retailer stated that "We have a very large variety of Valentines which must be sold in next three days. Prices greatly reduced. HURRY. Ingersoll's Book Store."
Someone phoned into a line at the Santa Fe New Mexican with their suggestion for a gift on Saint Valentine's Day. The newspaper printed the comment in its edition dated February 13, 1913: "St Valentine's Day your mother, wife, or sweetheart will appreciate some beautiful flowers more than anything else."
Among reports sent through correspondence to The Deming Graphic were a number of items from Iola in Luna County. On February 19, 1915, the newspaper included the report that stated "Our children had a fine time celebrating St. Valentine's Day on Monday. They had all made a number of valentines, some of which showed much artistic merit. Some of the children brought delicious heart-shaped cookies and the teacher, Miss Mott, furnished candy motto hearts and pink lemonade. Your correspondent appreciated the thoughtfulness of the children who remembered her in the valentine box."
The Albuquerque Morning Journal on February 10, 1918, included a display advertisement from Byron Henry Ives Florist. The ad highlighted that folks should "Say It With Flowers on St. Valentine's Day." The text of the ad stated that "There is no sweeter, daintier, prettier or more acceptable Valentine than a bunch of choice fresh-cut flowers. A corsage of fragrant peas or violets, or a box of roses or carnations will be most appreciated. We will deliver promptly in any city in the United States."
A display advertisement was printed in the same newspaper the next year from another retailer selling Valentine-related merchandise. On February 12, 1919, an ad for Strong's Book Store included a drawing of a baby Cupid (with wings) appearing to write on a card. The headline was "Novelties for St. Valentines" in a heart design.
"The custom of sending Sentimental or Comic Messages on February 14th dates back to ancient Rome," noted the ad. "Garters, gloves, handkerchiefs, flowers, jewelry, were frequently used as gifts for this occasion, and the recipient always accepts the slightest recognition on this day as a compliment."
The ad continued by stating "Keep up the old custom. Have your party, and send out your greeting this year."
"We can supply Valentines both sentimental and comic," the advertisement concluded. "Place and Tally Cards, Dance Programs, Valentine Tablecloths and Napkins, Table Favors, Ice or Salad Cups and Table Centerpieces, Candles and Candle Sticks. Come in and look over the line."
As folks did years ago, have a Happy Saint Valentine's Day this year.
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© 2024 Richard McDonough