Valentine’s Day gained popularity in the United States with the introduction of mass-produced Valentines cards around the middle of the 19th century. Most of these early cards have long since disappeared, but we are fortunate to have many examples of early 20th century valentines here in Special Collections & Archives.
Aside from being a repository for manuscripts and rare books, Special Collections & Archives is also the home of the Heritage & University Archives for Florida State University and its predecessor, the Florida State College for Women (FSCW). A popular pastime for the students of FSCW was to construct scrapbooks full of precious items from their everyday lives. These scrapbooks are full of photos, articles, notes, and other ephemera that provide a snapshot into what life what like at that time. Some even contain valentine cards from the time period.
This valentine is found in the scrapbook of Florida State College for Women student Florence Gregory (B.A. Sociology, 1940) and dates to circa 1931-1937.
This valentine is found in the personal files of Dr. Melvene Draheim Hardee. The card is from Dr. Draheim Hardee’s childhood and dates to approximately 1920.
This valentine is found in the scrapbook of Florida State College for Women student Marion Laura Stine and dates to circa 1917-1921.
This valentine is found in the scrapbook of Florida State College for Women student Annie Gertrude Gilliam and dates to circa 1925-1931.
This valentine is found in the scrapbook of Florida State College for Women student Janet MacGowan West (BS 1922) and dates to circa 1917-1954.
Wishing you a happy Valentine’s Day from Special Collections & Archives!
Illuminations 