This Historical Society's collection contains numerous examples of St. Valentine's Day cards dating received by local residents from the 1850s to the 1920s. The earliest cards were stock cards which were individually embellished with separately purchased motifs chosen by the sender. By the turn of the century, card makers sold a variety of cards the contained appropriate verse on an inside page. Post cards with Valentine's Day motifs appeared around the turn of the century. These cards often featured red hearts, Cupids and a variety of birds. Valentines, especially post card examples, were frequently saved and stored in special albums with similar cards from other holidays. For this reason early valentines survive in large quantities and provide a visual reminder of how the holiday was observed.

Photo caption 4: Dr. L. E. Shipley received this post card in 1910 from "Etta May" of Exenia, Ohio, who wrote that it was sent "With oceans and bushels of love." The card featured a nest of birds , a common Valentine's Day motif from the turn of the century.

Photo caption 5: "Etta May" sent this card to Miss Minta Shipley in 1910 with a message, "We are well. Have lots of snow here. I am stage [and] struck can not think of any thing to write." The cover featured a profile of young woman and implored the recipient to "Think of Me sweet Valentine."

Photo caption 6: A pair of embossed cupid-like figures appear to hunting winged hearts in the turn-of the-century postcard. The embossing, vivid colors and images are typical of cards imported from Germany. This example was not inscribed and was once kept in a scrapbook.