Magazine Archive
Magazine Archive

Esther Howland: The Mother of the Valentine Industry in New England
Valentine’s Day once meant elaborate, hand-delivered cards crafted with lace and ribbons. Esther Howland, a Mount Holyoke graduate, popularized these intricate designs in 19th-century Massachusetts, shaping the Valentine industry. Unlike today’s digital messages, these keepsakes embodied romance, artistry, and heartfelt sentiment. Have you discovered any vintage Valentines in your family?