The Friends of the Senior Center did bring to us… a loving and lovely heart filled tree!
BE MY VALENTINE?
Decorated by Friends of the Andover Senior Center
Where did the Valentine Card industry get its start in America?
Right here in Massachusetts!
Sometime in the mid-19th century time period, the tradition crossed the Atlantic Ocean, and Massachusetts is credited with the birth of the commercial Valentine market in America. Esther Howland, of Worcester, MA, received a Valentine card from someone in England. She was a student at Mt. Holyoke College, and when she received this commercially made card from England, she began making cards. Her Father was a stationer, and she began to sell the cards in his store in Worcester. The business grew, Esther hired friends to help her make more cards, and the commercial Valentine Card industry in America began.
Ever since that time, children in American schools have been enjoying and celebrating this holiday by trading cards, sharing treats, and partaking in special school activities. The decorations on this tree represent cards and traditions from this earliest time to the present.
Special thanks to Andover H.S. student Chloe Cabaret- Salameh for the origami decorations found on the tree.
An antique pop-up valentine card from the Society's collection
Board members of the Friends of the Senior Center came together to create their second tree for us – this year with the theme of school Valentine parties and inspired by some of the beautiful Victorian valentines in our collection. Borrowing from teacher’s classroom and constructing new ornaments and trimming – this tree is red, white and pink all over. Some of the special details include bunches of paper roses and small feathered cupids arrows that are just waiting to catch some unsuspecting lover’s heart!
Of course, the best valentines are those that are hand-made and many fond memories will be recalled while viewing the loving detail that clearly went in to creating some of the charming ornaments!
Snoopy loves every holiday!
