St Valentine’s Day Traditions and Historic Origins
The article traces St Valentine’s Day from its pagan roots of Saturnalia and Lupercalia to medieval chivalry and modern customs. It notes martyrdom in 270, legends of birds choosing mates, gifts and valentines, and poems by Chaucer and friends. It describes old rites, door-to-door exchange, and cheap lace paper valentine favors.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
St. Valentine
Marcus Aurelius Claudius
Rome
Julius
St. Praxades
Porta Valentini
Valentine
Pan
Juno
Francis de Sales
Italy
Shakspeare
Theseus
Sr. Valentine
Donne
Onsen
Sbas
Hall
Bisbop Valentine
Ophelia
Mr. Pepys
Sir William Balton
Charles
Duke of Orleans
England
Cupid
Remarkable 1605 Bluecoat Wedding In Cheapside
Pepys notes a bluecoat boy and girl each receive fortunes from two wealthy citizens. The magistrates move the event to a public wedding at Guildhall Chapel. The couple are led by boys and girls in colored livery through Cheapside to the ceremony officiated by the Dean of St Pauls, with the Lord Mayor giving away the bride. Dinner followed at Hospital Hall. The date is Sept 20 1605.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pepys
Cheapside
Guildhall Chapel
St. Paul's
Hospital Hall
Nest-Building Fishes Show Male Parental Care Across Species
Washington Professor Theodore Gill notes that many fish species care for their young, especially males in nest-building catfish. Observations include August streams with male-guarded fry, nest construction eight by six inches, and male-water circulation by fin movements. Similar care occurs in mouthbrooding catfish and cichlids in Africa, South Africa, and the Sea of Galilee, where groups move on water surfaces with loud, rain-like sounds.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Nature
Theodore Gill
Washington
Fish Commission
Papa Ocatths
Africa
South Africa
Texas
Palestine
Sea of Galilee
St. Peter
The Farm Gossips On News Carriers And Character
A writer laments malicious farm gossip and the harm of repeating others’ unkind remarks. He condemns busybodies who trade in hurtful stories and urges sharing good news and sunshine instead. He notes farmers, both rich and poor, often distract themselves with tales rather than work.
The Peakville Woodwork Scheme of Mr Busby and the Squire
In Peakville a tale of petty bargaining unfolds as Jeems Busby hires Squire Willet to use his saw and axe for six cents an hour to cut a cord of wood. After thirty seven hours, Busby expects $2.50, Willet pays $2.22, and Busby hints at keeping the extra cents by a longer, easier plan. Busby then departs with twenty eight silver coins and a grin.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Peakville
Jeems Busby
Willet
Busby
Ile
Squire
Squire Willet
Mr Busby
Mr. Busby
Underground River Discovered Beneath Plainfield City
Plainfield residents learn that the Plainfield Water Supply Company taps an extensive underground river flowing from northeast to southwest under the city. Despite steady pumping and large daily discharges, water levels remain unchanged, signaling an inexhaustible supply with a swift current and pure quality. Tests will extend to surrounding towns and Elizabeth City.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Plainfield
N. J
Plainfeld Water Supply Company
Netherwood
Brooks
Elizabeth City
Mouse‑like Move Sways Quiet Classroom Lesson
A kindergartner pupil named Harry cheerfully mimics a mouse as he returns to his seat after a teacher emphasizes quiet movement. The playful moment causes laughter among students while highlighting the child’s innocent interpretation of classroom instruction.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Harry
New York Times
Electric Car Tricks Shock Passengers Between Two Towns
The Ansonia to Birmingham electric streetcars entertain riders with a conductor led prank that shocks unsuspecting passengers. A lady, a stout washerwoman, and a dog suffer telegraph like jolts from the iron doorsill while a rubbered man provokes a playful payback. Riders claim rheumatism relief.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ansonia
Conn
Birmingham
Sense of Time in Sleep Reveals Long Nap Abroad
A Massachusetts man recalls sleeping in an Italian town after a long rowing journey. He woke in late afternoon believing twenty four hours had passed, only to learn his friends thought only ten minutes had elapsed and that he had missed yesterday.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Massachusetts
Vanity as Charity: Brazil’s Emperor Taxed Nobility
Dom Pedro II sought funds for a Rio de Janeiro hospital. He offered personal noble titles for money, betting on men's vanity. Rich families bought titles to fund the hospital, and the entry bore the inscription Vanitas humanae miseriae, highlighting human vanity against misery.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dom Pedro
Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
Also Mentioned on This Page
Mary A. Benson
Roaring Thunder
Manu
Tia
Kamo
Mise
Mandy Alice Browne
Laws Ant
Meg
Mina Mew McCray
Midge Browne
Sunshine
Ardora
Moses
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