This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Esther Howland and the rise of American valentines
Esther Howland of Worcester began publishing valentines in 1849 aiming to sell 4500 worth first year she moved $5000 and priced many cards at 5 to 10 dollars. The early pioneer, educated at Mount Holyoke, sparked a gendered career in greeting cards before industry backlash from penny dreadfuls.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Boston
Valentine
Neeet
Esther Howland
Worcester
Mass
Crit
Miss Howland
America
Sally Hopkins
Hallmark Historical
Mount Holyoke College
England
Louis Frang
Prang
Europe
Kansas City
Dominic Rompello
High Point Enterprise
Pattern Department
P.O
Old Chelsea Station
New York
N.Y
Albert Caprara
Anne Fogarty
Diane von Furstenberg
Brenner Couture
Orsini