The roots of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to Ancient Rome, though the modern incarnation of the Holiday didn’t begin until the turn of the 19^th century.This article in Town & Country Magazine illustrates a brief history of how Valentine’s Day has evolved and why the tradition of sending greeting cards has become a fixture of the season.

We love looking back at vintage Valentine’s Day cards from the 19th and 20th centuries to see changing trends. Many of the bold illustrations and puns of the past have given way to more subtle designs, though we can’t help but smile when we look at how people have expressed their love through the ages.

The Yacht signals of love

First Bank of Love

We should be well matched

The Queen of every hand

A St. Valentine’s Greeting

“V” is for Valentine

I’ll never shake you, my Valentine

“Please be my Queen of Hearts”

From New York, with love

In a “flash”

A token of love

“I’d be De-Lighted to go out with you”

“I cannot wait”

Please feel free to share some of your favorite Valentine’s Day cards that you have received over the years and tag us on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.