Sweet memories of Valentine’s Days gone by

In order to earn extra money for Valentines, my sister Alma and I offered to throw wood into basement for a neighbor. The box end pieces were smooth and easy to grasp without gloves. We each earned 15 cents.

Armed with new riches, we went immediately to the F.W. Woolworth store on Main Street. As we entered the store we spied Valentines on our left. We only glanced at the unaffordable chocolate hearts on the right.

Valentines were spread loosely in a flat bin, kept in place by a smooth glass bumper. As we stood at the counter sorting Valentines and making decisions, we felt the heat of one single overhead light diffused by a green metal shade.

We pondered the small slick Valentines priced two for a penny. These would be fine for classmates, but we reserved a double fold for teacher. We hoped she would  like the apple and slate design.

Masculine designs featuring sailboats and football figures would definitely be given to Billy, Bobby and Tommy, while feminine designs of  dolls and cats were chosen for classmates Betty, Jean and Dorothy. Other Valentines had general subjects.

Upon arrival home, we printed names of recipients on the back of each Valentine — my thoughts quietly hoping the emotions of a certain boy would be stirred when he read the card was from me.

At school, teacher Mrs. Allen was aware that in the Depression era, Valentine money was not available to some students, so she allowed classroom time to construct Valentines from red paper and doilies. A glob of  firm white paste was placed at each desk. We spread it with a finger and once in awhile licked our finger clean, savoring the sweet taste.

Mrs. Allen had a large decorated box on her desk to receive class Valentines. The foot-deep square box had red and white curled ruffles on three sides. Slightly discolored crepe paper gave the impression of use from former Valentine years. 

Just before dismissal, Mrs. Allen  appointed monitors at the front of each row of desks. They were to deliver Valentines to each student as the teacher called out names.

I listened intently to hear that certain boy’s name called. I watched as he received the Valentine I “sent.” I blushed when he glanced my way after receiving it. Only a momentary acknowledgment, but the brief eye contact rewarded me.  My juvenile heart warmed. Was this a love sign from Cupid? 

 Apparently not, as the  subject of my affection busied himself reading other Valentines. My thought of love vanished. 

After school  I hurried home to show Mother the various Valentines I had received (none from “Mr. Great” mentioned above).

Mother remarked how nice the cards were, then with a tone of pride told me of a special Valentine Dad had given her that morning. She had pinned the precious Valentine to the kitchen curtain, where she could view it all day long, but she removed it carefully to show me.  

With a soft tone of affection Mother read aloud the meaningful verse: “My only sweetheart, Let us never part, For I can clearly see, You are God’s gift to me.” 

  I recall with fondness the sparkle of Mother’s eyes at that moment.

Not a big box of candy, or a fancy floral bouquet, just  a simple sentimental card that Dad could afford. When Mother shared the precious card with me, I came to full realization that Valentines are not empty wishes of “puppy love” years, but a declaration of deepened love between two adult hearts.  

When nurtured by respect, admiration and thoughtfulness, Valentine’s Day can be celebrated every day of the year. 

This concept was illustrated to me when my husband Don and I observed 42 Valentine years together. We often quoted a truth from “Our Yesterdays” journal. It states, “Love is a feeling so divine, description would make it less. ’Tis what we know and what we feel, yet can’t express.”