Sweetie notes of the past

All Valentine's cards were hand-made until the mid-1800's (sorry, Hallmark).

The library has a number of oldies, but goodies on display - like a 200-year-old creation.

People were personalizing cards over a century ago. Today, high-tech Romeos are buying gifts and sending e-cards online.

Culture always plays a role. One Civil War card has a patriotic theme. Forty years later, cars were the rage and so were folding Valentines. Our great-grandparents even had a card for the unfaithful!

If you would like to see Valentine history first-hand, there's a display at the main library this week. It is located at 19th and Vine Streets in Center City. The exhibit is at the print and picture department on the second floor.

WEB LINK: Philadelphia Free Library