Civil War Valentine Cards
…I would also like to include something this month that one may find interesting: The switch from handmade to manufactured Valentine cards began during the 1840s. During the Civil War manufacturers were marketing Valentines to soldiers for their loved ones. During the Civil War there were special Valentines for soldiers and their sweethearts. Some showed couples parting ways. Others had a tent with flaps that opened to reveal a soldier. This was called a "Window Valentine". Another Civil War novelty was the Valentine that included a lock of hair. And another was the paper doll Valentine that had a painted face and feet, with the figure dressed in cloth or paper. Valentine cards became popular in the United States during the Civil War. Elaborate cards trimmed with satin ribbons, mother-ofpearl ornaments, and spun glass were sold.
Within a few years of the War Between the States, Valentine’s Day received almost as much attention as Christmas Day. Here are a few examples of verses found in cards sent from soldiers in the field during the War:
"To horse!" the bugle sounds the call, The
foe rage like waves at sea; If cruel fate should
bid me fall, My last fond thought shall be of
thee."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Fondly I gaze in thy sweet face, And
clasp thy little hand in mine. Love swiftly
speeds us to the place Where I shall claim
my Valentine." "–My Love– ‘Mid bugle’s blast
and cannons roar, And ‘mid the battles angry
flame; ‘Mid clashing sabres red with gore, I
fondly breathe thy much loved name. I feel
thee near at dead of night, When I my vigil
lane an keeping — Thy image guards me
angel bright, In dreams when wearied I am
sleeping. Each Northward wind wafts on its
breath, to thee a yearning kiss of mine– On
glory’s field of bed or death, I live or die thy
Valentine."
Article By: Kayla Kalkbrenner
This article can be downloaded from the February, 2007 edition of the newsletter located at the top of the page…great Civil War articles written by Civil War buffs in Arkansas.
