Collecting Valentines

I've always had an affinity for vintage bits and pieces of paper, like colorful lithographs and antique advertising pieces. Gradually I found that interest focused on valentines. They contain all the color, delightful art, history and entertaining verses that one could possibly want. Who can resist:
"Forget-me-not sweet Valentine,
My hand and heart are ever thine."
It is an easy collection to start. Most antique shops have a stash of them. Possibly they are under the counter or in a shoebox or a photo album. Search for the colorful cards at estate sales and flea markets.
To start your collection inexpensively, ask older family members if they save cards and letters. Chances are some valentines are sprinkled in with other memorabilia tucked away in a box or drawer. They may be willing to part with the ones lacking major sentimental ties. Contact retired school teachers and offer to buy their accumulation. A teacher probably receives a thousand valentines over the years. Some save them.
I found myself drawn to several categories of valentines including the ones with moveable parts, ones with honeycombs that opened, and Ernest Nister (printed in Bavaria) cards. Some collect certain periods (1930s or 1940s) or humorous insult valentines. Others like valentine postcards or search out a specific design like cherubs or swans.
After awhile you may develop an expensive taste for lacy cards from the 1800s. Think about making your collection pay for itself. Trade or sell some of the items you are less attached to raise funds to indulge in finer cards.
By joining the national association, you get an informative newsletter and the opportunity to participate in their monthly valentine auctions.

National Valentine Collectors' Association
P.O. Box 1404
Santa Anna, California 92702
U.S.A.

Every February it is a treat to bring out my valentines and savor once again their unique designs. Share your collection with others by displaying them at a local museum or library. Avoid display areas near a window. Direct sunlight will fade and even warp the paper and cardboard pieces. Sometimes an individual viewing the display will offer to give you valentines they have saved.
To treat your valentines right, store them in acid free containers. These are more widely available now with the popularity of scrapbooking. Look for the words, "acid free" or "archival quality" on the labels. Don't store them in a hot attic or garage or a damp basement. Besides the temperature issues, those areas might harbor silverfish that love to feast on old paper. They nibble little trails through your precious collection.
To learn more about collecting valentines, read
*Valentines With Values - Katherine Kreider
*One Hundred Years of Valentines - Katherine Kreider
*Valentine Treasury: A Century of Valentine Cards - Robert Brenner
Your local library can find these books through interlibrary loan for you.
Happy Valentine's Day to you!

Story ID:	1611
Written by:	Virginia Allain (bio, link, contact, other stories)
Organization:	none
Story type:	Things to do
Location:	- USA
Year:	2007
Person:	hobby idea