Archive for February 14th, 2022

FIRST LOAD OF ORANGES LEFT ON THIS DAY

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Destined to become one of the state’s major exports, the first
trainload of oranges grown by Southern
California farmers left
Los Angeles via refrigerator cars of the
transcontinental railroad.

posted by Bob Karm in ANNIVERSARY,FOOD,Fruit,HISTORY,Railroad,Transportation and have No Comments

ADMITTED TO THE UNION ON THIS DAY

Flag of Oregon

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See the source image

See the source image

Today is not not only Valentine’s Day, it also marks Oregon’s
birthday! The Beaver State turns 163 years old today!

posted by Bob Karm in ANNIVERSARY,CURRENT EVENTS,Flag,HISTORY,Statehood and have No Comments

SECOND MOST PURCHASED SEASONAL CARD

90.17.69_2.jpg

 Valentine postcard dated March 3, 1908  FWWM 87.55.43


Over 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are sold each year, the
second most purchased seasonal card in the U.S. While the
holiday’s exact origin is up for debate, the celebration of love
and friendship we know today first gained popularity in the U.S.
during the mid-19th century.

During this time, Esther Howland of Worcester, MA, is credited
with mass-producing the first American valentines. Romantic
European cards inspired Howland to design and create her first valentines by hand—intricate, layered collages of ribbons, lace,
and paper ornaments. In 1913, Hallmark (then Hall Brothers)
printed their first Valentine’s Day card, making the tradition
more accessible and affordable.

The sentiment and imagery expressed by valentines changed in popularity over time. The Victorian era favored cherubs, hearts,
and flowers paired with romantic poetry. In the 1920s and 30s,
cards featuring die-cut shapes, animals, and children became
prevalent and often included playful messages with puns and
wordplay.

Illustration text Happy Valentines day image 1

                          
 Cloth and paper postcard with embroidery, ca. 1947  FWWM 79.4.71.35

posted by Bob Karm in ANNIVERSARY,CURRENT EVENTS,DEBUT,GREETING CARDS,HISTORY,HOLIDAY and have No Comments