Hark to heart

Ah the celebration of love arrives. Shall we peruse some vintage Valentines for some lighthearted amusement?. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)

It’s not what you think! This pair is not practicing for an audition for America’s Got Talent. Entertainment at Camp Lee/Newport News, Virginia with Pfc. Omer Pelletier and “Snooks”during a Valentine’s Party. So much was less demanding then. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)

Interesting 1892 Life Magazine cover for Valentine’s issue. Is the woman holding Cupid hostage or refusing to have her heart stolen? He does have a bow and arrow…(USPD/Commonw.wikimedia.org)

Poor postal employees. If it’s not pit bulls, it’s a pushy, young boss. Maybe this postman warned the purple lady above about the bipolar temperament of Cupid? (1910/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)

Well, this card passed out in a classroom party would cause quite a ruckus these day. That kid would be instantly rushed to the office and interrogated. “Why did you think violence and guns was at all appropriate for Valentines?! Oh, is that your mom in the purple illustration? Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…Quick call CPS!” (From 1906- back when everyone had a sense of humor and generally knew the difference between between fantasy/make believe and real life. USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)

Arrogant Self-confident boy on 1915 Valentine postcard. If you’ve got it, flaunt it. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)

Obviously bought by someone who has had to deal with parental disapproval. Perhaps the recipient one of  the boys of the cards above? What teen doesn’t love a rebel – and one the parents hate? (1915/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)

Unsuspecting boy receives a special delivery Valentine. (Archives of NZ. USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)

Guess this kid never saw that movie “The Birds” or he wouldn’t be leaning out in such precarious fashion on that flimsy looking balcony.

Hmmm, if he’s similar to the boy with the red bow tie above, would he be a candidate for  a “special” Valentine?

• Animal Shelter features a Valentine’s Day revenge package (CNET)
• San Antonio Zoo returns with “Cry Me a Cockroach” Donors can to name a cockroach, a rodent, or a vegetable to be fed to one of the zoo’s animals
• The ATF offers a Valentine’s Day Revenge package that is sure to please.“Valentine’s Day can still be fun even if you broke up. Do you have information about a former (or current) partner involved in illegal gun activity? Let us know, and we will make sure it’s a Valentine’s Day to remember!….”

Passive aggressive double meaning here? Maybe a visual warning message to “Stop kicking my heart around”. (1915.USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)

1861 Valentine’s Day preparations. But what’s with the silly geese at the top corner? Oh, maybe donors of feathers for ink quills? Love hurts, they say. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)

Well, we’ll see what’s driving that. (1940’s/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)

Pretty in pink. How lovely. Now where’s the rest of the Valentine’s loot I can brag to my girlfriends about? (1910.USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)

“What is Galentine’s Day? Everything you need to know about this popular holiday that started out as a joke.”

Ahead of their time? Just too delicious not to share: Costumes for a Valentine’s ball. (Citizen-News, Hollywood) Elaine Fullerton, “Tintinabulations in Miasma;” Bettina Ryan, “The Little Tear Gland That Goes Pooh Pooh;” Brooke Waring, “Accepted Surrealist Bride;” Gladys Aller, “Rejected Bride of the Broken Heart.” Costumes for the Los Angeles unit of the American Artists’ Congress for their Surrealist Valentine’s Ball, February, 1937 in Hollywood. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org.)

 

May your Valentine’s Day have as many smiles as there are grains of sand on the shore. (USPD/flickr/Commons.wikimedia.org)

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge