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- Packaging for Comic Valentines Made by McLoughlin Bros., "New Pedestals, No. 17," circa 1905 - From the 1840s into the early 1900s, some people sent inexpensive Valentine's Day greetings that chided, warned, or insulted the recipient. An exaggerated, often garish cartoon and short verse described and dismissed someone's looks, intelligence, personality, or behavior. Within the atmosphere of a festive holiday, under the cover of humor, these "vinegar valentines" were acceptable critiques of behaviors that deviated from social norms.

- circa 1905
- Collections - Artifact
Packaging for Comic Valentines Made by McLoughlin Bros., "New Pedestals, No. 17," circa 1905
From the 1840s into the early 1900s, some people sent inexpensive Valentine's Day greetings that chided, warned, or insulted the recipient. An exaggerated, often garish cartoon and short verse described and dismissed someone's looks, intelligence, personality, or behavior. Within the atmosphere of a festive holiday, under the cover of humor, these "vinegar valentines" were acceptable critiques of behaviors that deviated from social norms.
- Trade Catalog, "McLoughlin Bros. Catalogue 56th Year, Season 1904-1905" - John and Edmund McLoughlin ran the New York publishing firm started by their father in 1828. Their company became well-known in the mid-1800s for its early adoption and skillful use of new color printing techniques. Realizing success in the emerging market for children's books, McLoughlin Brothers expanded its product line. This catalog offered books and greeting cards, as well as blocks, games, and puzzles.

- 1904-1905
- Collections - Artifact
Trade Catalog, "McLoughlin Bros. Catalogue 56th Year, Season 1904-1905"
John and Edmund McLoughlin ran the New York publishing firm started by their father in 1828. Their company became well-known in the mid-1800s for its early adoption and skillful use of new color printing techniques. Realizing success in the emerging market for children's books, McLoughlin Brothers expanded its product line. This catalog offered books and greeting cards, as well as blocks, games, and puzzles.
- Catalog of Valentines for 1882, McLoughlin Brothers, 1882 - Throughout the second half of the nineteenth century, family members and sweethearts commonly exchanged Valentine's Day greetings. Typical valentines were frilly and often depicted cherubs, birds, or flower garlands. This eye-catching catalog lists a range of valentines offered by the McLoughlin Bros. publishing firm for 1882.

- 1882
- Collections - Artifact
Catalog of Valentines for 1882, McLoughlin Brothers, 1882
Throughout the second half of the nineteenth century, family members and sweethearts commonly exchanged Valentine's Day greetings. Typical valentines were frilly and often depicted cherubs, birds, or flower garlands. This eye-catching catalog lists a range of valentines offered by the McLoughlin Bros. publishing firm for 1882.