“That was a jolly way for it to start, wasn’t it?” exclaimed the boy named Billy.
“When did people begin sending Valentine messages to each other?” asked Big Sister.
“In early times in England and very likely also in other parts of the world,” said Somebody, “it was the custom to send a gift to the one who had been chosen as a young man’s Valentine. This custom grew more popular year by year, until, as the gifts must be worth while, it very likely grew burdensome, and the sending of gifts was in a manner discontinued. Then some bright person hit upon the plan of sending dainty creations made of lace paper with bright and witty verses written on them. Even that custom was about worn out when some one in England sent a lacy affair to Miss Esther Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts, who saw in it a way to make some money; so she started making Valentines for sale, and succeeded so well that the making of them and the sale of them has grown to be a very great and important industry.”
“So poor old St. Valentine just had the day wished on him,” said the boy named Billy. “What ever did become of him?”
“He offended someone,” said Somebody, “and was beheaded.”
“Playful, weren’t they?” said the boy named Billy, as he gathered up the Valentines.
Why we celebrate George Washington’s Birthday
THE BOY named Billy came into the room to say goodbye to Somebody before going to the celebration of George Washington’s birthday at the schoolhouse.