EXTRAS
CALENDAR CUSTOMS
CALENDAR CUSTOMS
VALENTINE'S DAY
February 14th
by Gail Hussey-Weir
Created February 2020
February 14th
by Gail Hussey-Weir
Created February 2020
As early as 100 years ago, Bell Islanders were celebrating Valentine's Day. Jean Lindsay, who was born in 1913, said that she and her friends made their own valentines from white paper doilies to send around to friends or give in school. There were none to buy in shops in those days.
In 1931, the Daily News reported that "Miss Nellie Forward gave a Valentine party at the Staff House on the 13th." Prizes were given out. (Perhaps for card games?)
In 1937, “the LOBA opened their new hall, Bastow Lodge, on Feb. 16 with a Valentine party. It was hoped to have Mrs. Wiseman, Worshipful Mistress of Newfoundland, open the lodge but ice blocking the Tickle prevented her from coming. It was opened by Mrs. S. Blackmore, Mistress of the lodge, in the presence of 200 people.”
School children in the 1950s exchanged Valentines that were often hand-made from scribbler paper and coloured with red crayons. When times were good, they bought “books” of Valentine cards that they would cut out and sign.
In 1958, the Submarine Miner reported that “Valentine dances and socials were held by the local welfare clubs. The Kiwanis and Lions Club held Ladies’ Night celebrations. The Canadian Legion and Wabana Boys’ Club held Valentine dances and those who attended the socials enjoyed the events very much.”
Here are samples of the store-bought Valentines of the 1950s:
In 1931, the Daily News reported that "Miss Nellie Forward gave a Valentine party at the Staff House on the 13th." Prizes were given out. (Perhaps for card games?)
In 1937, “the LOBA opened their new hall, Bastow Lodge, on Feb. 16 with a Valentine party. It was hoped to have Mrs. Wiseman, Worshipful Mistress of Newfoundland, open the lodge but ice blocking the Tickle prevented her from coming. It was opened by Mrs. S. Blackmore, Mistress of the lodge, in the presence of 200 people.”
School children in the 1950s exchanged Valentines that were often hand-made from scribbler paper and coloured with red crayons. When times were good, they bought “books” of Valentine cards that they would cut out and sign.
In 1958, the Submarine Miner reported that “Valentine dances and socials were held by the local welfare clubs. The Kiwanis and Lions Club held Ladies’ Night celebrations. The Canadian Legion and Wabana Boys’ Club held Valentine dances and those who attended the socials enjoyed the events very much.”
Here are samples of the store-bought Valentines of the 1950s:
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