History 21 The Podcast - 4.04 Valentines Day in Anoka

Valentine’s Day is billed as the day of love, couples and all things romance. But where did this day of hearts and cupids come from and why do we celebrate it each February 14? Skeptics may say it is only a plot from the greeting card and candy companies….but Anoka County residents were celebrating and engaging with Valentine’s Day long before Hallmark Company even began. Learn how people in Anoka County celebrated Valentines Day through the years.

This episode is a portion of a program given at ACHS February 10, 2024.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Valentine’s Day in Anoka

The earliest mention of the holiday in an Anoka paper is from 1869, where it was remarked that the holiday was a popular one. In some years, mentions of the holiday are quite brief; “Valentine day, occurs on next Monday” or “Valentine’s day next Tuesday” might be the only thing about it to appear in the paper that year.[1] Then the day started to garner slightly longer mentions. In 1877, the Anoka Union commented that “Valentine’s day is close at hand, and soon the post office will be bothered with the missives.”[2] In 1883 it was reported that “a good many valentines passed through the post office yesterday.”[3] Again in 1886, the paper comments that “Valentine’s day was generally observed in Anoka….”[4]

What does this tell us? They are small almost throw away notices – but they make it clear that the holiday is known and things related to the day are happening. Especially related to cards and letters – but it doesn’t expand on any other celebrations.

The day apparently remained popular in Anoka over time. In 1935 – in the midst of the great depression, a comment in the newspaper pops up acknowledging the day “That there is no decrease in the interest manifested on Valentine’s Day was fully demonstrated in Anoka this month”[5] Despite the hardships of the time – sharing valentines, love and a smile on the 14th kept going. It wasn’t seen as an expensive holiday – it was still accessible to people no matter the family’s resources.

Of course, the holiday remains popular both in Anoka County and across the U.S. today.

What do you immediately associate with Valentines day?

[1] Anoka Union, February 10, 1870 and February 8, 1878

[2] Anoka Union, February 10, 1877

[3] Anoka Union, February 15, 1883

[4] Anoka Union, February 17, 1886

[5] Anoka Union, February 20, 1935

Anoka County Library Minute

Adult Materials:

Children’s Materials:

Discover Kits –

Each kit is a hobby-in-a-box with instructions and materials for hands-on learning

Discover Kit: Hand Lettering

Kitchen Collection –

Specialty bakeware and cooking gadgets. This collection is housed at the Centennial Library only, but can be requested for pickup at any Anoka County Library location.