Valentine Postcard, Divided Back, Janesville WI, 1912

This charming divided back postcard, postmarked February 15, 1912, in Janesville, Wisconsin, features a delightful illustration of a young boy carrying heart-shaped valentines. The card is adorned with the message, 'My devoted heart is thine, Thee I love my Valentine,' capturing the romantic sentiments of the era. The postcard is printed in Germany, as noted on the back.

The reverse side includes a handwritten message: 'Dear Willie, How are you getting along these days? I guess you will find it pretty cold going to school, don't you? How is Aunt Bertha? If I was there I would wash her face in the snow. Goodbye, Maude.' The card is addressed to Mr. Willie Prutsch in Wessington, South Dakota, and bears a one-cent green U.S. postage stamp.

This postcard documents early 20th-century Valentine's Day customs, showcasing the style and communication methods of the time. Surviving examples provide valuable insights into personal relationships and social practices during this period.