Whitney Made Valentine Greetings Postcard, Aberdeen SD, 1913

This postcard, produced by Whitney Made of Worcester, Mass., is a charming example of early 20th-century Valentine greetings. The front features an illustration of two children, one reading a book and the other with Cupid wings, set against a picturesque countryside scene visible through a window. The words "Valentine Greetings" are elegantly printed in the lower right corner, capturing the essence of the holiday.

The postcard is a divided back type, typical of the era from 1907 to 1915. The back is postmarked from Aberdeen, South Dakota, dated February 13, 1913. It bears a green one-cent stamp featuring George Washington, a common issue of the time. The message reads: "Dear Friend: Received your letter some time ago and will write some time. It takes me most of my spare time now to wade thru the snow to get to school. Your friend, Mamie Doty." The card is addressed to Mrs. Willie Pautsch in Wessington, S.D.

This postcard documents early 20th-century social customs and communication patterns, particularly the use of postcards for personal correspondence. The illustration and message provide insight into the cultural and seasonal context of the time. Surviving examples like this offer valuable records of regional history and personal connections during this era.