PUT DOWN THE HONEY JAR, PICK UP THE VINEGARMany of you already know the hilariously rude tradition k
PUT DOWN THE HONEY JAR, PICK UP THE VINEGARMany of you already know the hilariously rude tradition known as “Vinegar Valentines,” ranging from the lightly snarky to the outright cruel. As it’s Valentine’s Day now, enjoy a handful of Vinegar Vals–but probably don’t send any. (Unless they deserve it.)“You Are A Nerve Destroyer” (At the Piano) (fin-de-siècle) [The Strong National Museum of Play]“Must Settle Down Sometime, But Won’t Throw Himself Away Too Early” (late Victorian) [Brighton Museums: full Vin-Val collection]“For The New Woman!” (early 20th cen) [York Castle Museums: more ifno with curator Faye Prior]“My heart has turned from red to grey / And is heavy as lead on account of you; / For it’s loved you long, and it’s loved you true, / And your coldness has turned it a dismal hue.” (probably c20) [collection Alan Mays]“…if all men, were like thee – then, / I’d sooner die than marry.” (c.1814 sent to Thomas Williams Esq., No. 41 Berkley Square) [British Postal Museum]“Pity a Poor Wounded Heart” (late Victorian) [Brighton Museums]‘What means this shoe so very new? / Why, “23" skidoo, skidoo! / But if you’ll be my Valentine, / This shoe, my love, will not fit you.’ (Postmarked: Newark, N.J., Feb. 13, 1909. Sent to: Mr. Miles Tarbell, Groton, Tompkins County, New York.Message: Yours sincerely, Belle D.) [collection Alan Mays]“Deceitfulness personified” (ca. late Victorian) [AbeBooks]“A Duck and Geese” (ca.1875) [Brighton Museums]Well! That’ll show ‘em. Need another Vinegar Valentine? Here are some, and here, and here, and lastly here. -- source link
#vinegar valentines#victorian#edwardian#ephemera#valentines#miscellaneous#courtship#postal#valentines day#stereotypes#new woman#gender roles