1950s
February 10, 1954
“Valentine Greetings Change From Traditional Sweetness”
By Karl B. Knust, Jr.
In 1954, The Cavalier Daily reported on a new trend — students were shifting from traditional, romantic Valentine’s Day cards to more comical options to give out to your friends. These cards would include anything from cheesy and insulting rhymes to an ape with movable thumbs-down arms.
1960s
February 13, 1962
“Valentine’s Day Tradition Expands Over The Years”
This retrospective piece explores the history of Valentine’s Day and how it grew into an international phenomenon. The author outlines each milestone in the development of the holiday, including a letter sent by a martyred Roman priest in 271 A.D. and the first known English-language Valentine’s Day message in 1684.
1970s
February 14, 1979
“V-Day volume valued”
By Mark Hufford
In this article from 1979, local shops discuss the business that Valentine’s Day brings, with the intensity of the Valentine’s Day rush steadily increasing over the years. Overall, thousands of roses and floral bouquets had been sold that year, as well as countless baked treats and conversation hearts. One student even purchased $70 worth of flowers which equates to about $300 today.
1980s
Feb. 14, 1986
“HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY”
In a one-and-a-half page spread, The Cavalier Daily compiled Valentine’s Day notes sent in by readers. The messages, which convey romantic and platonic well-wishes alike, are addressed to significant others, friends, roommates and siblings.
1990s
February 12, 1999
“Singles find alternatives to Valentine’s Day”
By Mandy Locke
Photos by Tengku Bahar
Tired of the constant stigma around being single on Valentine’s Day, single students decided to rebrand Valentine’s Day as Single’s Pride Day or Single’s Awareness Day. Instead of falling into the stereotype of moping around all day, students made plans to celebrate singleness by focusing on other important types of love in their lives, especially friendship. The Women’s Center also put on the first annual Alternative Valentine’s Day which included two contests: “Top Ten Reasons Why It’s Great to be Single” and “Worst Date Ever,” as well as a showing of the movie Heathers.
2000s
Feb. 16, 2004
“Conversation hearts”
By Meghan Moran, Michelle Jamrisko and Hannah Woolf
Students shared their Valentine’s Day experiences in a series of interviews. While some partook in romantic dinners, others made the most of their holidays by going out with friends, watching movies and enjoying live music.
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