Vintage Valentines from 100 Years Ago

Dating has changed a lot since 1900, but the desire to woo (or re-woo) the object of your affections on February 14 has not. Here are eight vintage greeting cards from the turn of the century, when mass-produced cards had just overtaken the handwritten Valentines of yore.

This card screams "Happy Valentine’s Day! Let me just sneak up on you while you’re napping…":

This one seems oddly aggrieved:

Only the most poised and proper of greetings here:

For when you want to say, “my cat makes all my romantic decisions,” there's this card:

"Hello! Won’t you admire my fancy wig?"

"Or perhaps my elaborate millinery?"

Of course, everyone knows that nothing says “I love you” quite like a chubby baby:

These cards are all sourced from the New York Public Library’s collection of historical Valentine's Day greeting cards. There are more on the library’s website. Can’t get enough old greeting cards? Check out our list of some of the weirdest, creepiest vintage Valentines. 

[h/t Flavorwire]

All images via the New York Public Library // Public Domain