Joanne Smith couldn't say why, but valentines have always appealed to her.
"There's just something romantic about them," the Salt Lake resident said.
For the past 30 years Smith has collected antique valentines, and her collection now numbers more than 300. The valentines are on display, with some for sale at Briar Patch Antiques, the shop she runs with her husband, Boyd. Every one of the valentines in the collection she found locally, a feat that wouldn't be possible now.
"You can't find them anymore," she said.
Smith's collection spans from tiny 3-by-3-inch handmade cards to elaborate foot-long hearts with multiple hand-painted pieces that decorate her walls. Some are fold-out cards while others have moveable arms, legs or eyes. She even has several old-fashioned humorous ones.
Smith said she enjoys the look of the valentines, especially the characters depicted on them. Most are much more elaborate than their modern counterparts.
"The colors are so great. They're totally different than the modern ones," she said. "Most are embossed. The artist who did them signed some of them, which makes them worth more."
The oldest valentine in Smith's collection dates from 1852. She said she got it from the Clawson family, who were relatives of Brigham Young. The delicate valentine is mounted in a picture frame with the card on one side and the envelope on the other. The card has tiny writing on it, but Smith said she hasn't been able to read it yet.
The other valentines in the collection range from the late 1800s through 1930. Most came from Germany, which is where the earliest valentines were made, she said.
Smith's collection has even become part of her family tradition. Every year she gives an antique valentine to her grandchildren. Before her sons got married, they used to give the valentines to the girls they were dating.
Anyone interested in seeing Smith's collection or possibly purchasing some of the valentines can visit Briar Patch Antiques, 360 E. 300 South, Salt Lake City. The shop is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cards range in price from 25 cents to $50 for the more elaborate ones.
E-mail: twalquist@desnews.com