This week’s image shows a classic Valentine from the 1900s. Unfortunately, finding Valentines from the 1820s can be tricky. We have included the image to help showcase a beautiful poem by Eliza Henry, daughter of the lighthouse keeper Dominic Henry, and War of 1812 heroine Mary Henry. She wrote this poem in 1828 for her friends Agnes McEwan and Elijah Lyman. The three pals would sit under a thorn tree in her garden and sing together in the pleasant moments of friendship. The poem was a beautiful token of love towards one’s friends. Happy Valentine’s Day!
When you to your friends do return
Will you ever think of me
Will you think of this garden so pleasant and green
And, likewise this little thorn tree.
Though Rivers and mountains should us divide
My thoughts will oft’ wonder to thee
With pleasure I’ll think of the moments I’ve passed
With you under the little thorn tree.
And when to the house of God I go
Upon my bended knee
Will I pray that my friend may enjoy as good health
As he now does beneath the thorn tree.
