Esther Howland

Esther Howland, whose father owned the largest stationery shop in Worcester, Massachusetts, is dubbed the “Mother of the American Valentine” and credited with producing the first Valentines printed mass market in the USA. Howland created a series of Valentine's Day cards in 1849, after being inspired by one sent from England to her. Due to her cards being shipped all over the country her business eventually grossed over $100,000 per year, a considerable sum for that time, and she eventually sold the business to George Whitney in 1880.