Valentine's Cards from 1856
We are very pleased here at the Hamilton Public Library to introduce two Valentine’s cards dated 1856 that we have just received as a donation to our collection in Local History & Archives. These two treasures are quite possibly the first Valentine cards ever used in Canada.
The History
Henri Louis Bastien of Terrebonne, Quebec had been courting Sarah Jane Slater of Hamilton, when they had an argument, and she called off the engagement.
In order to win her back, Henri Louis sent her a Valentine, asking her to reconsider, and become his wife. She did accept, and they married in 1856. They were married for over 50 years, and had 15 children. Henri Louis Bastien became one of the premier boat builders in Canada, with a thriving business at the foot of Bay Street.
These Valentines are very special. His was an elaborate card with a handwritten poem, and she responded back with an even more ornate card, with teeny tiny handwriting.
These cards were donated by one of Henri Louis’ and Sarah Jane’s great-great grand-daughters, who is an employee of the Hamilton Public Library.
Henri Bastien to Sarah Jane Slater
We have been bad friends together but I hope its all over
So let us nurse the smothering spark till it shall blaze once more
Then take this hand in yours its grasp is warm & true
In my heart I find a spring of love still gushing forth to you
Oh I thank the for thy Beaming smile which has caused my sorrow to dispel
& saved me from the painful task of bidding thee farewell
For in a voiceless I certainly would have strewed
With all the pale flowers of the distant vernal wood
So maiden take the golden cross that I have worn so long
& bathed with many a Burning tear for secret woe & wrong
It could not still my beating heart but may it be a sign
Of peace & hope my gentle one when meekly pressed to thine
Time flies swift & my mind is fixt
To chose a mate in fifty six
So if you will consent pray loose no time
To declare yourself my Valentine.
Sarah Jane Slater to Henri Bastien
The blushing rose that hangs its head
And meets the suns shrinking head
Conceals within its heart a flair
Which from the glowing noontime came
So have I loved but some strange spell
Forbids my heart its tale to tell
But take these simple buds and feel
The love my lyps dare not reveal
Gladly I accept your offerd vows
And think it hapiness to become your spowse.
Many fascinating aspects of Hamilton’s history can be found in the Local History & Archives Department of the Hamilton Public Library.
