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FEBRUARY 2021, Volume 34 No. 6 Florida’s Best News Source for Vintage-ANTIQUE-Collectibles

Antique Shoppe
An tique Shoppe
Antique Shoppe
THE

Fraktur Valentines

Rare and beautiful tokens of love

By Larry LeMasters, LeMasters’ Antique News Service

Fraktur Valentines are highly are actually love letters hand
artistic and elaborate folk art made to give to a loved one.
Valentines originally created by Collectors prize Fraktur
the Pennsylvania Dutch. The Valentines for their originality
name “Fraktur” comes from the and beauty.
elaborately decorative script Intricate watercolors,
used on such Valentines. calligraphy, lacy folds,
Fraktur is a German word and mushy words (such as
used for a form of calligraphic “Round is the ring that has
printing, consisting of black no end. So is my Love to you
letter typefaces whose forms My Friend”) make Fraktur
are broken up to contain many Valentines romantic inspirations
angles. The word “fraktur” for both the Valentine and
derives from the Latin word the collector. Some of these
fractūra, meaning “break.” It is treasured Valentines are folded
the same root word used in the cards (which carries over today
English word “fracture.” to the specially folded notes
Dutch immigrants brought girls still pass to each other in
the word and the practice of grade school). Often Fraktur
making Valentines in such a Valentines were folded puzzle
manner with them when they (sometimes called “Puzzle
immigrated to America. Settling Purses”) that have hidden
in Pennsylvania in the early words of love and affection
1700s, these Dutch people written throughout the folds
brought with them some of the that get revealed as each card is
Come and visit Emiline's Antique Mall at 1415 10th St. West in Palmetto, FL. We
have 33 rooms filled with fabulous finds for every collector or decorator. If you are traditional arts and culture of unfolded.
looking for antiques, toys, jewelry, Disney items, Ringling items, Postcards, Lladro, the Netherlands, including the Fraktur Valentines are
military collectables, sports memorabilia, or art work we have it here. Plus other high making of Fraktur Valentines. some of the earliest known
end figurines. Original Fraktur Valentines Valentine’s Day cards, and they
Emiline's has been in business for over 22 years in Palmetto. Our building is over
9,800 sq. ft. fully air conditioned with great parking. were created between 1740 held romantic messages that are
Our friendly staff is ready to help you find that special item you are looking for. and 1860, but the Fraktur form far to risqué and suggestive for
We follow all Covid guidelines to make your shopping experience as safe as possible. of creating lovely Valentines 21st century school children to
We are open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 12-5pm. Our phone
number is 941-729-5282. has continued to the present exchange.
We look forward to seeing you soon. day. Fraktur folk art Valentines Continued on Page 3

Florida’s Largest Antique Event of the Year!

100s South Florida Fairgrounds FEBRUARY
oF 9067 Southern Blvd.
DEAlERs West Palm Beach, FL 33411 5-6-7
www.wpbaf.com 941-697-7475 info@wpbaf.com
SPECTACULAR EARLY BUYERS: “1st Pick” Friday 9AM-12PM • Admission $25 - Good All 3 Days • GEN. ADMISSION: FRI 12-5PM, SAT 9AM-5PM, SUN 10AM-4:30PM • Admission $10
SPECTACULAR