A Brilliant Valentine Party: The Social Event of the Week
– The Eau Claire Telegram | Feb. 17, 1895

Durand - A St. Valentine dance and reception was given by the Misses Dorwin with Mr. and Mrs. W.K. VanHoessen at their pleasant home just completed, Oak Grove Farm. The house was appropriately and artistically decorated for the occasion, being in the form of a St. Valentine party. The rooms were decorated with festoons and cit flowers, among which was a large heart of roses, pierced by a silver arrow and suspended from the ceiling of the spacious dining room. Refreshments were served on plates in the form of hearts. Very tasty souvenirs of the occasion were presented. The evening was very pleasantly spent in dancing, cards and other games were indulged in.
 

Chad’s Take: Par-tay

I bet most of you are unaware that this Saturday is St. Valentine’s Day. Don’t blame yourself, it is just that the media and businesses tend to pass over this date without making much fuss, but I thought I would bring it to your attention so you don’t feel bad if you find yourself sitting in that empty restaurant with your loved one on Saturday.   

As you can see this article is not overly strange or bizarre, but I wanted to include it because I think it illustrates just how different life is today in the Chippewa Valley. This article was literally one of dozens that I found, all of them telling about these elaborate parties and social events taking place on Valentine’s Day throughout the Chippewa Valley. What I found very interesting was the fact that back then Valentine’s Day was seen as a community event. These parties would be comprised of a combination of married folks, their children, widows and widowers, and an assortment of single men and women. The whole community would gather to celebrate the day together at one of these socials. Things are much different today, as the closest thing you might have to a community Valentine’s Day event is passing by an acquaintance as you leave Haymarket Grill. So there you have it, nothing bizarre, and nothing supernatural, just another normal Valentine’s Day in the Chippewa Valley.

Keep an eye out ...