Along the way to St. Valentine’s Day…

The giving of chocolate for Valentine’s Day gained popularity during the Victorian era when Richard Cadbury saw the days as a good marketing opportunity.  He created the heart-shaped box in 1861 and marketed it has having a dual purpose:  One for giving a beautiful gift and the other for storing keepsakes in a beautiful box.  Decorative boxes grew more elaborate until the outbreak of World War II when sugar was rationed and the celebration of Valentine’s Day was scaled down.

Hershey’s chocolate kiss was created in 1907.  Russell Stover began as early as 1923 wrapping chocolates and eventually putting them in heart-shaped boxes and which remain one of the best selling Valentine’s chocolates today.

Along the way to St. Valentine’s Day 10:
Chocolate

 

“Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

~ An Old Irish Blessing ~

Marian McCoy Boveri