One of the happiest holidays of the year is Valentine’s Day. There will be large sales of flowers, cards and candy (plus more expensive gifts) and the restaurants will be crowded with couples celebrating this special day. The ways in which Valentine’s Day is celebrated have not changed much over the years.

Feb. 14, 1883 – Several young couples were hunting for the “Lover’s Leap,” “Cupid’s Retreat,” and other secluded spots of note that cluster around Breedlove’s Spring near Hartselle today.

Feb. 14, 1886 – It is reported by Dame Rumor that one of Hartselle’s most charming and handsome young ladies and one of Somerville’s most popular young men will unite their fate very soon.

Feb. 14, 1886 – Henry Speegle and Emma Watts now plan to be married in just a few days, inspired no doubt by today’s Valentine’s Day festivities. They plan for the Rev. Dr. A. C. Henry to perform the ceremony at his residence in the presence of the immediate families.

Feb. 17, 1895 – Several from here are in receipt of invitations from Dr. and Mrs. Henry L. Grubbs to attend the marriage of their daughter, Leila Virginia, to William Newton Hall on Wednesday evening at 8 o’clock at First Methodist Church, Decatur.

Feb. 15, 1904 – The most unique and enjoyable social event of the season was a Valentine-themed party given tonight at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Riddle to the married set exclusively. Mrs. S. S. Riddle and Miss Kate Elgin assisted Mrs. Riddle in receiving their guests. The home was beautifully decorated in hearts and the Valentine idea was carried out during the entire evening.

Feb. 20, 1910 – Louise Briscoe, daughter of Rev. W. J. Briscoe, who formerly served as pastor of the Flint Baptist Church, married R. Y. Bracken, night ticket agent at the union depot in Decatur, at the home of the bride at Carlton, Tex., today.

Feb. 20, 1912 – Former Mayor and Mrs. J L. Day are currently planning a party in celebration of their upcoming 15th wedding anniversary.

Feb. 16, 1919 – Cupid has failed to observe the World War armistice in Morgan County. Probate Judge Troup has already performed more than a dozen marriages in his office this month.

Feb.10, 1924 – Dealers in the plain and fancy designs of cards unanimously report the biggest sale for years in preparation for St. Valentine’s Day. Candy, too, in heart-shaped boxes also has been in big demand. Candy box prices range from 35 cents to $8.

Feb. 10, 1912 – Determined to be married before this year’s Valentine’s Day, Novel Waugh eloped early today with Newman Winton, Pulaski being their goal. They drove to Decatur and boarded L & N train No. 2 and reached Tennessee in time to have the ceremony performed and return back home tonight. Reconciliations were effected by long distance telephone and the young couple is now at home to celebrate Valentine’s Day as husband and wife!

Feb. 13, 1925 – The run on the florists for their product reach its peak today, the day before the big event.

Feb. 12, 1941 – Grayce McBride and Phil Wasson have been struck by Cupid’s arrow and plan to be married soon.

Feb. 18, 1951 – Jack Betterton of the U.S. Army and Freida Vest, a student, are planning to be married in the near future.

Feb. 14, 1958 – Husbands who forgot that today was Valentine’s Day were in hot water as far as their wives were concerned. (Most remembered.)

Feb. 13, 1959 – Jane McDaniel entertained a group of friends with a Valentine party at her home tonight.

Feb. 14, 1959 – Guys who wanted to get away from Valentine’s Day events had the option of going on a rabbit hunt that began at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge today. Instead of Valentine-type gifts, husbands could bring home a maximum of six rabbits that they had shot with their shotguns.