Clague Museum celebrates Valentine's Day with party, candy bouquets

Vintage valentines from the Clague Museum collection. Photo by Lysa Stanton

The first mailed valentine in the United States was sent in 1806. However, this most personal communication actually dates back much farther to ancient Roman times. 

In keeping with the Valentine tradition, please join us on Sunday, Feb. 12, starting at noon, for an old-fashioned Valentine's Day party with the Westlake Historical Society. Shake off the winter chills and come inside the Clague family home located at 1371A Clague Road in Westlake. This annual party for the community began several years ago as a way to forget Old Man Winter, and enjoy an afternoon of crafts, sweet treats and museum tours.

Who can forget those wonderful valentine boxes we made as children for our card exchanges at school? Please join us as we will be making them during our party.

There is no charge for the event, but your donations are greatly appreciated.

Tours of the elegant Clague House Museum will be available. Also, the society will also honor past presidents of the United States born in February with birthday cupcakes.

Reservations are requested, but are not required. Call the historical society at 216-848-0680, and let us know how many you are bringing.

Candy Bouquets: The historical society once again has Valentine's Day-themed candy bouquets with gift card available. The bouquets can be ordered by calling 216-848-0680. Proceeds benefit the American Flag Fund, as well as our community outreach activities.

February Meeting: Don't forget the society's February meeting on Thursday, Feb. 23, from 7-8:45 p.m., at the Westlake Recreation Center. We will welcome our guest speaker Brian Thompson, Westlake attorney and historical society member. He will share his experiences growing up in wartorn Europe and coming alone to America when he was 16 years old.