Things to do, places to eat, shows to see, places to stay in Madison County, NY      

_ Valentine's Day has roots in several different legends that have been observed for centuries. One of the earliest familiar symbols of Valentine's Day is Cupid, the Roman god of love, who is depicted as a young boy with a bow and arrow. In the Middle Ages, romantic sentiments were exchanged through verse or melody.

_The first paper valentine was exchanged between the imprisoned Duke of Orleans in 1415 who passed his time composing romantic verses for his wife. Early valentines were handmade with stylized written verse and decorated with colored inks.  By the 1800s, valentines were manufactured in black and white that were hand painted with hearts and cupids.  In the 1850s, fancier valentines were decorated with lace, ribbons, silk, satin, and gold leaf.  By the turn of century, valentines were made entirely by machine.

Everyone knows that Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 - a day when valentines and gifts are exchanged between loved ones.  In the tradition of Valentine’s Day, the Madison County Historical Society will have a make-your-own Victorian Valentine workshop for children between the ages of 8-12 on Saturday, February 11. There is a nominal fee of $5 per child to cover the cost of supplies.  The workshop will be held during two sessions at the historical society located at 435 Main Street in Oneida. The first session is from 10 -11:30 am. The second session is from 12:30- 2:00 pm. Reservations are required as space is limited to 12 children per session. The deadline to register for the make your own Victorian Valentine workshop is February 3.  For more information contact the society at 315-363-4136, 315-361-9735, or www.mchs1900.org. An adult must accompany each child attending the workshop.