This early to mid-20th century school valentine greeting bears an androgynous child in necktie. A handwritten note on the reverse reads To Joe Taylor, From Mildred. The holiday derives its name, if not its substance, from a martyred ancient Roman saint referred to as St. Valentine. The styling of the youthful suitor/maiden shown on the card includes a necktie or scarf. The ambiguity of the dress suits the ambiguous gender identity of the child. The innocence of a grade-school romance which involves few of the gender specific embroilments of adult relationships is perfectly represented here.

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