Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 February 1913 — Old English Valentine Custom. [ARTICLE]

Old English Valentine Custom.

In the west of England there was one ancient custom that was extraordinarily singular. Early in the morning of St. Valentina’s day young men, necessarily of the character that “deelights” In the strenuous life, started out together with a clap-net to oatch an’owl and two sparrows In some neighboring barn- If they were successful In catching the birds and brought them to the village Inn without 1 injury and before the women folk had risen, they were- rewarded with three .pots of purl (whatever that la) by the lnkeeper. They alto enjoyed the privilege of demanding similar consideration at the hands of every householder in the neighborhood.