Esther Allen Howland

Not much is recorded about Esther Howland's life, but it is known that she was born in Massachusetts in 1801, and in 1823 she married John Howland, a direct descendant of Pilgrim ancestors who arrived on the Mayflower. Howland was a successful publisher of religious literature, and he also ran the largest bookstore and stationer's shop in Worcester, Massachusetts. He first published his wife's cookbook in 1844, reprinting it with various titles and revised editions for over a decade after which it was issued by other publishers. Their daughter Esther Howland became famous for introducing Valentine's Day cards to the American public, and she created a thriving regional greeting card industry in Worcester.