By Linda Rennie
Marlborough – How many people get married on Valentine’s Day? Many people get engaged on Valentine’s Day. Before February 14th was declared Valentine’s Day, it was considered to be the day that birds officially mated.
Here, in the Northeast, February has had a history of not being ideal for weddings and celebrations. And probably not ideal for mating birds either. Looking at the history of the month of February, temperatures were always intensely cold. In 1826 on Feb. 1, it was 16 degrees below zero. On Feb. 6, 1855, the thermometer read 20 degrees below zero. It was 30 degrees below zero on Feb. 18, 1861. Most of us remember the blizzard of 1978.
However, our ancestors were hardy people and none of this cold weather kept the community from celebrating the season of love. In February 1849, residents enjoyed two balls at the John Cotting Hall. Edward Kendall’s Quadrille Band performed for each event. The season never kept the community from enjoying a gala event.
The community has a history of festivities during the cold winter season. Even though heating systems in churches were limited, weddings continued all during the season, such as the one of Richard Farwell, Esq. and Caroline M. Brigham in February 1853.
Youngsters skated on outdoor rinks and ponds throughout the area. We are a hardy group here in Marlborough and the community and one of positive celebration. Don’t let the cold weather dampen your warm heart on Valentine’s Day.
