Valentine's Day was probably imported into North America in the 19th century by British settlers. In the Untited Stated States, the first mass-produced valantines of emvossed paper lace were produced and sold shortly after 1847 by Esther Howland (1828-1904) of worcester, Massachusetts. Her father operated a large book and stationery store, and she took her inspiration from an English valentine she had received. Since 2001, the Greeting Card Association has been giving an annual "Esther Howland A ward for a Greeting Card Visionary