Below is an advertisement for a St. Valentine’s Ball at the United States Hotel in Harper’s Ferry on February 14, 1856. One of the event’s managers, John Avis, would be John Brown’s jailor 3 years later.
Virginia Free Press, February 14, 1856
He was also a childhood playmate of Martin Delany, of Charles Town.
Detail from “Life and public services of Martin R. Delany” by Frank Rollin, pen name of Frances Anne Rollin (1845-1901)
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Steam at Harper’s Ferry has unique and limited edition art, jewelry, and other calorie-free gifts for you to consider.