Esther Howland (1828-1904) was the first successful Valentine manufacturer in America, and can by credited with popularizing the day in America. She built up a business which eventually ran into sales of $100,000 a year. The initial 'H' on the rear of a card, is an identifying mark for Esther Howland's valentines. Since Miss Howland purchased her valentine papers from England, it is not at all unusual to find a valentine embossed with the name of Wood, Mullord, or Windsor on the face and the tell-tale red "H" on the back.