To My Valentine
By Deborah DeSilets
How many of us can say we have hand drawn a card for our loved ones for Valentine’s Day? The one in the photo was drawn in the 1920’s by Morris Lapidus to his wife Bea. This was a tradition that started when they were courting and continued for over fifty years. This card was animated: you could pull on a book—cleverly titled “LOVE” — to read a personal message. The fluid borders, and the even more fluid calligraphy style all were uniquely Lapidus’. And of course, he is the young man offering the flowers and love note. The fun in all of his cards comes across. As well the technique. He was a Beaux Arts Trained architect who studied at Columbia University at the turn of the century and knew all about watercolor, Indian ink, china pencils and draftsmanship. There is a lot going on in that small card! As small a gesture as it is, a personal card from a loved one is a mighty powerful way to say I love you. My father rarely sent cards to my mother but would leave a handwritten note often. Some of these handwritten notes are the most expressive and tell-telling of all mementos I own.
As a child the nuns were always ready to have a Valentine’s Day celebration. We would pass cards amongst our friends and the note inside would tell more. I have one particular note from my friend Valerie instructing how I should be sure to send two cards to my “love interests” so no one would know who I really liked! The logic of a ten-year-old! But love has a different logic anyway. Love’s logics make you do things you might not—like take out the trash, change a tire, cook a favorite meal, or stop and spend time making a valentine card! The best thing about love’s logic is that it endures. It lingers with you and has a way of changing you. Love works in slow and enduring steps. A little over time goes a long way.
For the next year, the Miami Design Preservation League will celebrate the architecture, life and works of the mid-century modern architect, Morris Lapidus. I invite you all to come visit the exhibit online or take a trip to Miami Beach, to see a wonderful exhibit unfold. It is a love story that began with Lapidus’ love notes to his wife, was cemented in their honeymoon on her shores, and later made concrete in the architecture that filled the Miami Beach shoreline and beyond. Come enjoy the honeymoon, capture some sun, sand, and sea, and come to love the architecture of her shores. Miami Beach is a place for all lovers and honeymooners. Morris Lapidus, Jackie Gleason, and many more enjoyed their honeymoons here. And why not? It was a “magic city” that formed from out of the sea and was founded on the honeymoon promise from Carl G. Fisher to his wife Jane Wyatt to build a “paradise” for her. Come see how one man’s love finished the work of another. See you at the Beach!
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