On today’s date February 14, 1849 Famous American 19th century photographer Mathew Brady captured the first photographic image of a United States President while in office. The photo was of President James Knox Polk. Photo: James Polk by Mathew Brady via Wikimedia Commons –>

American comedian, actor, violinist and vaudevillian Jack Benny was born in Chicago on February 14, 1894. His real name was Benjamin Kubelsky. Image of Jack Benny as a baby via Wikimedia Commons, public domain –>

Members of the U.S. Army 92nd Infantry Division drying out in a bomb shattered house in Viareggio, Italy February 14, 1944 Image from Julius Jääskeläinen via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 –>

On February 14, 1962, Jacqueline Kennedy appeared in a televised tour of The White House that was simulcast on two TV networks. The videotaped program aired on the third network a few nights later. Image of Jackie Kennedy from 1962 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain –>

Master Sergeant William “Bill” Robinson deplanes at Scott Air Force Base on February 14, 1973. Robinson was held captive at the Hanoi Hilton in Vietnam for nearly 7 & 1/2 years and was released just a few days earlier at the beginning of Operation Homecoming. Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain –>

Aretha Franklin recorded her version of “Respect” on February 14, 1967. Image of Aretha from the following February 1968 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain –>

Vic Morrow, born February 14, 1929 made his film debut as a juvenile delinquent in “Blackboard Jungle” and appeared in “King Creole” with Elvis. He also had many television roles and starred as Sergeant Saunders in the 1960’s series “Combat!” He’s shown in that role (right) with guest star Sal Mineo. Image Wikimedia Commons, no known copyright, public domain in the US. –>

Born February 14, 1859 structural engineer George W. Ferris promised the organizers of Chicago’s 1893 Columbian Exhibition that his wheel would “out-Eiffel Eiffel.” The steam-powered Ferris Wheel, 264 feet tall, could carry 2,160 fairgoers at a time in enclosed cars. The fifty cent fee was steep but the ride proved immensely popular. Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain in the US. –>

Saint Valentine’s Day scenes from Harper’s Weekly in 1861 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain –>

Theodore Roosevelt’s mother, Martha “Mittie” Bulloch shown here in her early 20s She too passed away on the very same day that Theodore’s first wife Alice died – Valentine’s Day February 14, 1884. Photo: Public Domain Wikipedia Commons –>

President Taft signing Arizona Statehood Bill. On February 14, 1912, Arizona became the 48th state. Image via Wikimedia Commons, no known restrictions –>

“It’s time to remember the way to Her heart.” Whitman’s Chocolates, 1950 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain –>

Tillamook Rock Light Station in Oregon, 1901 On February 14, 1859 Oregon became the 33rd state. Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain –>

United States Postal Service “LOVE” Stamp issued in 1973 Art by Robert Indiana via Wikimedia Commons, public domain –>

TIME AND LOVE. Time flies. The swift hours hurry by And speed us on to untried ways; New seasons ripen, perish, die, And yet love stays. The old, old love — like sweet at first, At last like bitter Wine — I know not if it blest or curst, Thy life and mine. Time flies. In vain our prayers, our tears We cannot tempt him to delays ; Down to the past he bears the years, And yet love stays. Through changing task and varying dream We hear the same refrain, As one can hear a plaintive theme Run through each strain. Time flies. He steals our pulsing youth, He robs us of our care-free days, He takes away our trust and truth, And yet love stays. O Time ! take love ! When love is vain, When all its best joys die — When only its regrets remain — Let love, too, fly. by Ella Wheeler Wilcox –>