Paris, Texas –– The Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special guided tour, “Romance in the Gilded Age”, on Saturday, February 14, at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
This Valentine’s-themed tour explores the romantic lives of the Maxey and Long families and offers visitors a glimpse into courtship during the late 19th century. Highlights include historic love letters, Victorian flower symbolism, period valentines from the site’s collection, and other romantic traditions of the era. The program is ideal for history enthusiasts, couples, and friends looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Paris, Texas, the state’s very own City of Love.
Participants will learn how romance during the Gilded Age followed strict social codes and customs.
“The Gilded Age is a fascinating period when it comes to romance and dating practices,” said Elana Barton, site educator. “Almost every act was prescribed and coded in some way. A bouquet of flowers could convey a message to its recipient, and even fans, a staple accessory for women at the time, could signal whether a lady was interested or already taken.”
The “Romance in the Gilded Age” specialized tour is $8 per person. Registration is required and space is very limited. To register for the event and for more information on this and upcoming events at the Maxey House, please visit the site’s website at www.visitsambellmaxeyhouse.com or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/visitsambellmaxeyhouse.
The Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site, a Texas Historical Commission property, was built in 1868 in the High Victorian Italianate-style as the home of Samuel Bell Maxey and his wife Marilda. Maxey served in the U.S.-Mexico War, was a Confederate general and two-term U.S. Senator. Members of the Maxey family lived in the house until 1966 and the restored house reflects almost 100 years of their continuous use. For more information visit visitsambellmaxeyhouse.com.
