I grew up in southern Illinois. By the time February rolled around most folks in that region were already sick of winter with the its grey skies and gloomy weather. The bright spot about February in southern Illinois, however, was three holidays that kids in school could enjoy.

I would guess just about every grade school class, back in the 1950’s, had some sort of Valentine exchange and, if they were lucky, the “room mothers” would provide special treats for an in-classroom party. And way before the 1950’s most schools celebrated George Washington’s birthday with a day off from sc...