Loveland’s Sweetheart Couple

Ted and Mabel Thompson bronze relief. lewisda73 (Atlas Obscura User)

Nestled in a quiet corner of Thompson Park in the heart of Loveland, Colorado, is a memorial to the city’s beloved “Sweetheart Couple,” Ted and Mabel Thompson. Ted holds his wife Mabel’s hand while adoringly looking down at her. Mabel’s heart-shaped earrings show in profile as she smiles back at her husband of over 50 years.

In 1946, Ted, who was head of the city’s chamber of commerce, Mabel, and the local postmaster came up with an idea to spread romance in Loveland by creating the Valentine Remailing Program. This was a time when it was commonplace to send a Valentine’s Day card to your friend, family member, childhood crush, or beloved partner. Jotting a personal note on card print was seen as a gesture of heartfelt affection.

Ever since—for over 70 years now—volunteers in “Sweetheart City” have processed millions of valentines from people in all 50 states and over 100 countries around the world. These cupid connectors hand-stamp each pre-addressed envelope with a new Valentine’s verse each year before sending them on their way to pluck at the heartstrings of their recipients.

Ted and Mabel have since passed away, but Loveland’s Sweetheart Couple is remembered in a bronze relief in Thompson Park. Their Valentine Remailing Program continues to spread love and joy every year, and those that had the privilege to meet the couple in person still feel the effects of their lifetime of service, commitment to each other, and everlasting love.

Know Before You Go

Thompson Park is in the middle of the historic district in old town Loveland, Colorado. There is no designated parking—park on the street near the Rialto Theatre and walk a short block to the park. The park is small but has several sculptures. The bronze relief is near the back left corner of the park.