From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Feb. 14, 1975:

Rampant inflation had soured some people on buying candy for Valentine’s Day this year. Local drug stores were reporting good sales on small boxes, but the bigger sizes were staying on the shelves. The cost of sugar, which had risen rapidly in the fall, had contributed to an increase of 50 cents to $1 per box of candy. Additional increases in the cost of packaging had also driven the price up. The expense caused one store manager to say this morning, “I wouldn’t buy one. What do you do with an old heart box when you’re finished? You throw it in the trash.” Cards and flowers, on the other hand, had enjoyed brisk sales this week.