Thursday, April 5, 2012

Chicago Libraries



These two linen postcards are on the subject of Chicago Public Libraries. The comic card was published in 1953 and is part of a series of comic interpretations of "Famous Chicago Attractions." The multiview card was published in 1937 and shows four Chicago libraries:
  • Newberry Library - A privately endowed, independent research library for the humanities and social sciences
  • Chicago Public Library - Formerly the central library of the Chicago Public Library system, now the Chicago Cultural Center.
  • Harper Memorial Library - Now the Harper Memorial Library Commons at the University of Chicago, does not currently house books.
  • John Crerar Library -Currently housed in a newer four-story building and operated by the University of Chicago, is focused on the sciences, medicine, and technology.



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16 comments:

  1. Being from Chicago, I hate to say I don't think I've been to any of those libraries. Of course, I left when I was 7. We had a small branch in our neighborhood and that's the only Chicago library I remember.
    Those cards are great.
    Nancy

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  2. I'm from Chicago too, but also left at an early age. I have never seen any library postcards like the first one.

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  3. What a great combination of obsessions: books, postcards and historic buildings. I've been to the great public library in Chicago, many years ago. Beautiful building, glad it's been saved as a cultural center.

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  4. I've never been to Chicago but the libraries sound great. That first card is a beauty.

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  5. I’ve visited Chicago; we did the riverboat tour, where all the famous buildings were pointed out. I can’t say the libraries stood out, but then there were so many magnificent buildings. I loved Chicago and would love to back there someday. Linen postcards sound rather luxurious.

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  6. The very serious buildings in the one card are a sharp contrast to the "fun" card with that happy guy getting ready to be plunked on the head with one of Chicago's great books. What message was Chicago sending with that one??

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  7. Two fabulous cards. I do intend to visit Chicago one day - it is working its way towards the top of my list - and when I do I will go in search of the public library.

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  8. Wow, how amazing is that. Beautiful color in that card! I must confess I could view this topic forever. A great library moment, glad I came to visit!

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  9. In the future, will they celebrate the gazillion webpages and e-book libraries that everyone stores on their smartphone?

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  10. It must be unusual to see a library being put forward as a famous attraction.

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  11. Love that first card- the only part of Chicago I have seen is the airport passing through.

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  12. What nice bright and cheery postcards, and I didn't know linen cards were available.

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  13. Some real collectables there. The only place I remember when being in Chicago was along Lake Shore Drive. Been many years ago. Great cards.
    QMM

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  14. I always enjoy your posts - your postcards are always so colorful and interesting. The postcard with the guy holding the stack of books is my favorite.

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  15. That guy in the first one looks so happy ... that is how I feel when I go to the library too. Except I am afraid that I am not going to get everything read in the alotted amount of time.

    Great post!

    Kathy M.

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  16. I certainly like the first card better, showing some sense of humor must have made such a venue more appealing to a larger crowd, me thinks...
    :)~
    HUGZ

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