McKim Observatory, Greencastle, IN, 1912

Subject: Schools & Universities
Card type: Real photo
Date: c. 1912 (Golden Age)

Back of McKim Observatory, Greencastle, IN, 1912, c. 1912 real photo postcard — Back

About this postcard

The card pictures McKim Observatory, a brick observatory with a large domed telescope housing and a plaque reading "MCKIM OBSERVATORY 1884," in Greencastle, Indiana. Built in 1884, it is associated with DePauw University and served as its astronomical observatory. The cylindrical brick base, domed roof, and surrounding balcony are clearly visible.

Postcard Details

Message · English

Dear Miss McElwaine: Will you furnish me a date? Was John Kinzie already living on the river bank when Ft. Dearborn was built or did he come afterward? Sincerely, Mary Ridpath - Maune Aug. 20th

PostmarkedGREENFIELD, August 20, 1912, 16:30

Addressed to

Miss Caroline McElvaine

Chicago Historical Society Dearborn Av. & Ontario St. Chicago

FromMary Ridpath-Maine, 309 E. Lincoln St., Greenfield, IN

Postcard record

Postmarked	August 20, 1912, 16:30, GREENFIELD
Publisher	Walter Allen Stotesbury
Condition	Good
Place addressed	Miss Caroline McElvaine, Dearborn Av. & Ontario St., Chicago Historical Society, Chicago
Place depicted	McKim Observatory, Greencastle, IN
Place sent from	Mary Ridpath-Maine, 309 E. Lincoln St., Greenfield, IN
Stamp	1c George Washington, green, issued 1909
Notes	White border; black-and-white photograph; foxing/age spots on border and image; printed publisher line and caption along bottom. Postmark: GREENFIELD AUG 20 4-30 P 1912. Divided-back private postcard with 1¢ green Washington stamp; real-photo/matte stock, white border on front; pencil dealer notation "Putnam, Co. 32X" at top left; light edge wear and toning.

Cite this card

McKim Observatory, Greencastle, IN, 1912, postcard, c. 1912. PostalPast Collection. https://postalpast.com/postcard/mckim-observatory-greencastle-in-1912. Accessed November 3, 2026.