The card shows the Chicago Public Library's central building, a massive granite structure with arched lower windows shaded by red-and-white striped awnings, a colonnaded upper story, and American flags flying from the roof and a corner pole. The building, designed by Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge, opened in 1897 as the city's memorial to Civil War soldiers and served as the main public library until 1991; it is now the Chicago Cultural Center. The caption names it simply as the Public Library, Chicago.
Postcard Details
Message · English, in pencil
Dear friend - [illegible] Saturday Apr. 26, 14
Well [illegible] I [illegible] you
getting along. [illegible] are you
now. [illegible] I [illegible] out of a job
have [illegible] I was [illegible] manager of the [illegible] theatre
[illegible] expense to [illegible] and [illegible]
[illegible] [illegible] Friday was [illegible] but
I don't know when I [illegible] can get
work again or [illegible] you [illegible]
[illegible]
Narrow white border; visible halftone/lithographic dot texture; worn corners and a crease along the right edge.
Postmark: CHICAGO APR 27 9-AM 1914. Divided-back color litho card; pencil message written sideways along left edge; purple APR 28 1914 receiving stamp and red KOKOMO IND. machine cancel; light edge wear and toning.
Cite this card
Public Library, Chicago, Illinois, circa 1910, postcard, c. 1907. PostalPast Collection. https://postalpast.com/postcard/public-library-chicago-illinois-circa-1910. Accessed October 25, 2026.
