A red brick library building with a yellow-domed cupola and a white-columned portico stands at the end of a paved walk lined with hedges and shrubs, with a small frame house visible at the right. The card names it as the Shelbyville, Kentucky public library. Such small-town Carnegie-era libraries, typically brick with classical porticoes and a central dome or lantern, were built across Kentucky in the early 20th century.
Postcard Details
Message · English, in pen
Dear sister:
now aren't you
just surprised to get
this from me in Shelby-
ville. Am here at Y.P.M.S
conference. It sure was
unexpected but Estelle
couldn't come so they bun-
dled me up & sent me
but suit & I are together
at a mr. Chenault's on
main St. am having
a delightful time. [illegible]
Linen-textured stock; paper loss and chipping along the top edge, especially at top center; light wear at corners.
Postmark: SHELBYVILLE JUN 16 3 PM KY. Divided-back private postcard ("MESSAGE MAY BE WRITTEN ON THIS SIDE" / "ADDRESS ONLY ON THIS SIDE"), blue-pen message written sideways along the long edge; Hugh C. Leighton Co. imprint, made in Germany; 1-cent Washington stamp, torn/edge damage at top center.
Cite this card
Public Library, Shelbyville, Kentucky, circa 1920, postcard, c. 1920. PostalPast Collection. https://postalpast.com/postcard/public-library-shelbyville-kentucky-circa-1920. Accessed November 2, 2026.
