Much history taken from the BPL web site.
Architect: Charles Follen McKim. Built in 1895. Expanded in 1972; the addition is called the Johnson building, and holds the circulating collection. The McKim building houses the research collection.
This seems odd to me, as it would seem that climate control would be easier in a newer building.
The postcard is known as a 'Pioneer,' and was published in 1895 by the American Souvenir Company of Boston. It was lithographed by Armstrong & Company, also of Boston.
 Elegant interior steps |
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| Delivery room | Two views of the courtyard. The older (and cruder) in appearance was published by Valentine & Sons, the more refined card by Detroit Publishing in its 'Phostint' style. | ||
| Exterior views of Boston Public Library |  |
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| Newer, linen finish card displays the entirety of Copley Square. | Hugh C. Leighton Card advertises the McPhail Piano Company. Postmark: 1910. |
Another Phostint view, showing trolley car. | |
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| Card mailed 1906, with horse cart and trolley. | 1933 Curt Teich linen card. | 1940s Colourpicture linen card. | |
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History from card back: The Public Library in Copley Square is one of the world's largest. Students, literati and others throng its rooms and corridors to read and study, to see the statues and to hear the public lectures. It contains about one and three-quarters million volumes and has 34 branches in different parts of the city. |
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| Artist's rendition of the Library. | Chrome postcard from the 1950s or early 1960s. | ||
The branch system began in 1870. Although the postcard above boasts of 34 branches, the current total is 26.
The sign over the door reads 'Boston Public Library
Codman Square Reading Room.'
The card's caption reads 'Public
Library and Reading Room, Dorchester, Mass.'
The library building
appears to be Dutch Revival, but has Tudor and Romanesque touches.
Monochrome German cards are scarce: this was produced for the Rotograph Co. of New York City.
Definitively Italianate building. I wonder if it contained a courtyard?
© 2011 Judy Aulik
Uploaded 19 February 2011.
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