Much information comes from a recent discovery,
Carnegie Libraries in Michigan.
Most of the postcards below are of Carnegie buildings.
1902 grant, demolished since.
It may be just as well. If you read the history of the library
on its
web site, you'll learn that its precursor went up in flames. This building
was hit by a car twice, one ending up in its childrens' room. (I don't
think the car on the card (L)was it.)
Finally, as the new library was being built in the 1960s, the old building's
wall collapsed.
Both these cards have a certain informality about them, although the ladies in pink do look as if they're wondering where the bride went.
1916 grant. RPPC card mailed in 1948.
1903 building now serves as the Wexford Historical Museum.
The library is now known as the Cadillac Wexford County Public Library, and
even has 4 branches, small they may be.
Overall, the color Van Vranken German card is rather, ahem, ugly. But it does have some neat details such as a tiny red striped drape inside the window (or perhaps a flag?), and a lovely stained glass inset over the entrance door.
1907 grant. The card has a slight green tint in reality.
1902 grant. Positively exuberant masonery, both real and imagined.
The Detroit libraries (main library and six branches) received $750,000 of Carnegie monies.
Initially the powers that be turned down the 'tainted' money.
I'm curious as to how the rest was spent.
The lefthand card also features the Belcrest Apts. The GM Office Building looms in its background.
Last hurrah for the Motor City?
A 1964 'Hiawatha Card of Detroit,' by Dexter Press, shows an addition and
an impressive entryway. According to its reverse,
Detroit Main Library, Cass Avenue Entrance
(between W. Kirby and Putnam)
Detroit, Michigan
The Detroit Public Library, located in the Cultural Center, Provides comprehensive research and information services for individuals, business, industry, and labor in the Metropolitan Area. The new entrance features a brilliantly colored glass mosaic mural by Millard Sheets.
Built in 1903. (No, not every Michigan Carnegie library was
built in this year.) Replaced in 1992, but I have no information as
to the current status of the Carnegie building.
Part of the
current building
actually looks like it's the Carnegie building, sans dome.
The card was made for F. S. B., whoever that was. It was mailed in 1920.
Note the hitching posts across the street from the library building.
Two views of an interesting library building. At first I thought the photo card was of the Duluth library.
Grant from 1902. The rest of the library's history is on its website.
Rather unattractive building resulting from a 1903 grant.
Unusual 1901 Carnegie building, now serving
as the Menominee Range Historical Museum. I wonder if Andrew got a little hot under the celluloid
collar at the frivolity of both a balcony AND a porch.
Looking at this with modern eyes, my guess is that the back wing was the childrens'
department.
1901 grant.
1903 card, published by Rotograph and printed in Germany.
The telephone/telegraph poles are absolutely festooned with wires
and insulators. The store has a Quaker Oats sign on its side wall. The
library building bears a strong resemblance to the endangered,
abandoned, Waukegan library building.
1901 grant.
The library building is still in use as the centerpiece of the Jackson District Library.
The card is a very early Curt Teich 'C.T. Photochrom.'
1902 grant. Building now is part of the Lansing Community College, and houses the Office for Business Program.
Replaced by the tatted building below.
1903 Carnegie building which is still in use. This, and a branch in Scottville, comprise the Mason County District Library.
The E.C. Kropp card was mailed in 1927, but looks a few years older. I don't think library cards were best-sellers in vacation spots.
Plan similar to that of Iron Mountain's library, but the children are
tucked away in the basement.
The Carnegie Public Library was donated as a gift to the city and opened in 1904. One side of the building is almost covered by artistically climbing ivy vines. It is a landmark and a monument to Niles' interest in arts and science.
Building now belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and houses its Council of Tourism.
C.T. American Art Colored card published by Owosso News Agency of Owosso, Mich. Never postally used, but the number 65440 is typed in the stamp box.
Now known as the Shiawasse District Library, the 1913 building is still in use and augmented by a branch.
In use 1904-1967.
What an amazing dedication this Patton and Miller Carnegie building had! Melvil Dewey spoke at its dedication. The building is now the Port Huron Museum of Arts and History, and needed a 1988 addition to continue in that role.
Late 1904 grant. Unevenly divided card mailed in 1913. Over the door it states 'Open to all.' But beware the cannon. Now serves as an art center.
I don't have that many of these, either.
Circa 1907 building still in use, but the library as an institution dates from 1840.
The card is from E.C. Kropp and has a divided back.
No web presence. Curt Teich linen finish card.
Victorian - Italianate house converted into a library.
(L) Charming early chrome card, with unevenly divided back. Description on back:
The Detroit Public Library.-Situated at Gratiot Avenue and Farmer Street, was built in 1875 and contains 200,000 volumes. It is conducted by a board, appointed by the board of education.
(R) Very clear Rotograph card with superfluous glitter.
Italianate building that predates the Carnegie grants.
It looks like the front of this building has been tatted.
Merged with other Ingham County libraries in 1998 to form the Capital Area District Library.
See above for the original Lansing Carnegie building.
RPPC card featuring a Prairie/Federal hybrid building.
C.T. American Art Card published by V.J. Lundgren, Menominee, Mich.
Charming mini-Romanesque library. Not visible in this scan is the leaded window detail, 'Wayland Public Library.' The card was published by Will P. Canaan Co. of Grand Rapids.
© 2007 - 2008 Judy Aulik
Uploaded 29 April 2007.
Updated 19 March 2008.