This card shows all the characteristics of the "red back" series -- vivid blocks of transparent color applied over a black-and-white half-tone image, and those billowing clouds in an aniline blue sky. The photograph shows the library without any trees (compare it to the Robertson Drugs card), although the unobstructed view, like the blue sky, may be artificial -- the plantings may have been retouched out, or the picture may have been taken a few years before. The 1916-1976 History reports that Salem had no library in the early 1900s when the Fortnightly Club undertook to remedy the lack. A collection was raised and a board appointed and in March of 1903 a public library opened in a small back room of the old City Hall. The Fortnightly Club then made bigger plans, and applied to the Carnegie Foundation, which was underwriting libraries across the country. It solicited private donations, as well, and the first was accepted from Salem's most illustrious native son, John Hay. Ground was broken on August 19, 1904 and the building was dedicated on July 6, 1905. Perhaps this photograph was taken in the summer of that year, and used three or four years later for this postcard. This card was mailed from Saltillo, Indiana, on January 17, 1910, and addressed to Miss S. C. Anderson, c/o Chas. Wright, Box 21, Manteno, Illinois. The message reads, "have just wrote you a letter. how is old mantino. I ecpect to see mantino soon . . . and you to. answer soon. George." (10/21/01) Home | The 1900s | Next card