1930 Cycad & Fern House Shaw's Garden St Louis Missouri

This 1930 linen postcard features the Cyder and Fern House at Shaw's Gardens in St. Louis, Missouri—now known as the Missouri Botanical Garden. Built in 1882, this historic greenhouse was originally designed to protect Henry Shaw’s collection of citrus trees, palms, and tree ferns during the cold winter months. The structure showcases classic 19th-century glasshouse architecture and reflects Shaw’s dedication to botanical science and public horticulture.

In the late 1930s, the house was repurposed to accommodate mostly camellia trees and was renamed the Linnean House, a name it still carries today. Many of the large camellia trees seen in the garden today likely date from this period, making the structure both a living museum and a cherished horticultural landmark.

This beautifully printed linen postcard captures the elegance and legacy of the building during a transitional moment in its history. It would look great framed or make a unique addition to any collection focused on botanical gardens, architectural history, or vintage Missouri ephemera.

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