1901 Carnegie Library Allegheny Pennsylvania Vintage Postcard, UDB

About This Vintage Postcard

Step back to the turn of the century with this view of the Carnegie Library in Allegheny Pennsylvania. This building holds the distinction of being the first Carnegie library commissioned in the United States. Dedicated in 1890 by Andrew Carnegie himself the structure is a masterpiece of Romanesque Revival architecture. It features a massive clock tower that dominated the local skyline and served as a cultural anchor for the community. The scene captures the library in its original urban context with early utility poles and pedestrians in period dress. This site represents the beginning of a philanthropic legacy that transformed the landscape of public education across the nation.

Details

Era: Undivided Back (c. 1901–1907)
City: Allegheny (now North Side, Pittsburgh)
State or Region: Pennsylvania
Country: United States
Topic: Carnegie Library, Allegheny History, Pittsburgh Architecture, Romanesque Revival, Philanthropy Landmarks
Condition: Uncirculated
Postage: None
Address Side: undivided back
Orientation: Horizontal (Landscape)
Artist / Photographer: Unknown
Publisher: Illustrated Post Card Co. (118 Chambers St., New York)
Printer: Unknown
Print Type: Halftone lithograph

Additional Information

The Illustrated Post Card Co. of New York was a major early publisher in the United States. This card features a smooth calendered finish which was a hallmark of high quality turn of the century printing. The undivided back was the legal standard in America until March 1907. This narrows the manufacture date to the very first years of the twentieth century. The reverse side features the iconic eagle and shield design alongside a reference to the Act of Congress of May 19 1898. Allegheny was a separate city until it was annexed by Pittsburgh in 1907 making this card a record of the independent municipality. The library building was severely damaged by lightning in 2006 but has since been restored and now houses a children's museum.

Love it ♡
Get it ☆
Get Lucky 💋 Vintage