1907 Mount Wilson's Observatory Fireplace

This rare hand-colored postcard, postmarked 1907, features the historic fireplace at Mount Wilson Observatory, built in 1904. The fireplace was noted as being in the “living room” in 1907, but now the room is used as a library.

Mount Wilson Observatory, established by George Ellery Hale, was initially a solar-observing station but soon became a leading astronomical research facility. The observatory is renowned for its significant contributions to astronomy, including Edwin Hubble’s groundbreaking discoveries about the expanding universe.

At the time this postcard was created, the living room served as a central gathering place, providing warmth and a cozy atmosphere for its occupants. The transformation of this fireplace from a functional feature in a living room to a historic resting place in a library underscores its enduring significance.

Collectors and history enthusiasts will appreciate the postcard’s unique hand-colored aspect, reflecting a period when color photography was rare and such enhancements were done by hand. This postcard not only captures a piece of architectural history but also offers a glimpse into the daily life and social settings of the early 1900s.