Northern Illinois University Digital Library

Primary tabs

Postcard Collection

The Regional History Center's postcard collection provides a unique source for photographic and artistic documentation of people, places and events, with the majority being produced during the 1900-1940 period. Many of the cards in this collection came from four manuscript collections held by the Regional History Center: W.W. Embree (RC 2); Sabin-Van Arsdale (RC 32); Kavadas (RC 50); and Hall Family (RC 117). A fair amount of the collection consists of cards depicting scenes or events from the Northern Illinois region and Illinois. Also representative in the collection are postcards of other states, national holidays and special occasions, American Indians, foreign countries, advertisements, and calendars and blotters.

For more information about this collection, please see the Center's finding aid.

Central Park, Sterling, Ill.
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, Sterling, Dear Cousin Hello! I know you had a lovely time east Come and tell us all about it. We were glad to see Tom and think he is looking fine - With love Cousin Emma Sent To: Mrs T. J. Winders, Malta, Ill., Whiteside, Place
The Harrison Dining Hall
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, THE HARRISON DINING HALL, located on the Taft Campus of Northern Illinois University, was finished in 1963. The building is named in honor of Paul E. Harrison, first director of the Campus (1954-1965). This building provides a unique view of Rock River and the surrounding terrain and accomodates 150 persons., Educational, Place, Education
Hopkins Park Band Shell, De Kalb, Ill.
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, DeKalb, Place, Entertainment
Galena First Presbyterian Church (1838)
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, Galena, GALENA FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (1838). This is the oldest church in historic Galena, the granite capitol of pre-Civil War times in Northwestern Illinois., Jo Daviess, Religious, Place, Religion
The French Canyon, Starved Rock, Illinois State Park
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, STARVED ROCK, ILLINOIS STATE PARK, Contains about 1,000 acres, located in La Salle County. As we climb among the ledges, over ivy-covered rocks and boulders, and descend almost perpendicular walls, we obtain a magnificent view of the beautiful FRENCH canyon; while all around us, in an equally wonderful spectacle, are massive walls of rock, chiseled and laid with amazing exactness many centuries ago by the hand of the Master Builder., Lasalle, Place, Starved Rock State Park
Rickard Club. De Kalb, Ill.
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Boarding House at 305 Augusta, previously the Tudor Club., DeKalb, Residential, Place
Sinnissippi Park Rockford, Ill.
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, Rockford, Pavilion, Sinnissippi Park, Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 100 W. Jefferson Street, Rockford, Illinois, Office Copy, Parks, Winnebago, Place, Entertainment
Stone Quarry Lee Center
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, Lee Center, Lee, Place
Main St. Looking West
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, Amboy, Helen: This is a seen in Amboy. from Bess, Sent to Miss Helen Baldwin, S. 2nd Street, De Kalb, Ill., Lee, Commercial/Business, Place, Main Street, North Street, Economic Development
Midwest Canning Corp., DeKalb, Ill.
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Note: Del Monte sign on building, DeKalb, Commercial/Business, Industrial, Place, Glidden Memorial Hospital, Economic Development
First Lutheran Church, DeKalb, Ill.
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, 330 N. 3rd Street, DeKalb, Religious, Place, Third Street, Religion
St. Mary's School and Hall, De Kalb, Ill.
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, S.W. corner of 4th and Fisk Streets, DeKalb, Educational, Place, Fourth Street, Education
Business Section, Dixon, Illinois
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, Dixon, BUSINESS SECTION, DIXON, ILLINOIS Looking North on Galena Street, Lee, Commercial/Business, Place
Oakland Residence, Creston Illinois 1909.
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, Creston, Oakland Residence, Creston, Illinois 1909, Ogle, Residential, Place
Memorial Bridge Showing High School and the New Armory, Dixon, Ill.
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, Dixon, Drove across this Fri, Lots of dirt and wind[from front of card]. Have you moved yet? Have not heard since my wrapper letter. Were you insulted? Claude has sold his farm and moved back to town. Bought along the highway, north of the 'Q' railroad, All well here. Did you know Aunt Rena (Mrs Geo Brewer) was dead? Must go to work. Bye - M.C.D. Amboy Ill. Sent To: Mrs Peter Karadas, 728 N 6th St., DeKalb Ill, Lee, Educational, Place, Education
Kishwaukee Country Club, DeKalb, Illinois
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, DeKalb, Place, Entertainment
Looking West on Alt. 30 DeKalb, Ill.
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, The long building on right is Nehring Electrical Works Plant, 509 E. Lincoln, the VFW at 558 1/2 E. Lincoln., DeKalb, Commercial/Business, Place, Lincoln Highway, Economic Development
Street View Lee Center
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, Lee Center, Lee, Residential, Place
The Kaskaskia Canyon, Starved Rock, Illinois State Park
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, STARVED ROCK, ILLINOIS STATE PARK, Contains about 1,000 acres, located in La Salle County. Peacefully situated in the midst of a dense forest--almost hidden with wild, trailing vines and bushes, is the beautiful KASKASKIA canyon--more charming, if possible, than any other canyon in the Park. What can be more attractive than the combination here of light and shade! The music of athe rippling cascade, the profusion of wild flowers, and the song of forest birds make the place one of enchanting beauty, never to be forgotton., Lasalle, Place, Starved Rock State Park
Greetings from Dixon Ill.
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, Dixon, Dear Chas - They say 'better late than never' I guess it is the same if we are a little early, as we were with our congratulations last night, but that was Ma's fault. Did you recognize Margaret and Emma(?) they walked out last eve. Margaret wants to know if you knew her. Hugh had retired. All kicking about as usual, hope this will find you the same Love to Emma(?) and the girls. Robt had the cow barn whitewashed today. Had a nice time at the bazzaar tho not much of an affair. Best regards, L.S.B., Sent To: Mr Chas Frost, Lee Centre Ill. "Mrs Brewer 1909" written on face of postcard., Lee, Educational, Government, Place, Education
Whirlpool Rock near Dixon, Ill.
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, Dixon, Lee, Place
M. E. Church, Hinckley, Ill.
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, Hinckley, Do you recognize this place?[on front of post card] Dear Vera: We are having a fine time. We went to Little Rock picnic yesterday and saw my friend Altor. Ruth says she will write to you in about 3 wks. maybe. Claire, Sent To: Miss Vera Collier, 22 S. Chestnut St.,Aurora, Ill., DeKalb, Religious, Place, Religion
Samuel Eastham's Buck Wheat and Feed Mill
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, Lee Center, Lee Center, Ill. ca. 1910, Lee, Commercial/Business, Industrial, Place, Agriculture, Economic Development
New Methodist Episcopal Church, DeKalb, Illinois
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, N.W. corner of Oak and 4th Streets, DeKalb, Fourth Street
Glidden Memorial Hospital, DeKalb, Ill.
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, 719 S. First Street, DeKalb, Medical, Place, First Street