‘Then & Now’ Photos of Longstanding Landmarks from the Linen Postcard Era (1930s-1950s) …

I’ve been traveling around the state over the last year and, at the same time, collecting these antique ‘linen’ postcards from the 1930s-40s-50s. I love their colorful illustrations and slightly textured finish.

I thought it would be fun to match them up with present day photos I took and share them at the Minnesota State Fair. This page links with a QR code on my entry into the 2023 Fair. If you are coming here through that link, WELCOME!

Not all of my pix are from the exact same angle as the postcards. Some were taken with my drone, some vistas aren’t quite available anymore. Still, I think it’s great you can visit all of the places – 70+ years after they were enshrined on these postcards!

GOOSEBERRY FALLS

BEMIDJI MN – PAUL BUNYAN & BABE

SPLIT ROCK LIGHTHOUSE

DULUTH LIGHTHOUSE

DULUTH OVERLOOK

DULUTH – ENGER TOWER

ST PAUL – UNION DEPOT / STATION

ST PAUL CITY HALL

COMO PARK CONSERVATORY

MINNESOTA STATE CAPITOL

SAINT PAUL CATHEDRAL

HIGHLAND WATER TOWER

MINNEAPOLIS SKYLINE

MILLING DISTRICT – MINNEAPOLIS

MINNEHAHA FALLS – MINNEAPOLIS

STATUE OF HIAWATHA & MINNEHAHA

GREYHOUND / FIRST AVENUE – MINNESOTA

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

FORT SNELLING

HIBBING MN – RUST HULL MINE

STEARNS COUNTY COURTHOUSE – ST CLOUD

MAYO CLINIC – ROCHESTER

RED WING