From the skyscrapers to the bridges, Chicago is famous for its built form. The city’s architecture is beloved by locals and visitors alike and the art deco buildings and waterfront landmarks figure heavily in souvenirs and keepsakes.

We combed through the digital archives of the Boston Public Library to pull together a collection of old-timey postcards of the City of Broad Shoulders. To see just how much the city has (and hasn’t) changed, check out are some of our favorites from The Tichnor Brothers Collection, printed between 1930 and 1945.

Enjoy!

13. The railroads

chicago postcard railroads

12. The waterfront

chicago skyline vintage postcard

11. State Street

state street chicago postcard

10. Michigan Boulevard

vintage postcard chicago

9. Chicago River

chicago river history

8. Marshall Field Apartments

Marshall Field Apartments Chicago

7. LaSalle Street

lasalle chicago

6. The laziest postcard ever

chicago vintage postcard

5. Navy Pier

chicago navy pier

4. Daily News Building (now Riverside Plaza)

chicago riverside plaza

3. The Field Museum and surrounding buildings

shedd aquarium chicago

2. Grant Park

grant park chicago

1. The Tribune Tower

tribune tower chicago

Love retro postcards? Check out our collection of Washington, DC and San Francisco sights.

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