The Postcards of RPI
Introduction[edit]
There are many official postcards of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. These postcards highlight major buildings and landmarks around the Rensselaer Campus. Some of these postcards can be dated back to 1904 and offer both aerial shots of the campus as well as indoor shots of different buildings. These postcards are a testament to the change in history around the Rensselaer campus, documenting major changes like the demolitions and additions.
History[edit]
Postcards were first introduced to the US post office in the late 19th century, emulated off of the postal cards distributed from the post office which offered were pre-printed postage that were blank. They they experienced a change in style by the creation of post cards, which offered both images on the front and back of the card, with little space for message writing. This grew during 1900 to 1920, which is widely known as the golden age of postcards, which is when a majority of the postcards of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute were created and sent. These postcards depict things like daily life as well as important buildings on campus. Many physical copies of these postcards can be found in the archives of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Library. These postcards can highlight many changes around the Rensselaer Campus, like the reconstruction of the Approach, as well as the changes in usage for many of the buildings on campus. As more buildings were constructed, the purposes of older buildings shifted for the needs of the university, which is shown via the same building with different names on different postcards at different times in history.
Campus Demolitions[edit]
There were many demolitions on campus to make space for new and more advanced buildings. Some of these demolitions have been documented via the postcards of the campus. Some of the major demolitions include the Proudfit Laboratory, which was built in 1878, repaired in 1900 and demolished in 1935. Another demolition includes the Warren House Dormitory which was a major student dormitory from 1907 to 1935 when it was demolished. In 1932, the Warren House was demolished upon the completion of the Rensselaer Student Association Clubhouse (Located at present day Lally School of Management). This building was the first of the student union at Rensselaer, and had spaces like a dining room, billiards room, lounge and committee rooms. It also served as a home to the association's staff, with the third floor acting as residential areas. It was completed in 1908 near the west end of the '86 field. This building was a hub of student life during the early 20th century. All of these buildings can be seen in the postcards that were produced during that era.
References[edit]
[1 ]https://www.rpi.edu/dept/library/html/Archives/gallery/postcards/postcards.html
[2] https://www.rpi.edu/dept/library/html/Archives/gallery/postcards/Krause_brochure.pdf