Postcards: Vintage Santa Monica

I'm an avid user of public libraries. I have been since I was a kid. I'm typically there at least once a week. I love that, in this modern age, I can order books and DVDs from any library in the system and have them delivered to my local branch, which is only a five-minute walk away. It's all so easy and convenient. It's a rare day that they don't have what I'm looking for. I wish more people understood how truly awesome libraries are.

Last week when I swung by the library to pick up a hold item, I noticed a sign offering a promo for signing up for a library card. The choices were either $5 off something - I honestly can't recall what because my eyes were immediately drawn to the second offer - or a free pack of 10 "Vintage Santa Monica" postcards. They had a sample of the pack out for view.

Since I already have a library card, I couldn't take advantage of the promo. I approached the librarian to ask if I might buy the pack. She said that they weren't selling them, and then gave me a pack for free. It honestly made my day. THANK YOU super cool SMPL librarian! I thought that my readers might enjoy these postcards as well, so below I've posted a select few.

This is the La Monica Ballroom and Santa Monica Pier in 1926. The photographer is C.C. Pierce:

The very first Santa Monica Public Library was located on the second floor of the below building, which is the Bank of Santa Monica. This picture was taken in 1890 by an unknown photographer:

These are paddle board racers, photographed on 8/13/1949 by Del Hagen Studios:

Although this one isn't technically vintage, I think it's my favorite. There's something incredibly pleasing about it. It was taken in Santa Monica's Main Library in September 2005 by Cynni Murphy:

And here is the intersection at 4th and Santa Monica Blvd., photographed circa 1926 or 1927. Photo from Geo Herrmann Photo Art:

All of these images, and more are available for viewing in Santa Monica Public Library's digital archives. Thanks SMPL!