Original vintage real photo postcard (RPPC) showing the Chicago & North Western Railway depot at Brookings, South Dakota, in Brookings County.
The photograph provides an excellent early view of the brick passenger station alongside the railroad tracks. The BROOKINGS station sign is clearly visible on the building, along with a “LUNCH” sign near the passenger area. Railroad tracks, utility poles, depot platform, and several people can also be seen.
This was the Chicago & North Western Railway (C&NW) passenger depot, an important transportation link for Brookings and the surrounding agricultural region. Historical sources date Brookings' brick C&NW station to 1904, making the building only about 14 years old when this postcard was mailed.
Even better, this example is postally used and dated September 24, 1918, providing a firmly dated view of the depot during the World War I era.
The reverse bears a 1-cent green George Washington stamp and a clear Brookings, S. Dak. SEP 24 1918 circular postmark. It was addressed to Mrs. A. Sandall of Hitchcock, South Dakota.
This is a particularly interesting South Dakota card combining railroad history, Brookings local history, a named depot, WWI-era postal history, and an early photographic view.
Fair vintage condition with significant age-related wear. Card exhibits considerable overall toning and fading, staining and spotting, edge and corner wear, and a noticeable area of heavier staining/damage along the lower portion of the image. Reverse has handwriting, postal markings, and age toning.
Despite the condition issues, the Brookings depot identification remains visible, the principal architectural details can still be seen, and the 1918 Brookings postmark is readable. Please examine photos carefully as they are an important part of the condition description.
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