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

12. The waterfront

11. State Street

10. Michigan Boulevard

9. Chicago River

8. Marshall Field Apartments

7. LaSalle Street

6. The laziest postcard ever

5. Navy Pier

4. Daily News Building (now Riverside Plaza)

3. The Field Museum and surrounding buildings

2. Grant Park

1. The Tribune Tower

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