Vintage 1911 RPPC Postcard Sarah Sargent Paine Memorial Library Painesdale MI For Sale

Rare Vintage 1911 Real Photo Postcard (RPPC) - Sarah Sargent Paine Memorial Library, Painesdale, MichiganUp for buy-it-now is an incredible, highly historical Real Photo Postcard capturing the architecturally stunning Sarah Sargent Paine Memorial Library in the historic copper mining town of Painesdale, Michigan. Constructed out of native Jacobsville sandstone and designed by famous Milwaukee architect Alexander C. Eschweiler, this magnificent building was demolished in 1965 due to structural mining ground shifting. Photos of it remain highly sought after by Great Lakes and Upper Peninsula history collectors.Postal History & Special Features:

• Cancellation: Features a crisp, legible circular postmark from Kenosha, WIS. dated June 24, 1911, with an overlapping arrival mark from Chicago, ILL.
• Stamp: Retains its original 1-cent green Benjamin Franklin postage stamp.

Immigrant Social History & Translation:
This letter is written in a Slovenian dialect common among early Upper Peninsula copper mining immigrants. It is addressed to Mr. Simon Wojtanis, P.O. Painesdale, Mich.

• English Translation of Message: \"Dearest parents, I am letting you know that I have arrived safely back in Kenosha. I would like to ask how you are doing. Thanks be to God, I am healthy, which I also wish for you from the bottom of my heart. My brother is in Chicago, but I am in Kenosha. I would like to receive a letter from you soon. Sending beautiful greetings to all of you. Your son and brother, Wojtanis\"

Genealogical & Historical Significance:
The surname Wojtanis is exceptionally rare in early 20th-century American records, making this a highly traceable piece of social history. According to census data, families bearing the Wojtanis name during this era were almost exclusively tied to the immigrant labor hubs of Chicago, IL, Kenosha, WI, and the Copper Country mining locations of Houghton County, Michigan. This card provides a fantastic primary-source document placing the family directly into the historic Champion Mine community during the peak mining boom.

• Condition: Very good vintage condition. Crisp image clarity with a clear look at the building entrance facade and a group out front. Minor corner and edge wear consistent with a mailed card from 1911. Please review high-resolution scans for precise surface detail.
• Shipping: Safely shipped in a protective archival sleeve and rigid mailer via Standard Envelope for tracked, economical delivery.
• Type: Real Photo (RPPC)
• Era: Divided Back (1907-1915)
• Year Manufactured: 1911
• Size: Standard (5.5 x 3.5 in)
• Subject: Sarah Sargent Paine Memorial Library, Mining History, Lost Architecture
• Postage Condition: Posted / Used (Includes 1c Green Ben Franklin Stamp)
• Location: Painesdale, Keweenaw / Houghton County, Michigan
• Original/Licensed Reprint: Original