For this special feature, we’re taking you back over 100 years, offering a glimpse of what our beautiful city was like for those who resided and visited before. From downtown landscapes to illustrated attractions, travel through time with these unique Ypsilanti postcards.
Post Date: April 8, 1909
Location: Ypsilanti Water Tower
"Dear Sis: Am back in this lovely old berg again. Will write as soon as I get located. Love to all from Aurelea."
Post Date: June 28, 1911
Location: Main Building, Michigan State Normal College, Commencement Day; Now Eastern Michigan University.
"Dear Marian-
Have just returned from uptown. There are over a thousand students enrolled here. Have a class at 7 o'clock every morning in this building. Yours, Vera"
Post Date: Sept 5, 1910
Location: Downtown, Huron Street; Now C. King & Co. Cafe on the left, City Hall on the right.
"My Dear Mrs. Kay,
Your card just received Monday at 10 am, and in reply will say, school begins next Monday September 12, 1910. A whole week yet. All are well. Hastily yours, Edith"
Post Date: August 2, 1911
Location: Cross Street, Depot Town; Now Sidetrack Bar & Grill and unique specialty shops are nearby.
"Hello there. Why have you not written. Today is my mother's birthday and we are going to have a lot of company. Tomorrow summer school lets out, I will be glad. When are you coming out to see me and let me know what you are doing. – Mabel B."
Post Date: May 17, 1914
Location: Ypsilanti High School, now senior citizen housing.
"This is certainly a pretty little town, everything at its best now. Have walked so much and climbed so many stairs, just tired out tonight. – Hazel"
Post Date: June 1, 1914
Location: Washington Street, downtown Ypsilanti
"Dear Friend- Many thanks for the lovely card. It is raining here today, come again soon.
Your friend- Mrs. Tripp"
Post Date: January 19, 1911
Location: Masonic Temple on Huron Street; Now the Riverside Arts Center.
"Well Clarissa, how goes everything these days? Going almost too good with me for the good of the cause. Am going to a skating party tomorrow night. Ought to get a skate on so as to get rid of the cold but it will go with spring. Esther"
Post Date: October 10, 1912
Location: Michigan State Normal College, now Strong Hall & the Science Complex at Eastern Michigan University (Dr. Sherzer pictured).
"Dear friend,
We are so pleasantly situated here that we feel perfectly at home already. This is Professor Sherzer in the picture - perhaps you know him? Mr. Ferris spoke here last night and several of us attended. It seemed so good to see him again. How is old Ferris Institute? We are always glad of news from there, so try and keep us posted."
This is just a sample of vintage Ypsilanti postcards, courtesy of the Ypsilanti Historical Museum archives and local families who have previously shared with us.
View more below, and browse the museum’s digital photo archives.
To purchase vintage Ypsilanti postcards, check out the Ypsilanti Historical Museum or visit Michigan’s best vintage and antique shops:
7 Incredible Antique Stores in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
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