Ivoryton Brothers Co. Divided Back Postcard, Lake City, Minn. 1867, 1907

This divided back postcard, published by Ivoryton Brothers Co., features a detailed aerial illustration of Lake City, Minnesota as it appeared in 1867. The image showcases a grid-like layout of the town with tree-lined streets and several steamships navigating the waters, capturing the essence of a burgeoning river town in the late 19th century. The surrounding hills and lush greenery provide a picturesque backdrop, highlighting the natural beauty of the area.

The back of the postcard is postmarked from Aug 29, 1907, in Lake City, Minnesota, and is addressed to Mrs. J. E. Lynch in Zumbro Falls, Minnesota. It features a green 1-cent stamp with a portrait of Benjamin Franklin. The message reads: "A sure fine day. The old Florence is on the river. We had a fine time at the fair."

This postcard documents the early development of Lake City and its significance as a river town in Minnesota's history. The 1907 postmark places it in the divided back era, a time when postcards became a popular means of communication. Surviving examples like this provide valuable insights into regional history and early 20th-century social customs.