12 Days of West Chicago Artifacts: Day 1 -Cards & Postcards
12 Days of West Chicago Artifacts
As part of our 12 Days of Wego History series, we’re celebrating the stories behind some of the most meaningful pieces in our collection. With nearly 40,000 artifacts to choose from, we couldn’t possibly pick just 12—so each day, we’re sharing a themed group that helps tell the story of West Chicago.
This year’s series also honors the 250th anniversary of the United States by highlighting local history in a national context.
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, we’re reminded that history isn’t just about big moments—it’s also about the quiet, personal ways people stayed connected across time and distance.
The holidays have always been a time to reach out to loved ones. Today, we might send a quick text or a video call—but for much of our nation’s history, handwritten letters and postcards were the only way to say “I’m thinking of you.”
In West Chicago’s 176-year story, holiday cards and postcards tell us not only about local traditions, but also about the values we’ve shared as Americans—connection, care, and community.
These selections from our collection show how West Chicagoans sent good wishes through the decades—and yes, they’re also a fun way to track the rising cost of a stamp!
