Postcard Friendship Friday: Richmond’s Old City Hall

During the second half of 19th century, the new domestic style in architecture – High Victorian Gothic style – became popular in the  United States. “Victorian” is not really a style but a time period in history (ca 1840 – 1900). There are actually several “Victorian” styles, each with their own distinct features.  High Victorian Gothic buildings borrowed many features from medieval catherdrals such as pointed windows, arches, and asymetry in detail. The style was used for the design of many public and private buildings from around 1860 – 1880.

The building featured in this postcard is Richmond, Virginia’s Old City Hall. It is regarded as a masterpiece of the High Victorian Gothic style. Located on Capitol Square, the building was completed in 1894. Construction using dense Virginia granite, was plagued with a 400 percent cost overrun. According to a 1937 city history, it ended up costing a whopping $1,500,000.

Growing up in Richmond, I remember an undercurrent of  controversy surrounding City Hall both as a building and the housing of city government. In my memory, the structure was regarded as unique by all, but people were split over whether it was beautiful, or just  plain ugly and out of place. Throughout its history, demolition was considered several times. Even as recently as 1981, the building was saved by the Historic Richmond Foundation.

Set amidst structures of more classical, Georgian styles, the neo-gothic structure remains a distinct feature of downtown Richmond’s architectural landscape. City government was relocated to a modern high rise on Broad Street in the early 1970s. Don’t get me started on what I remember people thinking about this.

Here is the back of the postcard:

Anyone have a guess as to the date of this postcard? It’s official. I’ve started a collection. I’m back together with  my old friend, Ebay. It’s fun and frivolous and a heck of a lot less expensive than collecting china.

I adore her, but I blame Marie and Postcard Friendship Friday.

Happy PFF! For more be sure to visit  Vintage Verve for more postcards from around the world. And be sure to tell Marie that we’re glad she’s feeling better!

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