My library postcard collection includes Wisconsin libraries and unusual library postcards. The postcard above showing the impact of the 1922 Wisconsin ice storm around the Elroy Public Library combines both categories. In February of 1922 Wisconsin experienced one the worst ice storms in its history. During that storm ice accumulations ranging from one inch to as high as four inches brought down over 15,000 communication poles and caused $10 million in property damage (an enormous sum at that time). Interruptions in power and communications ranged from 2 to 15 days. The Elroy Public Library still occupies the same building (with an expansion). It was originally funded with a Carnegie grant. An earlier postcard of the library is shown below. Note that the telephone or power pole in front of the library managed to survive the ice storm.
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