Unknown; Myers, Charles C. (Charles Cleveland), 1879-1942

Postcard showing the main staircase in the Palais Garnier, the opera house in Paris. The staircase is surrounded by sculptures, candelabras, and lamps on both sides. Charles C. Myers notes that the staircase is made entirely of marble, with the steps in white marble and the railings and columns in various other colors. Myers describes the staircase as “a remarkable piece of art.”

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “This is the great marble staircase of world renown, that you will see when entering the building. This is the most noted of all staircases in the world, being made entirely of marble of all colors–the only white marble used is the steps while the ceiling and walls are of various colors and shades.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

Postcard showing an image of the interior of the Opéra Garnier’s stage, floor seats, and four tiers of box seats at full seating capacity. The domed ceiling is decorated, and a large chandelier hangs down. Charles C. Myers believes a visit to the opera house is worthwhile, even if one does not understand French. He notes that a box seat costs approximately five franc, or one dollar.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “This is an interior view taken during a performance while the auditorium was filed to the limit. The overhead paintings are said by critics to be some of the finest paintings that artists brush has ever done, and it is indeed a treat to one who loves art to visit this place and you will also hear one of the most noted theatre orchestras in the world. Even if you do not understand the French play that is on the stage, you will feel well pain for attending the opera.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

This postcard shows a very busy street in Paris, with a profusion of pedestrians, carts, and busses. In the background stands the Cathedral of Notre Dame, as well as other large buildings. Charles C. Myers explains that this is one of the principal rendezvous points of many bus and street car lines, and describes Parisian public transit.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “This shows a busy square in Paris, on the east bank of the River Sein, and the principle rendezvoux [sic] of many omnibuses and also a transfer point of several street car lines. The street cars of Paris are of the double deck type–one penny if you ride above and two pennies if you ride below. In the distant [sic] is the twin towers of the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the most noted church buildings in the world.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

Postcard showing a close-up view of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Pedestrians are visible in front of the cathedral. Charles C. Myers discusses the dimensions of the cathedral and the pipe organ. He comments on the stained glass depicting the life of Christ and the statues of Adam and Eve.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “Here is the Notre Dame at closer range. It is one of the oldest Cathedrals in the world being founded in 1182. The foundation was laid by Pope Alexander 3rd then a refugee in France. The inside measurements of this building is 417 ft long, 156 ft wide and 112 ft high. The roof is supported by 75 large stone columns 4 ft in diameter and 112 ft long and also 108 smaller ones of different lengths. The two rows of large columns are set farther apart at the top so that when you look up they seem to be parallel. The great pipe organ was built in 1750 and has over 6000 pipes and 5 key boards. It was the largest in the world at the time it was built. On either side of the chapel are two circular windows 42 ft in diameter. These windows are of stained glass and representing scenes during the life of Christ and are of note as they are the only circular windows of the kind and size in the world. The Notre Dame is also the only church in the world having life size statues representing Adam and Eve. This church is built entirely according to the old Gothic style of architecture and is indeed very interesting.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

Postcard showing a street in Paris, France, with the Pantheon visible in the background, framed by two other buildings. A fountain and fenced garden area at the center of the street. Charles C. Myers notes that the Pantheon was built over the grave of Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, and is dedicated to her.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “In the distant [sic] you see the dome of the Pantheon. This church building was erected about 1790, over the tomb of St. Genevieve and dedicated to her memory.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

Postcard showing a close-up view of a domed, neoclassical building, the Pantheon, in Paris, France. Charles C. Myers discusses the building’s dimensions and notes that it was originally built as a church and then converted into a memorial hall.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, ” Here is a closer view of the Pantheon. This building is one of imposing dimentions [sic] and its form is that of a Greek cross 376 ft long and 276 ft wide surmounted by a dome 272 ft high and 75 ft in diameter. This was erected as a church building but later converted into a memorial hall. These huge Corinthian columns are 82 ft high. In the Crypt of this building are the tombs of many noted people and among them is the tomb of the great French Poet, Victor Hugo.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

Postcard showing a boat traveling down the Thames River past the Victoria Embankment in London, England. Charles C. Myers notes the history and construction of the Victoria Embankment and the tunnels underneath the street.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “Arriving at Waterloo station in London one is surprised to find himself in one among the largest railway stations in the world but for beauty it is easily surpassed by most any little country station. You will also be surprised that the sun seldom shines in London. As we approached London it was a beautiful day in the country but as we rode into the city it seemed to cloud up as if it were going to rain but we soon learned that this was only the smoke that most always hangs over London and the city is well entitled to the name so often heard, ‘Dirty and smoky London’ and during our weeks stay in the city in the latter part of Nov. we never saw the sun and occasionally the street lamps were lit in the middle of the day.

“As you walk across the bridge from Waterloo Station you gen an excellent view of Victoria Embankment one of the finest streets in the city This street is now where the ground was once covered by the tide, this low place being filled in and made into the beautiful street at a cost of 8 million dollars. The street is only 1 1/4 miles long and 60 ft wide.”

Postcard showing the Crystal Palace in London, England and the surrounding park. Charles C. Myers comments on the building costs and the recent sale of the palace. Myers notes the building was previously used as an amusement palace.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “The Crystal Palace is fast loosing [sic] its popularity though at one time it was the leading Amusement Parlor in England. It is a glass house 200 feet wide anf [sic] 400 feet long and 110 to 175 feet high, built at a cost of about 4 1/2 millions of dollars. The building is an interesting example og [sic] iron and glass construction which is a remarkable piece of engineering. This is one of the largest greenhouses in the world and also within its walls are held side shows and entertainments and horse shows, dog shows cat shows, motor shows and all other hinds [sic] of amusements including football, basket ball etc. and several miniture [sic] railways are to be seen there.

On sat. and Thu. evenings there is always a fine display of fire works and a crowd of 10 to 20 thousand visitors may often be seen there.

Postcard showing the Houses of Parliament in London, England. A boat is seen traveling down the River Thames in the foreground. Charles C. Myers describes various architectural aspects and cost of the building. Myers describes the clock tower and notes it is nicknamed “Big Ben” after Sir. Benjamin Hall.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “The Parlament [sic] Building of London is a magnificent edifice covering over 8 acres of ground. This great building contains 11 courts and has over 100 stair cases and 1100 apartments and cost in all over 14 million dollars. The clock tower at the north end is 318 ft high and the big clock has four dials each of which is 23 ft in diameter. The great bell of the clock tower, commonly called BIG BEN, (named after Sir Benjamin Hall, Supt. of construction during the erection of the building) weighs over 13 tons and can be heard over the greater part of London during calm weather. A light in the clock at night or the union jack flying from the flag staff during the day is the signal that Parlament [sic] is in session.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

Postcard showing the West Towers and western entrance to Westminster Abbey in London, England. A busy street is in the foreground. Charles C. Myers notes the use of the Abbey as a burial site and the site of the royal coronation ceremonies. Myers describes the side of the building.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “Westminster Abbey is one of the most noted buildings in all Europe. This church or cathedral was built during the latter part of the 13th century, but many changes have taken place since and many additions have been added to the original building. This building with its Royal Burial vaults and long series of monuments to celebrated men, is regarded by the English as their Temple of Fame. Interment within these walls is considered the last and greatest honor that can be paid to the most deserving of the nations offspring. The space being limited, many noted and worthy persons are not buried there, but fit and suitable monuments are erected to their memory.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

Postcard showing a view of the north side of Westminster Abbey in London, England.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “In this building is also held the Coronation Exercises when the King and Queen are crowned. It was my pleasure to attend the Coronation Exercises of King George last June.

This building is in the form of a Latin cross 513 ft long and 200 ft wide, height of main building is 102 ft while the towers reach 225 ft.”

Postcard showing the High Altar in Westminster Abbey. Charles C. Myers notes it is located in the center of the Abbey.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “Not a very plain picture but it represents the High Altar in Westminster Abbey.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

Postcard showing the shrine of Saint Edward the Confessor in Westminster Abbey. Charles C. Myers notes it is located behind the High Altar in the Abbey.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “Directly behind the High Altar is the shrine of St. Edward the Confessor.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

This postcard shows the Catholic church of Guantánamo, Cuba. many benches are situated nearby, along with green spaces where trees and plants grow. Charles C. Myers notes that he attended services here on Palm Sunday of 1910.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “This is the catholic church in Guantanamo Cuba. Guantanamo is a city of about 20 thousand population and considerably of Spanish Blood. It is in no way a sanitary city but is about as dirty and filthy a city as you will ever find.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

Postcard featuring Diamond Head volcano in Hawaii and two men with canoes. Charles C. Myers describes the construction and use of these canoes by the native Hawaiians.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, In the distant [sic] is the noted Diamond Head, an extinct volcano and it is the first point of land you see as you approach the Hawaiian Islands. After rounding this high point of land you then see beautiful Honolulu in front of you snuggled at the foot of the mountains.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

Postcard showing a homestead in New Zealand. Charles C. Myers notes that this is a homestead of a native of New Zealand.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “The northern part of New Zealand is not a cold country but a very beautiful mountainous country. The natives are an interesting people. This shows a native homestead.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

Postcards showing a group of Maori women cooking. Charles C. Myers notes that this scene takes place in a camp in New Zealand.

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

Creation Date

1908

Postcard showing a Kauri tree in New Zealand. Charles C. Myers notes that much of the wood for manufacturing furniture throughout the world comes from the large trees in New Zealand.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “One of the large trees of the New Zealand forest.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

Postcard showing sanatorium grounds in Auckland, New Zealand. Charles C. Myers notes that a part of the park is shown on the postcard.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “Sanitorium [sic] grounds in the outskirts of Auckland N.Z. which is a beautiful place in the summer time.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

Postcard showing the Whangarei Falls in New Zealand. Three people can be seen near the water in front of the falls. Charles C. Myers notes the location of the falls are in the mountains.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “A bit of mountain scenery near Auckland.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection