Danish Ephemera

The area labeled "Ephemera" is my favorite at the Case Western Reserve University book sale. 

Mr. Ginley has discovered its joys, too. And we spent at least an hour just in that one section of the gym where the sale was held.

We picked up a lot of flotsam and jetsam. One of the gems I found was a book of postcards. The title of the book says "Til Erindring om Kjobenhavn." I didn't really know where it was from. Or even when they were printed. But I was so intrigued, I took a chance and figured I'd investigate later.

First off, I discovered the writing on the cover is Danish. "Til Erindring" means "For Remembrance." And "om Kjobenhavn" means "About Copenhagen."

It makes sense, of course. Still, there is no indication of date. My best guess is that it was printed circa the turn of the last century. One postcard features a boulevard with what looks like horse carriages. I didn't see any motor vehicles. As to the dress of people, the only thing I could glean from the few blurry bystanders was a top hat or two.

The only other clue was a flyleaf in the middle of the book that said, "Eduard Otto & Co." with ornate borders and lettering.

Alas, I may never know the true origins. Still, it's been fun to peer into the past and consider my newfound treasure. The photographer, long passed, would have no way of knowing how the world would change. Two world wars would crumble Europe's social status quo. Machines would arrive and take over. Strolls down the boulevard would become quaint. And one day electronic devices would take control of everyday social life.

I decided to go through the postcards one by one and see if the subject was still around. Here are my findings:

Det kgl. Theater (aka the Royal Danish Theater) was built in 1874 and is still going strong.

Amalienborg Palace: Home of the Danish Royal Family. Built in 1760.

Rosenborg Slot: Renaissance castle built in 1606.

Thorvaldsens Museum: Dedicated to Danish neoclassicist sculptor Albert Bertel Thorvaldsen. The artist spent most of his life in Italy. When he returned to his homeland, he was given a hero's welcome. Thorvaldsen died in 1844 and is buried in the courtyard of the museum, which was built in 1837.

Marmorkirken (officially Frederikskirken): A Neo-Baroque marble church with a grandiose dome that was inspired by St. Peter's in Rome. Construction began in 1749 but soaring costs halted the project. Thanks to the benevolence of financier CF Tietgen, construction eventually resumed and the church was consecrated in 1894.

Borsen: 17th Century Stock Exchange. This popular building is renowned for its distinctive spire, which is shaped like four dragon tails twisted together.

Kvoesthusbroen: I couldn't find a definitive result (in English), but the photo is of a pier with boats docked around it. 

Langelinie:  The name is from the 17th Century. It was originally a military area and later became a park and promenade. I suspect the building shown is the original pavilion, which was constructed in 1888 and replaced by a modern structure in 1958. 

Orstedsparken: A public park that was inaugurated in 1879.

Vesterbros Passage med Frihedsstotten: Vesterbros Passage is a section of Copenhagen, and the Frihedsstotten (aka "The Liberty Memorial") is an obelisk commemorating peasant reforms in 1788 that abolished serfdom.

Tivolis Facade: Entrance to the Tivoli Gardens. 

Badstuen ved Frederiksborg: "Badstuen" means "bathhouse" – in this case, one associated with Frederiksborg Castle, which was built in the 17th century by King Christian IV. It burned down in 1859, was rebuilt and then reopened in 1882. 

I hope you've enjoyed this little jaunt through Copenhagen. I don't know if any of you have been there, but I think it unlikely I'll ever visit, so these postcards will have to do. 

Pagenhor! (Goodbye till next time!)