Approximate size: 5.5 inches x 2.9 inches (not counting the vacant triangles in the corners)
What's exciting about this postcard is that The Carroll Merchants started in their official state in 1935, so this 1914 postcard must represent the precursor to The Carroll Merchants. The team went on to be a part of the Iowa State Baseball League from 1949-1955 and part of the Central States League from 1956-1959.
The Merchants now play in Merchants Park, built in 1949. Previously, the Merchants competed in the Pioneer League from 2016-2019. As part of the MINK League, The Merchants will compete in the MINK’s North Division, joining the Clarinda A’s, Chillicothe Mudcats, Des Moines Peak Prospects, and St. Joseph Mustangs. The South Division will be composed of Jefferson City Renegades, Joplin Outlaws, Nevada Griffons, and the Sedalia Bombers.
The Carroll Merchants have a ravenous fan base and a rich history, and this postcard would be a welcome addition to any Iowa baseball collection.
Carroll is a city in, and the county seat of, Carroll County, Iowa, United States along the Middle Raccoon River.
Carroll was laid out in 1867. It took its name from Carroll County, which was named in honor of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Maryland. He was the only Roman Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence.
In 1869, the centrally located railroad town of Carroll City was selected as the county seat, replacing, with some protest, Carrollton. Later a $4,000 courthouse was constructed on the town square. This building was used until it burned to the ground in 1886. The vaults and records were undamaged, however, and moved to temporary housing in the Joyce Building and Drees' Music Hall.
The following winter a $40,000 bond issue was approved toward the construction of a new, permanent courthouse. The stone-and-brick building was built on the northwest corner of the square (the parking lot of the current courthouse). The courthouse, complete with a clock-tower, was used for more than three-quarters of a century, then replaced by a modern-looking building in 1965.
A $750,000 bond issue was used to construct and equip the new courthouse. This building was officially dedicated on September 24, 1966. The highlight of the dedication ceremony was the opening of the boxes sealed in the cornerstone of the old courthouse. The bell from the previous courthouse clock tower sits on the courthouse grounds.
Please inspect the pictures, as they give the best representation of condition. May have discoloring, edge or corner wear, marks, creases, fading, smudges, corner or edge bends, tears, or corners missing.
In particular, this postcard is missing two of its corners and was trimmed. It was modified down by the original owner to be put in a scrapbook.
(A170 inventory number)