Commemorative Bookmark of Taiwan's Seven Classic Railway Stations - Tainan Station

[ Commemorative Bookmarks of Taiwan's Seven Classic Railway Stations ] Time marches ever onward, never pausing for anyone. The cherished classics of yesteryear can now only be fondly remembered through books and archives. Though we navigate the convenience of the mobile, digital age, the warmth of true sentiment struggles to be conveyed through pixels alone. Following the echoes of history, we return to the railway stations that once connected hearts and communities. Each scene of joy and sorrow, a poignant reflection that lingers. The evolution of these stations mirrors the relentless march of progress. Even through a modern lens, the artistic achievements of the past transcend much of contemporary design. We translate this profound feeling into the rhythm of daily reading, hoping to preserve this sentiment within the grand sweep of history. This collection features commemorative bookmarks of Taiwan's seven classic railway stations, including Keelung, Taipei, Hsinchu, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. Each station bookmark comes with a postcard and an envelope. The postcard includes historical context, hand-drawn illustrations of the station, and poetic verses. The accompanying envelope offers a way to send a piece of this history to a friend. [ Tainan Station ] During the Japanese colonial era, Tainan Station was known as Tainan-eki. The original station building was completed in May 1900, but within two decades, it proved too small. Reconstruction began in 1927. The second-generation Tainan Station is a reinforced concrete structure, designed in the eclectic style popular in the 1920s by Japanese architect Ufuku Takeo. It was completed and opened on March 15, 1936 (Shōwa 11), and remains in use today. Architectural highlights include three arched entrances in the portico, relief decorations under the eaves, and a small gable on the flat roof's front. The facade features seven arched windows, with the central three framed by four pilasters. A circular clock is embedded above the central window. In 1998, it was designated a national historic site.