Monthly Archives: November 2015

Ruby Mountains in Summer, Nevada

This image shows a long curving road in the foreground which leads into the Ruby Mountains in the background.

Photo by Gordon Campbell


The description states:
HIGHWAY THROUGH NEVADA
“THE SCENIC WEST”
The broad, smooth surfaces, gentle grades and scenic desert vistas make Nevada’s Highways some of themes popular thoroughfares in the West.
–These mountains are located in Elko County, Nevada, which is in the northeastern quadrant of the state. This road has been supplanted by Interstate 80 along its entire length through Nevada.
This picture likely dates from the 1950s.

Verticality Illusions, Curious Canyon, Santa Cruz, California

This image is better composed to highlight the illusion of differing angles of repose for both the standing and hanging subjects. The camera is held so that the image created makes the floor and door look level with the ground, but both the subjects indicate this is not accurate.
There is no description on the back of this card.
An examination of photos on the Mystery Spot website shows photos that are nearly identical to the ones shown here, confirming that the organization changed names but not locations over time.
This image likely dates from the 1940s.

Optical Illusions, Curious Canyon, Santa Cruz, California

This image shows a common illusion, created by the limited field of view provided by the photo, which tricks the eye into thinking the background is correct and stable while the foreground is changing.
There is no description on the back of this card.
This is not the best composed picture to create the illusion, as the board the two men are standing on is clearly visible and indicates some of the reason for the visual effect. However, the left side subject does appear smaller in both photos, even though the person there is exchanged.
This photo likely dates from the 1940s.

Curious Canyon Entrance, Santa Cruz, CA

This image shows  customers gaining entry to the old-style attraction known as Curious Canyon in its early days, and now known as the Mystery Spot.
There is no description on the back of this card. Its is typical of the unposed photos that were printed on postcard stock as souvenirs for customers. To the left is the exit to the attraction, with the sign “I Just Saw Curious Canyon”. Possibly, visitors could have their pictures taken there as a souvenir as well.
This postcard likely dates from the 1940s.

Santa’s Kitchen, Santa Claus (Carptenteria) California

This image, a cut down portion of a postcard, shows the establishment called Santa’s Kitchen. It was part of the larger Santa Claus, California development along U. S. Highway 101 in Carpenteria, California.

Published by Mellinger Studio, 597 W. Figueroa Dr., Altadena, Calif.


The description states:
SANTA CLAUS, CALIFORNIA
by the sea on 101 where all cars stop.
High above the picturesque wishing well and water wheel, a smiling Santa waves to all who visit his California center.
–The Santa mentioned appears to have been cut off from the left side of the card. The cars visible here indicate this card is from the 1950s.

Santa Claus, California

This roadside attraction is not a town or other administrative location, but simply a name for a business along U. S. Highway 101 catering to tourists interested in purchasing Christmas themed souvenirs during their travels in southern California.

Published by Mellinger Studio, 597 W. Figueroa Dr., Altadena, Calif.


The description states:
SANTA CLAUS IN SUNNY CALIFORNIA
On Highway 101 where the mountains meet the sea.
– TOYLAND –
Santa’s Wonderland by the sea.
–The business location on Highway 101 proved initially very profitable, but when the Interstate Highway system replaced such older highways for inter-city travel, business declined significantly. This business was located on Santa Claus Lane in Carpenteria, California, but has closed, though the Santa atop the far building was preserved and made a landmark.
The car shown indicates this image is from the 1950s.

California Coastline in Spring

This image calls out the season to highlight the abundance of flowering plants along the California coastline. Almost all the yellow and white coloring mixed among the green is from blooming flowers.

Photo Color by Merle Porter


The description states:
SPRING ALONG THE PACIFIC COAST. The general Pacific Coast shoreline, from Mexico to the Canadian border, measures 1366 miles in length. The first white man to view the Pacific from our shoreline was Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and the crews from his ships the San Salvador and the Victoria that sailed into the bay of San Diego Sept. 28, 1542. The blue water and yellows, reds and purples of flower bloom that grow along the seashore are breath-taking beyond description.
–While this is a typical view of the coastline at many points, the type of shoreline varies extensively, from rocky settings such as this to pristine white sand beaches.
This postcard likely dates from the 1950s.

Pacific Shoreline View, California

This image is an otherwise unidentified view of the Pacific Ocean from some location along the central California coast.

A Mike Roberts Color Production, Berkeley 2, Calif.


The only description on the back of the card is: Shores of the Pacific
–Such rocks as are visible in the left foreground are common habitat for seabirds. Where the rocks have an easy sea-level access, it can also provide resting or breeding grounds for sea lions, seals or sea elephants.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.

Little Sur River and Lagoon

This image shows the mouth of the Little Sur River as it enters the Pacific Ocean. It drains the Los Padres National Forest, which contains many examples of endangered species and stands of old-growth redwood trees.

A Mike Roberts Color Production, Berkeley 2, Calif.


The description states:
LITTLE SUR RIVER AND LAGOON
State Hwy #1 on the Monterey Scenic Coast
–The Big Sur region, parks, Little Sur river and adjacent areas are located in the southern end of Monterey County. This lagoon changes form with the seasons, as the river’s flow increases or decreases with the winter rains.
This card was used and is dated 6 July 1955.

Pfeiffer State Beach, California

This image shows a natural bridge formation created from erosion by wave action against the rocky promontory. It is part of the Pfeiffer State Beach, in Big Sur, California. The beach has since been renamed Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Color by Bolty


The description states:
PFEIFFER STATE BEACH
Near Big Sur, California this popular beach is noted not only for its expansive sandy beaches, but also for its interesting rock formations.
–Not shown here but also very notable is McWay Falls, an 80 foot drop to the beach below, visible from the roadside above. This postcard likely dates from the 1950s.