This image shows the unexpected fate of a large quantity of grind stones which had been manufactured nearby but found no owners. They are used for shoreline stabilization for which they are also eminently suitable, given their great size and hardness.
The description states:
2085 MICHIGAN THUMB SCENERY
Abandoned grindstones, once a thriving industry at Grindstone City, Michigan.
—Grindstone City is an unincorporated community at the eastern end of Port Austin Township, located at the northern tip of the ‘thumb’ of the Michigan peninsula. The shore shown here is part of Lake Huron.
This postcard is dated 1955.
Month: May 2016
Horseback Riding, Hart Michigan
This image shows a group of people, possibly a family, as they ride horses provided by the local stable owner. Such horse rentals were very common in mid-20th century United States, as it provided an experience which was fast disappearing for many urban families.
The description on the back of the card states simply:
CK-310 Greetings from Hart, Michigan
—Hart, Michigan is located in west central Michigan, and the county it is the seat of has a coastline of Lake Michigan. It is a small town in a rural county, and such entertainments as this were provided for summer tourists and visitors.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Bridge Street, Winnemucca, Nevada
This image shows a typical day on Bridge Street, looking towards the distant mountains near the town of Winnemucca, Nevada. Based on the location of the theater shown in the picture, this is a view of Bridge Street from about the same viewpoint as it looks ltoday.
There is no description on the back of this card.
The movie theater marquee on the right side of the street indicates that the current film is “Kill the Umpire” starring William Bendix. This film was released in mid-1950, which conclusively dates this photo to the early 1950s.
Holliday’s Gas Station, Highway 40, Nevada
This image shows the gas station and associated market and bar known as Holliday’s which was located on Highway 40 between Winnemucca and Battle Mountain, Nevada. Over time, this highway would be upgraded to Interstate 80, and many of these establishments were left with no convenient access to the travelers passing by.
There is no caption on the back of this card.
This image is of the same building as the one on the right in the previous posting, showing the building from close up and from the opposite side. It appears they were vendors of 76 brand fuel, and sold Pennzoil products as well.
This image likely dates from the 1940s.
Holliday’s Desert Oasis, Highway 40, Nevada
This image shows the gas station and associated shop known as Holliday’s, along with another unidentified building in the center. There appears to be a windmill attached to the far side, presumably as a water pump. It is a later construction, based on the photo linked above.
There is no description on the back of this card. The image likely dates from the 1940s.
Cattle Herd, Nevada
This image shows a typical Hereford cattle herd being grazed on the range in Nevada.
The description states:
NEVADA
“THE OLD WEST IN MODERN SPLENDOR”
The rich fertile ranching land has made Nevada, one of the largest beef cattle producers in the United States.
–Most of the land used by cattle ranchers to graze their herds is publicly owned, and ranchers pay a fee to the federal government for access to the land.
This image likely dates from the 1960s.
U. S. Highway 40 Along the Humboldt River, Nevada
This image shows a section of the old U. S. Highway 40 as it follows the route of the Humboldt River through central Nevada. This river drains much of the northern part of the state, but does not reach the ocean, ending in a lake at the western end.
The description states:
NEVADA
U.S. Highway 40 crossing Nevada presents ever-changing panoramas to the traveler. This view shows U. S. Highway 40 following along the banks of the lazy Humboldt River.
–The river is described as ‘lazy’ as its flow is very shallow and slow as it moves westward across Nevada.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Highway 40 Route, Humboldt River, Nevada
This image shows a portion of U.S. Highway 40 as it follows the course of the Humboldt River near Elko, Nevada.
The description states:
U. S. HIghway 40 crossing Nevada presents ever changing panoramas to the traveler. This view shows U. S. Highway 40 following along the bands of the lazy Humboldt River between Elko and Winnemucca, Nevada.
–Because it is the only watered route through the central Great Basin, it served as the trail route for emigrants heading to California and the west coast, railroad lines and highways in turn.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Great Northern E7, Puget Sound, Washington
This image shows the EMD E7 streamline diesel locomotive heading the Empire Builder passenger train as it passes along Puget Sound in Washington state.
The description states:
The Route of the Empire Builder extends between Seattle-Portland and Chicago, via Spokane and Minnesota’s Twin Cities. The five de luxe streamliners in this fleet provide daily departures in both directions from every point served. Every travel luxury and comfort is available at no extra fare.
–The Great Northern was merged with other railroads to form the Burlington Northern, and responsibility for the Empire Builder passenger service was assumed by Amtrak.
This image likely dates from the 1940s.
Chief Running Horse and Family, Holbrook, AZ
This image is a family gathering of Native Americans posing with their traditional clothing and artifacts. The patriarch is Chief Running Horse, but the family is otherwise unidentified.
The description states simply:
HSC-14 CHIEF RUNNING HORSE AND FAMILY
–Not much more is known about this family, but the image was widely used by many publishers in the mid-20th Century. While the photographer is from Colorado, it is quite possible that this Native American family was from Arizona, where tourism was more common along Route 66.
Other versions of this image available on line have a date from the 1950s.