This image shows an original cabin of the Pony Express system, which was initiated in 1860 and operated for only 19 months before being discontinued when the transcontinental telegraph was completed.
There is no description on the back of the card. The legend on the front states:
The Original Pony Express Station, and an Old “Fire Engine”, Gothenburg, Nebraska.
–The Pony Express became legendary, but was never a financial success, losing $200,000 during its time of operation.
This postcard was used and is dated 3 June 1955.
Month: May 2017
Ace Motel, Central City, Nebraska
This image shows the Ace Motel, another typical second-generation motel, built in a single long structure with adjacent rooms, much like and apartment block might be. This example was located in Central City, Nebraska.
There is no description on the back of this card, as it is a photograph converted to a post card to promote the establishment and as a memento.
There are other examples of this location on post cards, and this one has a automobile parked almost out of sight behind the mail box, which indicates this card dates from the 1950s.
Emery Motel, Ogallala, Nebraska
This image shows an early motel type common along the highways of the United States in the mid-20th Century. This one was in Ogalalla, Nebraska.
The description states:
We Enjoyed A Good Nite’s Rest at THE EMERY MOTEL. Home of the Second Largest Earthen Dam in the World.
— Wonderful Fishing —
Home and Clora Emery, Mgrs.
Ogallala, Nebr.
(Spelling and capitalization is in the original)
–The dam referenced in the description is the Kingsley Dam, which is located a short distance north of Ogallala. The dam formed Lake McConaughy, and the construction of the dam removed so much earth from in front of the dam that another lake formed at the base of the spillway.
This image likely dates from the 1950s, based on the cars visible in the picture.
Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
This image is an artist’s rendering of the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge, a typical example of the large motel chain.
The description states:
HOWARD JOHNSON’S MOTOR LODGE
U. S. 15 South, Gettysburg, Pa.
Centrally located for your enjoyment of historic Gettysburg. Swimming pool, TV, Air-conditioning, Restaurant, Cocktail Lounge, Beauty Salon. Battlefield guide and tour service available. Phone ED 4-1189.
–This motel is a bit more luxurious than most of the same chain, as it included tour services and a beauty salon, among other unusual amenities.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Juniata Bridge, Lewistown, Pennsylvania
This image is an illustration of the Juniata Bridge, or the Lewistown Road Bridge, which crosses the Juniata River in Lewistown, Pennsylvania.
http://i.imgur.com/VflxE8P
There is no description on the back of this card.
According to the link above, this bridge was completed in 1924 as a replacement for an older truss bridge, and was in turn replaced in 1989. The mills in the background were part of the large complex of factories operated by the American Viscose Corporation, which was the largest producer of rayon in the early 20th century and the first to make artificial silk.
This card was used and is dated 2 August 1937.
President Eisenhower Residence, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
This image shows the family home of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who after commanding the Allied forces to victory in Europe during World War II was elected to two terms as President of the United States.
The description states:
PRESIDENT EISENHOUER’S home bordering the Nation’s greatest historic shrine at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Taken from an original paining.
–Eisenhower lived here with his parents and brothers until he went to West Point. It remained in the family until it was deeded to the government as a site for the Eisenhower Library.
This postcard likely dates from the 1950s.
Gettysburg National Cemetery, Pennsylvania
This is an aerial image of a portion of the National Cemetery on the Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania. It was made famous by the dedication speech given by Abraham Lincoln which is now carved into the wall of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D. C.
The description states:
THE NATIONAL CEMETERY, GETTYSBURG PA.
This aerial view clearly shows the rows of markers for both the known and unknown Northern dead who were interred here. The known dead total 3,555 and are buried in eighteen different groups, each state having its own individual section. The New York State Monument is in the foreground and in the read and center stands the National Monument which is near the spot where Lincoln delivered his immortal speech of dedication and is the nation’s tribute to her sons who gave their lives as the price of victory on the field of Gettysburg.
–This postcard likely dates from the 1950s.
North Carolina Monument, Gettysburg Battlefield, Pennsylvania
This image shows the evocative monument to the men of North Carolina who fought in the Battle of Gettysburg in July, 1863.
The description states:
North Carolina Monument. This admirably executed monument depicts the action and determination put forth by the men in grey in the great conflict at Gettysburg. Erected by the state of North Carolina, the beautiful statue stands on the east side of Confederate Avenue.
–Confederate Avenue is a short loop of road on Seminary Ridge at the Gettysburg Battlefield site. The monument was constructed by Gutzon Borglum, the same sculptor most famous for the sculptures at Mount Rushmore, South Dakota.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Washington Monument, Washington, D. C.
This image shows the famous cherry trees in bloom as they frame the Washington Monument across the Tidal Basin in Washington, D. C.
The description states:
The Washington Monument. The white marble shaft rises 555 feet and may be reached by elevator in 70 seconds. The cherry trees ordinarily bloom early in April.
–For a number of reasons, the monument, started in 1848 was not completed for forty years. The original design had a colonnade and a flat top, but the colonnade was abandoned and a pyramidion was added to the top.
This card was used and is dated 16 July 1966.
U. S. Capitol at Dusk, Washington, D. C.
This image is an iconic view of the U.S. Capitol illuminated as the sun sets.
The description states:
UNITED STATES CAPITOL BUILDING
…Illuminated at night, you can see the great dome which towers 285 feet above the ground. The Rotunda, which is the center of this building, is beneath the dome.
–This card was used and stamped but apparently never mailed. The six cent Eisenhower stamp indicates It likely dates from the 1960s.