This image shows a pair of woodcutters using an elevated platform to allow both of them to work on cutting planks from the log by use of a two-man saw.
The description states:
SAWING PLANKS
Early Pilgrim houses were of frame construction boarded with thick planks swan laboriously by hand from the forest timber. The operation of a 17th century pit saw is demonstrated daily at Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth, Mass.
–One can clearly see that sawing from above was fairly dangerous, should the saw bind and throw the sawyer off balance. From below, the sawdust made for dirty work at the very least.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Category: Postcards From Another Millennium
Postcards from various decades of the 20th century.
Plimoth Plantation Illustration
This image is an artist’s rendition of the Plimoth Plantation reconstruction, showing the fort in the background and a road passing several representative houses.
The description states:
An artist’s conception of the replica Pilgrim Village, built at Plimouth Plantation, Massachusetts, by Plimoth Plantation, a non-profit, educational organization.
–This site is occupied by re-enactors in period dress who give a sense of life to the village with their dress and activities.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Map Showing Location of Plimoth Plantation
This card is an illustration of Cape Cod, the bay and eastern Massachusetts, prominently featuring the location of the Plimoth Plantation.
The description states:
FOR A VACATION TRIP INTO HISTORY
Plymouth, Massachusetts, centers in a history-rich vacationland spreading along the Bay State shores from Greater Boston to Provincetown. Make Plymouth your vacation headquarters. Motor along super highways and quiet by-ways for daily enjoyment of anything from ocean surf to Pilgrim history.
–This map calls out most of the interesting towns and cities along Cape Cod, many of which have a lengthy historical background. This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Mayflower Compact Diorama
This image shows a diorama of the signing of the Mayflower Compact on board the Mayflower II. It resembles slightly the painting from 1899.
The description states:
On November 21, 1620, the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact establishing for themselves a government by consent to be based on just and equal laws for all. The scene is commemorated in the Great Cabin of Mayflower II, an exhibit of Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth, Massachusetts.
–The document was drawn up as an agreement among the men present to provide for a consistent and fair government, as they believed themselves unable to continue to join the already existing colony in Virginia.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Mayflower II at Sea
This image shows the replica ship Mayflower II during the trans-Atlantic crossing from Britain to the United States.
The description states:
MAYFLOWER II built at Brixham, England, by Project Mayflower; sailed from Plymouth England to Plymouth, Massachusetts by Captain Villiers in April 1957, as a gift of the people of Great Britain to the people of the United States as a gesture of Anglo-American friendship. Mayflower II will be berthed permanently at Plimouth Plantation Eel River Site in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
–The Mayflower II has been regularly restored to preserve its wooden construction.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Mayflower II Artwork
This image is an illustration of the reconstructed ship Mayflower II, which was built as a replica of the original which brought Puritan colonists to the Massachusetts area in 1620.
The description states:
MAYFLOWER II built in Brixham, England, by Project Mayflower; sailed from Plymouth, England to Plymouth, Massachusetts in April 1957; to be berthed permanently at Plimoth Plantation, Massachusetts.
–The ship has been docked as an exhibit at the Plimoth Plantation since arriving there in 1957.
Since this event happened in the 1950s, this card likely dates from that time.
Pemberton Headquarters, Vicksburg, Mississippi
This building, known as the Willis-Cowan House served as the headquarters for the supreme Confederate commander during the Siege of Vicksburg, John Pemberton.
The description states:
PEMBERTON HEADQUARTERS, VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI…
Located on Crawford Street, this building served as the headquarters of General John Pemberton, Confederate Commander at Vicksburg.
–Around the time of this photo, the house was in private hands and would eventually house a kindergarten in the 1960s. It has since been declared a National Historic Landmark for its role as the place of the surrender of Vicksburg on July 4, 1863.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Shirley House, Vicksburg, Mississippi
This image shows the so-called Shirley House, located on the grounds of the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi.
The description states:
SHIRLEY HOUSE, VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK…
A landmark during the Siege of Vicksburg, is the only surviving wartime structure in the Park.
–The house was captured by the advancing Union forces before the withdrawing Confederate soldiers could destroy it. The occupants were captured unharmed and housed in a cave nearby.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Governor’s Mansion, Jackson, Mississippi
This image shows the classic front portico of the Governor’s Mansion in the state capitol, Jackson, Mississippi. It is located pretty much in the center of the city.
The description states:
THE GOVERNOR’S MANSION, JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI…
Claiming the distinction of being first to build a home for its Chief Executive, Mississippi completed the stately structure in 1842. The front entrance is a replica of the east entrance of the White House. Located on Capitol Street, in the heart of downtown Jackson.
–The mansion is currently on the National Register of Historic Places, one of only two governor’s mansions so designated to date.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Beauvoir House, Biloxi, Mississippi
This image follows on from the previous posting, and shows the same house as before, Beauvoir House, the last home of Jefferson Davis, former President of the Confederate States of America.
The description states:
BEAUVOIR, JEFFERSON DAVIS SHRINE…
The last home of Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy. Now a shrine under the auspices of Sons of Confederate Veterans of Mississippi and United Daughters of the Confederacy.
–This card is very close in time to the previous posting, so likely also dates from the 1950s.