This image shows a group of African-Americans in a large cotton field during the harvest.
The description states simply:
COTTON PICKIN’ TIME IN THE DEEP SOUTH
–The Cotton Belt stretched across the southeastern United States, and thus cotton one of the dominant crops of the early nation. For a time it was the main cash crop for nearly every state south of the Mason-Dixon line, with production declining only in the 20th Century.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Category: Postcards From Another Millennium
Postcards from various decades of the 20th century.
Native American Dancers, Cherokee, North Carolina
This image shows a troupe of Native American dancers dressed and posed in dance posture. The dance is called the Eagle Dance. Cherokee, North Carolina is the headquarters of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation.
The description states:
“UNTO THESE HILLS”
Cherokee, North Carolina
The centuries-old colorful Cherokee Indian Eagle Dance is recreated on the outdoor drama. “Unto These Hills” will be presented nightly except Mondays, from late June through early September, at Mountainside Theatre, Cherokee, North Carolina.
–The performance of “Unto These Hills” continues to the present day and describes their history up to the deportation and Trail of Tears in 1838. The current version was first performed in 1950.
This card was used and is dated 30 June 1961.
James K. Polk Motel, Columbia, Tennessee
This image is of the exterior of another motel, this time the James K. Polk, named after the U.S. President from the first half of the 19th Century.
The description states:
JAMES K. POLK MOTEL
COLUMBIA, TENN.
HIGHWAY NO 31
For Reservations Phone EV- 8-4913
50 Units — Tile and Bath Showers
Simmons Furniture — Electric Heat
Air Conditioned — Beautyrest Mattress
Restaurant — T.V. and Telephones
Swimming Pool — Putt Putt Golf Course
–This establishment had the unusual amenity of a miniature golf course as noted in the description. It was still in business in 2011, but has since closed.
The cars in the image indicate this card is from the 1950s.
Parkview Motel, Nashville, Tennessee
This image is a view inside a typical room of the Parkview Motel just a few miles north of Nashville, Tennessee. Of particular note is the TV in the background which is on wheels, and is apparently turned on. The lamp on top of it would have to be off to watch programming, though.
The description states:
PARKVIEW MOTEL and RESTAURANT
“South’s Finest” Phone CO-2-9196
On U. S. Hiways 41 and 31W – 3 Miles North of Nashville, Tenn. Make One Stop. Fine Southern Cooking, Living Room, 21-inch TV in every Room Free. Air Conditioned, Wall to Wall Carpet, Electric Heat and Two Full Sized Beds in every Unit. Most Reasonable Prices. This Deluxe Family unit for $8.00. 2 – 3 or 4 Persons.
–The odd capitalization is present in the original text. It appears the motel is no longer in business.
This card was used and is dated 17 June 1961.
Lake Scene, Paris Tennessee
This image shows a pair of men canoeing across a lake near the city of Paris, Tennessee. The names of European cities are often reused in states throughout the United States.
The description states:
Across the lake’s surface with a smooth flight.
With luck there’ll be fish in the fry pan tonight.
–This lake may be Kentucky Lake, a dammed portion of the Tennessee River to the east of Paris, Tennessee.
This card was used and is dated 8 April 1963.
Purple Rhododendron, Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
Originally known as the Appalachian Scenic Highway during its construction, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a linear park connecting other National Parks in the system, while not being a national park itself. It is the most visited unit of the National Park system.
The description states:
PURPLE RHODODENDRON in bloom on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Craggy Dome in the background.
–Craggy Dome is the highest point in the Great Craggy Mountains of North Carolina. It is the smoother of the two prominences in this picture.
This card was used and is dated 31 May 1973.
Charlies Bunion, Great Smoky Mountains Park, Tennessee
This is an image of the large rock outcrop called Charlies Bunion. The rock is just below the summit of a mountain along the Appalachian Trail.
The description states:
CHARLIES BUNION
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This spectacular point on the Appalachian Trail is located about 6 miles from Newfound Gap and has become a very popular hike. This area is located in the most rugged scenery in the Smokies.
–This particular mountain top is on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina.
This card was used and is dated 15 September 1971.
Mountain Highway Scene, Tennessee
This image is an artists recreation of a black and white photo, showing cars traveling along a highway in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
There is no description on the back of this card.
The card shows automobiles characteristic of the 1940s in the United States, although the card was used and is dated 10 August 1951
Roadside Rhododendrons, Tennessee
This image shows a scenic section of Tennessee highway featuring wild Rhododendrons growing alongside the road.
The description states:
RHODODENDRON
The colorful flower of the Smokies, rhododendron gives a vivid hue to the rugged mountain scenery.
— Rhododendrons are a shrub flower and grow commonly throughout the Southeastern United States.
This card was used and is dated 19 June 1961.
Chimney Tops, Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
This image shows, in the background, the mountain known as the Chimney Tops, one of the most recognizable features of the Great Smoky Mountains Range.
The description states:
GS-18
THE CHIMNEY TOPS AND U. S. 441, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. U. S. 441 is the Transmountain Highway through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This highway follows the Little Pigeon River on the Tennessee side and the Chimney Tops are the rugged peaks that dominate the view for several miles.
–This card was used and is dated 12 August 1955.