This image shows one of the underwater performers that entertained visitors to the Aquarena Springs theme park during the middle of the 20th century. Dressed as a clown, the swimmer is able to breathe through the use of the air tube held in the mouth.
The description states:
AQUARENA, SAN MARCOS, TEXAS
GLURPO AQUARENA’S FAMOUS AQUATIC CLOWN, who performs his acts under-water. Thrilling under-water shows are presented by the world’s only submarine theatre at this attraction every day of the year (except Christmas Day).
–The underwater theater is closed now that the Springs are a conservation area. This card was used and is dated 3 July 1962.
Category: Postcards From Another Millennium
Postcards from various decades of the 20th century.
Aquarena Gift Shop, San Marcos, Texas
This is an overview of the gift shop serving the attraction known as Aquarena. It is part of the larger theme park of the time known as Aquarena Springs.
The description states:
AQUARENA, San Marcos, Texas. Interior view of Aquarena’s famous Souvenir Shop. This is one of the Southwest’s most outstanding tourist shops and is unsurpassed in architectural beauty.
-The shop served the larger theme park, which was closed in the 1980s when the area was converted into a conservation site and program.
This card was used and is dated 3 July 1962.
Juarez Plaza, San Antonio, Texas
This is another view from a different perspective from the previous post, featuring the Juarez Plaza area of La Vilita, the historic district in San Antonio, Texas now devoted to the arts.
The description states:
LA VILLITA
San Antonio, Texas
Juarez Plaza is used for private parties, dances and colorful fiestas.
–The main portion of the district is a one-block long section featuring art and craft stores, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
This image likely dates from the 1960s.
La Villita, San Antonio, Texas
This image shows part of the restored old town of San Antonio now known as La Villita. The building in the background is modern.
The description states:
LA VILLITA “LITTLE TOWN”
San Antonio, Texas
A restoration of San Antonio’s earliest residential settlement (1722). Many of the homes are occupied by craft shops. A modern skyscraper in background.
–There are twenty-seven notable houses our buildings in the district, which are occupied primarily by art businesses and studios. They take part in the Night in Old San Antonio event every year.
This card likely dates from the 1960s.
Fleischmann Planetarium, University of Nevada, Reno
This image shows the recently completed Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, featuring its most distinctive element.
The description states:
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA
Charles and Henriette Fleischmann Atmospheric and Planetarium of the Desert Research Institute presents the wonders of the atmosphere, stars and planets.
–This structure was completed in 1963, and this card likely dates to that time.
Jackpot Motel, Reno, Nevada
This is an example of a typical urban motel of the 1950s, with it’s interior parking lot, two story construction with all rooms opening on to the parking area, with forms and shapes typical of the space-age style common in that decade.
The description states:
JACKPOT MOTEL
730 N. Virginia St.
Reno, Nevada
Phone 329-8877
35 deluxe units, Connecting Rooms – Room Phones – T.V. – Free Coffee – Individually Controlled heat and air conditioning.
Your hosts Bill and Dorothy Dalton
–The location has been significantly changed with the construction of Interstate 80 through the area, and the motel no longer exists. The cars visible show that this card dates from the 1950s.
Harrah’s Casino Restaurant, Reno Nevada
This image shows the facade of the Harrah’s Casino in Reno Nevada as it looked in the evening with the lights on.
The description states:
FABULOUS NIGHTS – EXCELLENT FOOD
Reno, Nevada
Ever growing Reno does it again — with the new HARRAH’S CASINO RESTAURANT
–This establishment lasted until 1968 when the adjacent property was acquired and a new, larger building was erected.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Horseshoe Club Casino, Reno Nevada
This nighttime image features the Horseshoe Club facade illuminated in the evening. This establishment should not be confused with Binion’s Horseshoe Casino, which is located on Fremont Street, while this casino was at 229 N. Virginia St, but is now closed.
The description states:
VIRGINIA ST. — RENO
Nevada
One of the most colorful and gayest streets in the world. This view features several gay casinos.
–By gay they mean happy, as the more common usage today had not yet become widespread. This building still exists, but the current business there is a pawn shop and jewelry store. It is across the street from Harrah’s Casino.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Harold’s Club Gun Room, Reno, Nevada
This image shows part of the Harold’s club casino, with the typical slot machines of the era and a bar at the left. The walls are decorated with various firearms and descriptions of their origin and age, part of a collection from Raymond I. “Pappy” Smith. The official name of the room was the Roaring Camp Room.
The description states:
GUN MUSEUM — HAROLD’S CLUB
Located on the second floor of Harold’s Club, this collection contains thousands of ancient firearms. The same museum also contains collections of unusual carriages, Indian weapons, and souvenirs from may battlefields.
–The presence of slot machines meant that children would not be able to visit the collection, as casinos did not allow anyone under 18 inside. The collection was eventually sold at auction when the Harold’s Club company was purchased by another owner.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Harold’s Club Mural, Reno, Nevada
This image shows Harold’s Club and Casino mural, visible under the word ‘Biggest’ in the previous post.
The description states:
HAROLD’S CLUB SIGN
Harold’s Club, of world-wide fame, has spent many thousands of dollars and untold hours of time in research into the early days of the West and especially Nevada. This huge sign on the front of the club depicts a camp scene of the early-day pioneers.
–The legend at the top of the sign, more readily visible by clicking on the image to see the full size version, reads: Presented in all humility to those who blazed the trail.
The sign and building at this point in time looks quite different from the building in the previous posting, indicating that Harold’s went through an extensive expansion and remodeling some time in the 1950s. This would be the earlier version, probably taken in the early 1950s.