Category: Postcards From Another Millennium

This image shows a moderate sized lake as seen through the upper branches of a pine tree along the shore.

The description states:
G-188
A gnarled pine frames the blue waters of a Northland lake.
Vacationland Scene
–This card does not clearly identify its location other than in Michigan, most likely on the upper peninsula, but possibly in the upper half of the lower peninsula. This card is dated 1958.

This image shows a whitetail buck paying close attention to the photographer, while having his head turned to track an apparent scent.

The description states:
SENSING DANGER
Moving silently through the woods, pausing now and then for a cautious backward glance, this buck is keenly aware that something is amiss.
Vacationland Scene
–The image has the legend on the front “Greetings from Ontonagon, Mich. This city is in the extreme western part of the upper peninsula of Michigan, overlooking Lake Superior.
This card was dated 1952.

This image shows a typical whitetail buck drinking from a lake in the wilds of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Such scenes are still common, as deer are carefully managed and hunting is restricted to permit holders at limited times of the year.

The description states:
“The Stag at eve had drunk his fill.”
Vacationland Scene
–This card is dated 1953.

This image of a wild black bear is much less easy to come by now, many decades later. Loss of habitat and hunting have reduced the numbers of black bears in the Upper Peninsula.

The description states:
G-169
Black Bears such as this one are often seen by vacationists; and while they seem harmless, it is best not to get too friendly.
Vacationland Scene
–In more recent years vacationers are cautioned to avoid any encounters with bears, and to discourage them from scavenging food from human campgrounds.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows a very typical scene in areas throughout Michigan during the fall. As one travels along the more remote rural roads, the density of forest and the presence of birch trees as shown here give considerable color to the landscape as the seasons change.

The description states:
G-126
Dame Nature with her paint brush is the greatest artist of them all.
Vacationland Scene
–This card is dated 1956.

This image shows a typical Michigan lakefront scene, likely of Lake Michigan or Huron, as smaller lakes would not form whitecaps.

The description states:
G-19
White-capped waves gently break on a lonely beach.
Vacationland Scene
–This card is dated 1957.
 

This image shows the large car ferry that provided transport between St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, Michigan, called the Vacationland.

The description states:
No. 81
THE VACATIONLAND
With a capacity of 650 passengers and 150 vehicles, the VACATIONLAND is the ultimate in car ferries. The special design of this ice breaking car ferry permits loading and unloading from either end. Its powerful Diesel engines (9300 maximum H.P.) help it to make the trip across the Straits of Mackinac between St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, Michigan in record time.
–It’s primary purpose was to transport people and vehicles between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan in the 1950s. The ferry became redundant with the completion of the Mackinac Bridge in 1957. It served many other owners before being sold for scrap and lost at sea in 1987.
This image dates from shortly after it began service in 1952.