This image of Homer Dam seems deceptively modern, but the presence of the horse-drawn buggy indicates that it predates the wide use of automobiles in the area of Homer, Michigan. By clicking the image to access the full sized version, you can also clearly identify another wagon at the curve of the road in the left background.
The dam has long since ceased to be used as such, and the Kalamazoo River flows unimpeded beneath the roadway over the old dam gates.
This card was used and is dated 8 August 1914.
Tag Archives: 1910s
Rock Point, Presque Isle, Marquette, Michigan
This image shows the spot known as Rock Point in the foreground, and the Middle Island of the Presque Isle chain in the background. The island chain juts out from the shore at Marquette, Michigan and was developed as a park by Frederick Law Olmstead, who also designed Central Park in New York.
There is no description on the back of the card.
This card was used and sent from Marquette. The person addressing the card did not have the clearest handwriting, and it was mis-sent to Farwell, where it was re-cancelled and forwarded on to the town of Lowell. It is dated 24 July 1914.
Central Avenue, Belle Isle Park, Detroit, Michigan
This photo is a view down the long roadway on Belle Isle, an island in the middle of the Detroit River between the state of Michigan and Ontario, Canada. It’s design originates from the 1880s, but was not completed as designed.
Clicking on the image reveals that there are no automobiles visible, partly because it is very early in the automobile era, and partly because the island had no road access at that time. It is now connected with a bridge from the Michigan side, and is managed as a Michigan state park.
This card was used and is dated 20 August 1908.
Monument Park, Grand Rapids, Michigan
This image shows the well-known landmark in the downtown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is a memorial to the soldiers who took part in the American Civil War from the Grand Rapids area. The statue has been moved recently a small distance within the park, and now stands overlooking the junction of Fulton and Division Streets at the center of the city.
The monument is unusual as it was the first to include a built-in fountain, and also commemorates the activities of women during the Civil War.
This card was used and is dated 28 April 1914.
Alma Manufacturing, Alma, Michigan
This card shows a factory as it looked near the beginning of the 20th century. It is clearly labelled Alma Manufacturing, and was located in Alma Michigan. It apparently produced woodworking machinery, steam and gasoline engines during its history.
There is no description on the back of the card. This company was renamed in 1913 to Alma Motor Truck Company, so this image predates that event. This card was used, and is postmarked 14 April 1913.
Goguac Lake, Battle Creek, Michigan
This image, a black and white photo manually colored for postcard use, is of a couple rowing on Goguac Lake in Battle Creek. There is a pumping station for the city water system in the right background.
There is no description on the back of this card. The lake is spring fed, and the water level rises and falls with the seasonal rainfall.
This card was used and is dated 2 August 1915.