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.
Tag: 1950s
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.
Beauvoir House, Biloxi, Mississippi
This image shows the left front of Beauvoir House, the former home of the ex-President of the Confederate States, Jefferson Davis.
The description states:
BEAUVIOR HOUSE — Built in the 1850s — purchased in 1879 by Jefferson Davis, the only President of the Confederate States of America. Here he wrote his monumental work “The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government” and lived until his death in 1889. Now a Shrine under auspices of Sons of Confederate Veterans of Mississippi and United Daughters of the Confederacy.
–As can be seen by the mark on the card, this was used and is dated 6 march 1954.
Payne’s Motor Court, Fredricksburg, Virginia
This image shows a typical second generation motel, with a single continuous building instead of separate cottages. There are a minimum of amenities beyond the room itself. It was located in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
The description states:
PAYNE’S MOTOR COURT
Located on U. S. #1 — 2 — 17 — Built in 1950.
Modern with hot water heat.
In Virginia’s most historical city,
FREDRICKSBURG, VIRGINIA
Telephone 687-J
Owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Payne
–This structure seems to have been demolished some time ago. This postcard, noting the original construction date, must date from the 1950s.
Natural Bridge, Virginia
This image shows the road under the Natural Bridge, a formation of limestone created by the creek which runs alongside the road.
The description states:
NATURAL BRIDGE — One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. There is no other structure like it. The Lee Highway, U.S. No. 11 passes over Natural Bridge. It is higher by 55 feet than Niagara Falls. The mean height of the bridge from the stream below to its upper surface is 215 feet, it has a span of 90 feet between the walls, width averages 100 feet and the arch is 40 feet thick.
Hotel and cottage accommodations. Open all year. Illumination at night.
–U.S. Highway 11 still passes over this span. The card was used and is dated 13 August 1951.
Mill Mountain Star, Roanoke, Virginia
This illustration shows the initial design of the Roanoke Star, built atop Mill Mountain outside of Roanoke, Virginia.
The description states:
ROANOKE, VA., Star City of the South
Constructed on top of Mill Mountain, 1,800 feet above sea level and 975 feet above the City. The largest man-made illuminated star in the world — 88 1/2 feet in diameter, on a 100 foot structure — as tall as an eight story building. Nine rows (2,000 feet) of neon tubing.
–The design of the tubing has changed somewhat over the years, to include five concentric stars, and to include red and blue colored neon tubes, though at this time the star is illuminated solely with white.
The star was first lit in 1949, and this card was used, dated 16 August 1951.
Jefferson Bedroom, Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia
This image shows the interior of the Jefferson bedroom with furnishings consistent with the period Jefferson lived in the house.
The description states:
MONTICELLO
THE HOME OF THOMAS JEFFERSON
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
Jefferson’s bedroom showing his alcove bed and chaise lounge.
–Currently the bed is still on display, but the chaise has been replaced with another contemporary chair. While it is not immediately obvious, the bed sits in the middle of the room, with access from both sides, as can be seen in this view.
This postcard likely dates from the 1950s.