This image shows the Mason Hotel in Claremore, Oklahoma as it looked with the world-famous J. M. Davis Gun Collection.
There is no description on the back of this card.
The gun collection was housed in this location for many years, but was eventually moved to its own museum. The hotel was closed in 1974 and demolished in 1986.
This card was used and is dated 20 July 1953.
Tag: 1950s
First U.S. Kindergarten, Watertown, Wisconsin
The building shown in this image was the home of the first kindergarten held in the United States, which was founded by Margarethe Schurz in 1856 in Watertown, Wisconsin.
The description states:
First Kindergarten in the United States — founded by Margarethe Meyer Schurz in 1856 in Watertown, Wisconsin. Building moved from original site to Octagon House grounds in 1956 and restored by the Watertown Historical Society in 1957. Open to the public daily from May to November.
–There is an extensive and detailed history of this building recounted here.
Since the description states the dates of transfer and restoration, it is probable that this card dates from the 1950s.
Octagon House, Watertown, Wisconsin
This image shows the front entrance of the Octagon House, located in Watertown, Wisconsin.
The description states:
438X
OCTAGON HOUSE, WATERTOWN, WISCONSIN
The Octagon House is the most interesting landmark of early Watertown. It was built by the Hon. John Richards and completed about 1852. There are 57 rooms built around a spiral stairway. It was presented to the Watertown Historical Society in January, 1939.
–This image is unusual in that it was taken while the building was incomplete, and not representative of the original construction. Over the years, the wooden porches around the first and second floor became unsafe and were demolished in 1938, leaving the building in the condition seen here. The porches were reconstructed in the 1970s and again in the early 2000s.
This card is dated 1951.
Boettcher Deer Farm, Hayward, Wisconsin
This image shows several children feeding a family of tame white-tailed deer at the Boettcher Deer Farm in Hayward, Wisconsin.
The description states simply:
E-116 BOETTCHER DEER FARM
HAYWARD, WISCONSIN
—From information available on the web, this farm has long since closed.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Northway Motel, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
This image shows the front of the Northway Motel in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and to the left, the associated Schrener’s Restaurant for the convenience of the motel guests.
The description states:
NORTHWAY MOTEL
Hwy. 41 between Hwys 23 & 151 on Grove Street
Fond du Lac’s newest and finest. One Mile to City. Excellent restaurant adjoining. 24 air conditioned rooms. Phones, free T.V.s, Sealy Posturpedic Mattresses, Hot Water Heat, All Tiled Tub and Shower Baths. Open year around.
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Shaw – Owners and Operators
Fond du Lac, Wis. Phone: Walnut 1-7975
—This establishment still exists on the current site, along with a restaurant with a new name.
This postcard was dated when printed as 1959.
Colo Cabin Camp, Colo, Iowa
This image shows a typical rural motel design from the mid-20th century in Iowa. These cabins are no longer separate or semidetached, but are subdivisions of a single long building.
The description states:
COLO CABIN CAMP
Modern Cabins
Colo, Iowa
At the junction of U.S. Highways 65 and 30. A Standard Service Station with 24 hour service and a good place to eat, where friends meet.
— All that remains of the location noted for this establishment is a cemetery next to the highway.
The vehicle partially hidden behind the sign indicates this card likely dates from the 1950s.
Little White House, Warm Springs, Georgia
This image is of the historic location in Warm Springs, Georgia that came to be known as the Little White House from it construction and use by Franklin Roosevelt as a Presidential retreat.
The description states:
The Little White House at Warm Springs was President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Georgia home. The Paul’s Scarlet Climber roses were in bloom when he died in this house on April 12, 1945.
–Roosevelt was instrumental in establishing a polio treatment center at Warm Springs, and built this residence there to facilitate his frequent visits. While it was not widely known at the time, Roosevelt used this retreat as a way of spending time with his mistress, Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Surrey House Antiques, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
This image shows a section of the Surrey House Antiques and Gift Shop, which is in the Hummel Holiday Village near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The description states:
SURREY HOUSE ANTIQUES AND GIFT SHOP
IN QUAINT HUMMEL HOLLIDAY VILLAGE
1 mile West of Turner Turnpike Gate on U. S. 66, Box 9732, Okla. City, Okla. Phone Victor 2-1939 – Visit the Annex, Calico Corner on the walk.
— A Friendly Place to Stop —
–Most of what can be seen here is likely for sale, including some of the furniture and light fixtures. It does not appear to still exist.
This card was used but the stamp was not cancelled and there is no date on the message. It likely dates from the 1950s.
Broiler Room, Glass House Restaurant, Vinita, Oklahoma
This image shows the vast dining area, and in the background, a cooking station and chef, which was known as the Broiler Room of the Glass House Restaurant.
The description states:
BROILER ROOM
This beautiful dining room in the Glass House offers the traveler the finest in eating accommodations and an unsurpassed view of the Will Rogers Turnpike as it passes underneath the Glass House. Adjoining the Broiler Room is a private dining room for private parties.
–The restaurant changed hands at least twice, most recently becoming home to a McDonald’s franchise. It was renovated in 2014.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Glass House Turnpike Restaurant, Oklahoma
This image shows the unique over-the-road restaurant known as the Glass House Restaurant from its walls made predominantly of glass to allow diners to look out over the turnpike.
The description states:
Famous over the road Glass House Restaurant on the Will Rogers Turnpike at Vinita, Oklahoma.
–This building is located at the Vinita service plaza, and still houses a restaurant, though it is a McDonalds franchise. The Conoco station is still operated, but now by Phillips 66.
This image likely dates from the 1950s, just after the building was opened in 1957.