This image shows the near and far rim of the crater formed by a meteor impact, known as Meteor Crater now.
The description is fragmentary, but the best interpretation states:
THE GREAT METEORITE CRATER
In Norther Arizona, North of Route 66. Many centuries ago, millions of tons of metal struck from the sky at a speed between 8 and 48 miles per second to plow through fifteen hundred feet of solid rock and form an enormous crater which after centuries of erosion is still 570 feet deep and over 4000 feet across.
–Also visible in the foreground of the picture is a visitors center which provides views of the crater, an interpretive center and access to the bottom..
This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Tag: 1950s
Superstition Mountains with Mesquite and Saguaro Cacti, Arizona
This image is a closer view of the Superstition Mountains framed at top by mesquite and elsewhere by ancient saguaro cacti. These cacti grow slowly, and their ‘arms’ develop individually, typically the first after as much as 75 years.
The description states:
SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN
A lacy mesquite branch add to the farm formed by Saguaros with the rugged from of desert mountains on the horizon.Treasures have been found and lost in these mountains and many are the tales of adventure and sudden death in their stark canyons. Along the Apache Trail, Arizona.
–The description alludes to the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine and other stories of lost gold from the 19th century.
This card was used and is dated 20 December 1955.
Superstition Mountains and Cactus, Arizona
This image shows several huge saguaro cactus neatly framing the Superstition Mountains, ostensible site of the legendary Lost Dutchman Gold Mine.
The description states:
SAGUARO CACTUS,
SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN
The graceful, sentinel-like saguaro cacti present scenes of sombre beauty. Mysterious Superstition Mountain, on U. S. Highway 60-70, is the subject of many enchanting legends of early-day adventure.
–This picture likely dates from the 1950s.
Santa Fe Super Chief Ascending Raton Pass, Arizona
This image shows the legendary train operated by the Santa Fe, known as the Super Chief. The train was an all Pullman consist running from Los Angeles to Chicago.
The description states:
Hotels-Shops Fred Harvey Restaurants
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
ASCENDING RATON PASS
Raton Pass, the highest point on the Santa Fe Railroad between Chicago and California has an altitude of 7,622 feet.
— When the Santa Fe discontinued passenger service on 1 May 1971, Amtrak took over operation of the Super Chief, but had to change the name over time, and now the train running on this route is known as the Southwest Chief.
This card was used and is dated 8 July 1955
McKinney Brothers’ Cafe, Jefferson City, Missouri
This image shows the interior of the McKinney Brothers Cafe, a very typical restaurant for this time. To the right are tables for diners, and to the left a long counter with stools for individuals to eat at.
The description states:
We are now in the second generation of the McKinney family, specializing in Missouri Cured Country Ham and other appetizing, economically-prepared meals. All our equipment is of the latest modern design and our Dining Room is completely AIR-CONDITIONED.
Located on High Street three doors west of the Central Missouri Trust Company Building.
–Displayed in the case under the register is a considerable selection of cigars. The object in the curving glass display appears to be a cured ham. On the wall to the left of the telephone is a postcard display, the likely location of this card when purchased.
The establishment closed under the old name some time ago, and another diner reopened in the same location in 2010. This postcard likely dates from the 1950s.
Night View, Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City, Missouri
This image shows the same building from the same perspective but as it might look during nighttime. The lighting is inconsistent with the illustration, as the moon is behind the building, but the front is brightly lit by some other ambient light.
The description states:
The magnificent $4,000,000 Capitol Building, located on a bluff 150 feet above the Missouri River, was completed in 1918. The building, surmounted by a dome of unusual beauty and surrounded by graceful fluted columns, is an excellent example of Renaissance architecture. World-famous murals and a great resources museum attract thousands of visitors.
–The river passes behind the building, out of sight from this perspective. The card was used, and is dated 1 July 1953.
Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City, Missouri during daytime
This image shows the front of the Missouri statehouse in Jefferson City, the capitol of Missouri.
The description states:
The magnificent $4,000,000 Capitol Building, located on a bluff 150 feet above the Missouri River, was completed in 1918. The building, surmounted by a dome of unusual beauty and surrounded by graceful fluted columns is an excellent example of Renaissance architecture. World-famous murals and a great resources museum attract thousands of visitors.
–The building is more reminiscent of Greek Revival than the Gothic of the Renaissance, and such buildings are typical of statehouses throughout the country.
This postcard was used and is dated 1 July 1953.
Methodist Children’s Home, Selma, Alabama
This image shows the large facility built as a home for orphans and displaced children by the state Methodist church organization. It is no longer in operation as a facility, having closed in 2010, but the building still stands and the Methodist Childrens mission is still active.
The description states:
METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME
Selma, Alabama
“A bright spot in many a youngster’s life.”
–The facility closed when there were only 16 children remaining in the large building, and it was decided to place these in other locations and families to allow for better centralized services. At the time of closure it was hoped the facility and grounds could be sold for preservation.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Sturdivant Home Museum, Selma, Alabama
This image shows the front and side entrance to the Sturdivant Home in Selma, Alabama, now known as Sturdivant Hall.
The description states:
STURDIVANT HOME MUSEUM
Selma, Alabama
Built in 1850 by Col. Edward m. Watts, it remains one of the most classic examples of ante-bellum mansions in existence. It was designed by a cousin of R. E. Lee and furnished with imported French furnishings. It has tall columns in the front and is supported by a cupola. (Many know this as the Gilman Home.)
–The Sturdivant name comes from a major donor to the acquisition of the property, which was for the longest time in the possession of the Gilman family before being acquired as a museum.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Friedman Memorial Library, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
This image shows the front and main entrance to the former home of the Tuscaloosa, Alabama public library. It is now a historic home, named the Jemison-Van de Graff Mansion.
The description states:
FRIEDMAN MEMORIAL LIBRARY – Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
This home was constructed before the Civil War and is one of the many beautiful colonial homes to be found in Tuscaloosa.
–The building was used as a library from 1955 until 1979, and continued in private hands until acquired in 1991 as a historical landmark and museum.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.