This image shows several swimmers resting on a short boat dock extending into the waters of a fair-sized lake somewhere in Michigan. In the background are lakefront properties and homes as well as a boat or two.
The description states:
G118
“When fishing’s done — Swimming’s fun.”
Vacationland Scene
–Such lakes are common throughout the Great Lakes states, a result of the glaciation that left both depressions scoured into the landscape by glaciers and the water left when the glaciers melted.
This card is dated 1955.
Tag: 1950s
Autumn Roadside Colors, Michigan
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.
Waves Along Lakeshore, Michigan
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.
Vacationland Car Ferry, Mackinac, Michigan
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.
Humboldt Park, Chicago, Illinois
This image shows a series of flower beds in bloom in Humboldt Park, on the west side of Chicago.
The description states:
FLOWER GARDEN, HUMBOLDT PARK
The Chicago Park District is noted for the beauty of its outdoor floral displays. One of the large exhibits shown here is the flower garden in Humboldt Park, 50,000 square feet in area.
–The park is at some remove from the ones discussed previously, which are on or near the Chicago waterfront. This park was opened in 1877 and is on the register of historic places. This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Chrysanthemum Flower Show, Garfield Park, Chicago, Illinois
This image shows a portion of the flower show dedicated to chrysanthemum flowers, also known as mums, which is held in early October.
The description states:
CHRYSANTHEMUM FLOWER SHOW
GARFIELD PARK
The Annual Chrysanthemum Show of the Chicago Park District in Garfield and Lincoln Park Conservatories is one of the largest and most beautiful in this country. This photograph was taken at Garfield Park, where the world’s largest conservatory under one roof is located.
–The event appears to have diminished in size over the years, and is now announced to be held only at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Christmas Flower Show, Garfield Park, Chicago, Illinois
This image shows a portion of the flowers on display within the conservatory at Garfield Park in Chicago, Illinois during the Christmas Flower Show.
The description states:
CHRISTMAS FLOWER SHOW
GARFIELD PARK
The Annual Christmas Flower Show of the Chicago Park District in Garfield and Lincoln Park Conservatories features more than 10,000 seasonal blooms. This is a view of the Garfield Park exhibit.
–It appears from online sources that the Garfield portion of the show has been discontinued and the show is held along with others at the Lincoln Park Conservatory alone. The card likely dates from the 1950s.
Lincoln Park Conservatory, Chicago, Illinois
This image shows the large glass enclosed building called the Chicago Park District Conservatory. It’s function is to provide an enclosed space for plants that allows as much natural light in as possible.
The description states:
EXTERIOR, LINCOLN PARK CONSERVATORY
The Chicago Park District Conservatory in Lincoln Park houses a permanent collection of tropical and sub-tropical plants which rank high in the horticultural world. The original structure was erected in 1891. Four major flower shows are held there annually.
–The original greenhouse was built in the 1870s and its collections were moved here when this building was constructed in 1891. By the 1890’s Chicago had five such conservatories.
This card likely dates to the 1950s.
Spring Flower Show, Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois
This image shows the interior of the Lincoln Park Conservatory during the annual flower show featuring plants for Easter and Spring.
The description states:
EASTER AND SPRING FLOWER SHOW
LINCOLN PARK
A view of the Easter and Spring Flower Show in Lincoln Park Conservatory — one of the major flower shows of the Chicago Park District presented each year in Garfield and Lincoln Parks.
–This show was first held in 1847 and is now held at Chicago’s Navy Pier. This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Olvera Street, Los Angeles, California
This image shows the open air street market that occupies Olvera Street in the city of Los Angeles, California. This street is part of the oldest section of Los Angeles, and serves as a historical district today.
The description states:
OLVERA STREET
Los Angeles, California
Taco stands, Night Clubs, and Gift Shops all operated by Mexicans in their colorful native cosutmes.
–The street originally connected to the city Plaza that formed the center of Los Angeles civic activity in the mid-1900s. It was renamed in 1877 to honor AugustÃn Olvera, the first Superior Court Judge of Los Angeles County.
Judging by the clothing styles in this image, this card likely dates from the 1950s.