This image shows the large Red Rock formation which describes a chain of mesas along the route of U.S. Route 66.
The description states:
K1 – RED ROCK FORMATIONS, NEW MEXICO-ARIZONA STATE LINE
These colorful rock formations are seen along highways 66 both east and west of the state line.
–This area is part of the lands owned by the Navajo Nation. This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Tag: 1950s
Cove Island Light, Tobermory, Ontario
Nearby Tobermory, Ontario is this lighthouse at Cove Island, Ontario. It is on the Bruce Peninsula and has provided navigational safety and guidance for ships passing through the narrow channel between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. It was made operational in 1858.
The description on the back states:
COVE ISLAND LIGHT ON COVE ISLAND
near Tobermory, Ontario, Canada
–The light has been lit with various fuels, ranging from whale oil at the earliest, though coal oil, kerosene and finally runs on electricity provided by an underwater cable.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
“Flower Pot”, Tobermory, Ontario
This image shows a free standing rock structure carved from water and wind erosion. Its fanciful name is the Flower Pot.
The description on the back states:
FLOWER POT
Flower Pot Island National Park
Tobermory, Ontario, Canada
— As indicated by the description, the rock formation is the name of an island park located about 6.5 miles off shore from Tobermory, Ontario. It is part of Fathom Five National Marine Park, and has the only camping and hiking trails in the park.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Big Tub Light, Tobermory, Ontario
This is an image of the lighthouse near Tobermory called Big Tub Light. It is a wooden structure with six sides situated between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay constructed in 1885.
The description on the back states:
THE BIG TUB LIGHT
Tobermory, Ontario, Canada
–From a website about the lighthouse history:
The Annual Report of the Department of Marine for 1885 provides the following description of the lighthouse: “A light on the west side of the entrance to Tobermory Harbour, Georgain Bay, in the North Riding of Bruce. From the opening of navigation next season a fixed red dioptric light will be shown, elevated 40 feet above the level of the lake, and visible 8 miles from all points of approach. The tower is a hexagonal wooden building, surrounded by an iron lantern, having a height of 43 feet from ground to lantern vane.”
It is interesting to note the light is red instead of white, and does not rotate.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Bear Exhibit, Milham Park Zoo, Kalamazoo, Michigan
This image is of a bear moving around inside the enclosure provided for bears at the Milham Park Zoo in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The stone structure is not at all representative of the habitat for such bears, but was likely easy to clean.
There is no description on the back.
This zoo no longer operates, having been closed in 1974, and no new institution was opened in its place in Kalamazoo.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Fallasburg Bridge, Lowell, Michigan
This is an image of a covered bridge, a structure built to improve the lifespan of otherwise exposed timber bridge elements, which typically would only last a decade or so without cover. This example is the Fallasburg Bridge near Lowell, Michigan.
The description states:
FALLASBURG COVERED BRIDGE
In Kent County, a short distance north of Lowell, the Fallasburg Bridge crosses the Flat River. Still in use today, this is one of several covered bridges near Grand Rapids, Michigan.
–While they are no longer ideal for heavily used transportation routes, these bridges are maintained and renovated for their scenic and historical interest. This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Michigan Black Bear, Bear Lake, Michigan
This image shows a Michigan black bear in the wild near the lake with a similar name: Bear Lake, located in Kalkaska County, Michigan.
The description on the back states:
JUST BARELY AWAKE
Crashing through the grass and brush, this big guy looks like he might make it tough for somebody.
–Such bears are still present in various less urbanized areas of Michigan, but a far less common than during the time of this photo. This postcard was dated by the publisher, and is from 1951.
Navajo Girls and Hogan, New Mexico
This image shows two Navajo girls and an infant swaddled on a papoose board, standing in front of a substantial hogan.
The description states:
K103–NAVAJO INDIANS AND THEIR HOGAN
These Indians and their Hogan are very typical of those seen on the Reservation today. They derive their living from cattle and sheep. Their Navajo Rugs and Navajo Silver Jewelry is very much in demand. The Hogans, the Navajo’s homes, are made either of wood or rocks in aboriginal style.
–The older style of hogan construction was essentially extinct by this time, having been replaced by significantly more substantial and geometric structures like the one shown here.
This postcard likely dates from the 1950s.
Natural History Museum, San Diego, Calfornia
This image shows the front entrance to the San Diego Natural History Museum, located in Balboa Park in the middle of the city.
The description states:
332 – NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, BALBOA PARK, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Balboa Park has been the scene of two international expositions and is the cultural and recreational center of the city. The great halls of the Natural History Museum house displays of the flora and fauna of the San Diego region.
—The museum has expanded to more than double the original floorspace, although this is not obvious from photos because half of the building was left as a facade for decades after it opened. Its increased size has allowed the museum to host traveling exhibits like the Dead Sea Scrolls.
This postcard was used and is dated 20 July 1955.
Desert Scene with Joshua Tree, California
This image shows the typical desert areas of Southeastern California, known generally as the Mohave desert.
The description on the back of the card states:
DESERT LANDSCAPE
Colorful jagged mountains, arid wastelands, and the grotesque desert Joshua tree form a typical scene on the desert, now crossed in comfort on smooth, paved highways which connect one cool green oasis to another.
–The description refers to the US Highways, and later Interstate Highways, which facilitated safe travel across these otherwise uninhabited and inhospitable areas. Even today there are large uninhabited desert regions, many of which are state and national parks.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.