This image shows a main building and actively used artillery of the Naval War College. The large building is the main facility for the College today, though the original building, once an asylum, still exists and is used as a museum.
The description states simply:
NAVAL WAR COLLEGE
NEWPORT, R. I.
–The artillery is probably used to sound ‘retreat’, which is an end of day procedure announcing the lowering of the base flag. It may also be used for other ceremonial purposes. The blanks used in firing are visible stacked in rows on the ground. Also, the tower to the left has since been demolished.
The diagonal line extending from the case between the guns is an artifact of the picture. This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Tag: 1950s
E. J. Berwind Mansion, Newport, Rhode Island
This building, also known as “The Elms”, was built and occupied by E. J. Berwyn, an independent coal mine owner and operator during the time before and after the turn of the 20th century.
The description states:
“THE ELMS”, E. J. BERWIND MANSION
WITH BEAUTIFUL, FORMAL FRENCH GARDENS
NEWPORT, R. I.
The estate is open to visitors May through October under the auspices of the Preservation Society of Newport County.
–This is a view of the side of the mansion facing the ocean, which includes a large grass enclosure of which part is visible here. The building was constructed in 1901, and used for parties and social events until 1961. The elms which the building was named for have all died from Dutch Elm disease and been replaced with other species, notably weeping beech.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Martin’s Motel, Conway, New Hampshire
This is an image of a typical mid-century tourist motel in the New England area. An unusual feature are the lounge chairs outside the doors of the rooms, where parking spaces are normally located.
The description states:
MARTIN’S MOTEL
Route 16, 1/2 mile north of Conway, N. H.
Each unit equipped with T.V., individually controlled thermostat, and tiled bathroom with combination tub and shower. Open all year, Frank and Lolly Smith, owners.
Tel. Hickory 7-8966
–The statement ‘open all year’ was necessary in some regions as older tourist camps usually closed when the weather became colder.
The phone number uses the older word description for the first two digits of the phone number. Phones of this era had letters on the dial, starting with 2 through 9, omitting letters Q and Z. The caller would use the first two letters of the word to identify the first two numbers required, in this case HI, which correspond to 44.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Old Man of the Mountain, Franconia Notch, New Hampshire
This image is the iconic and now vanished granite outcrop with the apparently human face known as the Old Man of the Mountain.
The description states:
Old Man of the Mountains, Franconia Notch, N. H.
–This formation was discovered by Europeans and named around 1805. Its stature grew until it became the symbol of New Hampshire, and the most famous spot in the state for tourists to visit. However, it was unstable, and in the early 20th century began to weaken enough to require expensive maintenance and repair.
On the morning of May 3rd, 2003, the rock components making up the face broke free of the cliff and fell into the valley below. Some efforts were made at reconstruction or building monuments that depicted the structure, but these have ceased.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Old Fisherman, New England Area
This image is of a man dressed in fishing attire common to the north east United States during the mid-20th Century and before. Visible are many common objects and implements of the business.
The description states:
THE OLD SALT ALONG THE NEW ENGLAND COAST
Many’s the stories he could tell of years of sea wind and salt spray, summer’s heat and winter’s icy blast on the Atlantic Coast. Survivor of a past age, he still maintains his proud independence with dory, lobster trap, and net.
–The crates on either side could be shellfish traps, and the bright colored objects are floats to mark the trap locations. This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Church and Covered Bridge, Stark, New Hampshire
This is another iconic image, a white church and covered bridge typical of the New England area. The bridge is the Stark Covered Bridge, which spans the Upper Ammonoosuc River in Stark, New Hampshire.
The description on the back of the card states:
Famous church and bridge at Stark, N. H.
–The church is the Stark Union Church, built in 1852, visible along with the bridge in this photo. The town is still quite small, only a few hundred residents, and these structures form its center.
The postcard likely dates from the 1950s.
Driftwood Motel, Monterey, California
This image shows a typical motel of the era, single story with doors opening onto the parking lot. Parking spaces were immediately in front of the room the traveler rented.
The description states:
DRIFTWOOD MOTEL
2362 Fremont, St., Monterey, Calif.
Located 5 minutes drive from the Monterey Peninsula, 14 new luxuriously furnished units with foam mattresses, wall to wall carpets, all tile bathroom with temperature controlled head, T. V. and Radio. Coffee shop access across the street. John and Evelyn Leonard — Owners. Phone 2-5039.
–This establishment has changed hands somewhat recently, and is now known by another name, as indicated by this street view. The structure has been updated, but is clearly the same building.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Bay View Panorama, Monterey Bay, California
This image shows much of the southern loop of Monterey Bay, with Monterey in the lower center, curving around to Seaside and Fort Ord in the center distance.
The description states:
MONTEREY BAY
Panoramic view of picturesque Monterey Bay shoreline as seen by visitors traveling the Pacific Grove-Carmel Highway.
–This is a reference to what is now called Skyline Drive, some points of which give similar views to people driving along that section of highway. The increased population and development in the intervening years have reduced the size of the visible beach significantly.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Purse Seiners, Monterey, California
The larger ships shown in this image of craft at anchor in Monterey Bay are purse seiners, identified by the tall masts and boom that extends out over the water when deployed.
The description states:
PURSE SEINERS
Riding lazily at anchor in the Bay at Monterey, California.
–The smaller boat is more typical of a lobster boat, or perhaps was used for abalone, which was commonly harvested in this time. This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Fishing Fleet, Monterey, California
This image shows the view from the commercial pier just south of Fisherman’s Wharf. Most notable is the large number and variety of commercial fishing boats at anchor in the protected harbor.
The description states:
FISHING DOCK
A free fishing pier maintained by the city of
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
–The two soldiers leaning over the railing may be watching some of the wildlife common to the area around the pier, including seals, sea lions and sea otters. While this is called a fishing pier, the presence of power lines and phone service indicates it has a more developed commercial purpose as well.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.