This image is similar to the previous one, taken from the opposite side of the large palm tree and from a vantage point closer to the water. Fisherman’s Wharf and the nearby pier are again visible, as well as the small beach with a flock of seagulls. In the distance is the commercial fleet, which was large and active during that time.

The description states:
1565 — FISHERMAN’S WHARF, MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Seafood restaurants and fresh fish shops line this picturesque pier. From here fishing boats go out and return laden down with the many varieties of fish that Monterey Bay is noted for.
–This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Tag: 1950s
Fisherman’s Wharf and Commercial Pier, Monterey, California
This image shows the south side of Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, California, and a short distance away is a commercial pier. This was likely used as a transfer point for ships bringing fish that did not go directly to Fisherman’s Wharf itself.

The description states:
Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, California with its colorful fleet of sardine boats, handicraft shops, famous seafood restaurants, fish markets and excellent fishing.
–Visible in the foreground is a railroad track, laid along the coastline to allow rail transport of the products from Cannery Row and other fish landings further south. This track has long since been removed with the decline of the fishing industry and replaced with a multi-use trail. The pier was removed long before the rail line, and no traces of it are visible today.
Fisherman’s Wharf Far End, Monterey, California
This image completes the postcard tour out along Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, California. This view is from in front of Angelo’s as seen in the previous posting.

The description states:
FISHERMAN’S WHARF, MONTEREY CALIFORNIA
Here where the Wharf ends and the Bay begins myriads of visitors explorer the colorful shops and enjoy the antics of the ever-hungry sea lions begging for hand-outs.
–The sea lions are less common than before, as the commercial fishing business has declined, but can be see during annual migrations. In other locations along the coast, there are permanent colonies on the docks and floating platforms, most notably in San Francisco.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Angelo’s Restaurant, Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, California
This image shows Angelo’s restaurant, and also illustrates the complex nature of the wharf at the time. It was not a simple, straight structure into the water, but had, as shown, side roads and docks, primarily for charter boats. These locations tended to attract sea lions and curious visitors alike.

The description states:
COLORFUL FISHERMAN’S WHARF, Monterey, Calif.
Looking down the south ramp past Angelo’s famous sea food restaurant trim fishing boats meet the eye riding gracefully at anchor on the blue harbor waters.
–Angelo’s was a landmark of the Wharf for many decades, and has changed hands like many other businesses, but the building still houses a restaurant called the Nino’s Wharfside.
This postcard likely dates from the 1950s.
Fish and Tackle Shops, Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, California
This image shows a few of the typical businesses along the wharf: fish sellers, tackle shops supporting the charter fishing businesses, and restaurants selling various fish and shellfish dishes.

The description states simply:
Picturesque Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, California
–Charter fishing was a popular attraction for visitors with a bit of time to spend, as the fishing in the area was quite good, and customers would often come home with a catch and lots of stories.
This postcard was used and is dated 26 July 1956.
Fisherman’s Wharf, Middle Section, Monterey, California
This image shows the left side of the wharf walkway, with the view reversed from the previous card, as Anastasia’s can now be seen on the right side of the road, but the candy store is not visible in the distance.

The description states:
FISHERMAN’S WHARF, MONTEREY CALIFORNIA
Colorful shops and seafood restaurants abound on the pier. While nearby, the picturesque fishing boats are to be seen riding at anchor.
–The large building in the center was once the Central Fish Co., a processing and wholesale fish seller, but the building was purchased by another owner and is shown as the Chowder House restaurant. Such changes of ownership and purpose are common and ongoing on the wharf.
This postcard likely dates from the 1950s.
Main Street, Galena, Illinois
This is a view facing north along Main Street in Galena Illinois, the main commercial street for the city at the time. This street was under 5 feet of water during a flood on the nearby Galena River in 1937.

The description states:
MAIN STREET LOOKING NORTH, GALENA, ILLINOIS, pioneer Illinois city reich in historical lore of stagecoach, river boats and early mining days of civil war era.
–Galena is named for the lead ore that was found and mined here during the early years of settlement. It resulted in the first mineral ‘rush’ which occurred in the 1820s, like the later gold and silver rushes.
The cars present in great numbers in this view point to a photo made in the 1950s.
Steamboat Gothic Homes, Galena, IL
This image shows two pre-Civil war homes built in the style of the steamboats of the era, and thus the term Steamboat Gothic Architecture.

The description states:
Two Pre-Civil War Homes in historic Galena in northwestern Illinois. Here are splendid examples of the “steam-boat architecture”.
–The gothic nature of the design is evident in the tall, narrow, round top window shapes. This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Galena, Illinois Fire House No. 1 and Stairway
This image shows a better view of the Firehouse No. 1 that was visible on the previous image next to the First Methodist Church. The identity at the time was the Liberty Fire Company, as shown in this photo, taken in the 19th century.

The description states:
FIRE HOUSE #1 and WASHINGTON ST. STEPS, GALENA, ILLINOIS
The Galena Volunteer Fire Co. was organized Feb 1st, 1830. Inside of Fire House can be seen a hand-drawn and manually operated 1855 pumper. The Washington St. Steps ascend from Bench St. to Prospect and to High Streets.
–Comparison between this photo and the older one linked above shows considerable external modernization, most notably roof drains and electrical conduit. The stairs, which once were adjoining the building, have been completely reconstructed of much more durable materials.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
First Methodist Church, Galena, Illinois
This image shows another variation on the iconic American church design, this time using brick instead of wood or stone. This is the First Methodist Church, whose most famous member was the Civil War General and later President Ulysses S Grant.

The description states:
FIRST METHODIST CHURCH, GALENA, ILLINOIS
Built in 1856. The Ulysses S. Grant family worshipped in this church.
Old Firehouse No. 1 may be seen on the left.
–The church was dedicated in 1857 and contains 12 elaborate stained glass windows which have been preserved and restoration was completed in 1991. This design differs in that the entryway has two staircases leading up from the sides, rather than the more common single front staircase.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.