This image is of one of the service clubs on the grounds of the base. This is likely the enlisted men’s club, rather than the officer’s club, which typically was smaller and more elaborate.
There is no description on the back of this card. It likely dates from the 1950s.
Tag: 1950s
Post Headquarters, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
This card shows the from of the barracks building that served as the base headquarters.
There is no description on the back of this card. There appears to be a perspective error on the part of the artist who colored the photo, as there is an inexplicably large cannon barrel behind the shrubs on the left, while there is no matching piece on the right, as would be expected.
The card does not have any distinguishing datable features, but the person who purchased it would have acquired it in the late 1960s. The card is of a type produced in the 1950s.
West Yellowstone, Montana
Just outside of Yellowstone National Park is the town of West Yellowstone, Montana. While the park is itself in Wyoming, the western border of the park is also the eastern border of the state of Montana.
The description states:
WEST YELLOWSTONE, MONTANA
Picturesquely situated in a forest of towering pines, this scenic travel center is located at the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Here modern shops and every travel accommodation are to be found.
–The town is still quite small even today, having a population of about 1300. The road shown is posted as US 20 in the extreme right of the image, a central street in the current town. The cars shown indicate this image is from the 1950s.
Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone, Wyoming
This image shows the pathway leading to the Old Faithful Inn, at the left, along with a later expansion in the right center. The original building was constructed in 1904 and was recently renovated to return it to much of its original design.
The description states:
OLD FAITHFUL INN, UPPER GEYSER BASIN
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
IS ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS OF THE PARK HOTELS. ITS LOBBY, MASSIVE FIREPLACE AND CLOCK, SURROUNDED BY A MAZE OF BALCONIES TRIMMED WITH GNARLED TREE TRUNKS, AND LIKE THE CANYON LOUNGE HOTEL, THIS ONE WAS DESIGNED BY ROBERT C. REAMER.
–The Canyon Hotel mentioned at the end is not the one seen on the right of the picture. That hotel was slated for demolition in 1960, and before demolition proceeded very far, it burned to the ground on August 8, 1960. This card likely dates to the 1950s.
Old Faithful Geyser, Yellowstone, Wyoming
This geyser has a long standing rhythm of eruptions that can be timed and viewed on schedule.
The description states:
THE CELEBRATED OLD FAITHFUL GEYSER NAMED FOR ITS REGULARITY OF ERUPTION INTERVALS IN 1870 BY GENERAL HENRY D. WASHBURN
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
— The intervals have become more regular and predictable over the decades, and now occur at two very distinct intervals based on the length of the previous eruption. This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming
This image shows the largest body of water in Yellowstone National Park, also called Yellowstone Lake. The lake is situated at over 2200 meters above sea level.
The description states:
YELLOWSTONE LAKE
7,731 feet above sea level and covering 139 square miles, Yellowstone Lake is the largest body of water in North America at so great an altitude. Its crystal blue waters abound with native trout.
–This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Feral Horses, Wyoming
This image shows a few feral horses against the dramatic backdrop of the Wyoming plateau.
The description states simply:
#3749 Horses on the Range
The two multi-colored horses are typically referred to as ‘paints‘ and is a very common breed, while the other is more commonly described as ‘palomino‘.
This card was used and is dated July 1955.
Wild Horse Roundup, Colorado
This is a different kind of herding, as it focusses on horses instead of cattle.
The description states:
A152 — WILD HORSE HERD
Rounding up wild horses required excellent horsemanship, dexterity at roping and infinite patience.
–The image seems a bit more docile and less dramatic than the post card description. These horses are already pretty much under control, as the two cowboys in the foreground have established a rope cordon around the herd as seen by the thin yellow line across the image.
These horses are commonly called wild, but they are better described as feral horses, having descended from domesticated horses abandoned by the Spanish in the 16th and 17th century. Those living on public land are protected now under federal law.
This postcard likely dates to the 1950s.
Cattle Branding, Rawlins Wyoming
This image shows the traditional cattle branding process as practiced for more than a century in the United States. This appears to be just a demonstration as there is no red coloring on the iron nor is there smoke rising from the burnt hair and skin.
There is no description on the back of the card. The Bunkhouse may refer to one of several existing establishments, including a restaurant by this name in Rawlins. The card likely dates to the 1950s.
Cowboy ‘Riding Herd’ in Colorado
This image shows a cowboy aboard what appears to be an Appaloosa roan horse while he watches over a modest herd.
The description states:
No. 4005 – Cowboy watching herd of cattle on a mountain meadow.
–The image was published by a Colorado company, and was sold to tourists in Little America, Wyoming. The black staining in the upper left is from the cancellation machine, as this card was used. The postmark is dated June 17, 1955.