This image shows a cowboy posing before a significant herd of cattle, with more likely out of the frame on either side. Such herds are still common, though often dispersed much of the year during grazing season.
The description states:
A217 – WHITE FACED HEREFORDS
Cattle in the Western sense of the word, under the watchful eye of the ranch hand. Great hearts such as these need vast areas on which to graze. Photograph, Western Ways by R. J. M.
–Just behind the horses head is a windpump and a water tank, providing a clear reason why the cattle would be located here, close to water. This postcard likely dates from the 1950s.
Tag: 1950s
Cattle Ranch Cowboy in Colorado
This image starts a series of views featuring the American West and the cowboys that work the cattle ranches throughout the area.
The description states:
A190 – A working cowboy riding the range.
–This working cowboy appears to be guiding some cattle to water with the help of another cowboy in the lower center near the lake shore. While there are no clear time indicators, this card likely dates to the 1950s.
Bluegrass Lodge, Shepherdsville, Kentucky
This is an aerial image of the Bluegrass Lodge, located near Shepherdsville, KY. It is unusual in that it was constructed on the median between the lanes of traffic on the Kentucky Turnpike, now also known as Interstate 65.
The description states:
BLUEGRASS LODGE
15 Minutes South of Louisville
Between the Lanes of Kentucky Turnpike (I-65)
In Service Area
P.O. Box 601 – Shepherdsville, Ky.
Phone: (502) 543-2991
Each room completely soundproof, combination tub shower, twin double beds, TV, central heating and air-conditioning individually controlled. Large terraced swimming pool. Restaurant and service stations adjacent. Open 24 hours.
–Soundproofing was critical, as traffic noise was constant so near the turnpike. This lodge appears to have been affiliated with the Quality Inns chain from the sign at the left. It seems that this business has been replaced by another motel chain. This card dates from the 1950s.
Kentucky Tobacco Field
This image shows a tobacco farmer standing amidst large, healthy plants. This burley tobacco is most commonly grown in Kentucky for cigarette production.
The description states:
BURLEY TOBACCO FIELD
in Kentucky
This view shows a field of Burley tobacco that is almost mature and will soon be ripening for harvest. Tobacco is an important Cash crop for the Kentucky farmer.
–The errant capitalization is in the original. This postcard dates to the 1950s.
Onyx Tapestry, Horse Cave, Kentucky
This image from Horse Cave, Kentucky demonstrates how long stalactites can grow when combined into a single mass and undisturbed.
The description states:
ONYX TAPESTRY, MAMMOTH ONYX CAVE, HORSE CAVE, KENTUCKY
The Only Tapestry depends between the cave chambers like a curtain shielding the entrancing scenes beyond, from the prying eyes of the visitor.
–The errant comma is in the original. This image is one that can easily be mistakenly viewed inverted, as lighting comes from below, which is not the expected direction. This card dates from the 1950s.
Onyx Column, Horse Cave, Kentucky
This image from Horse Cave, Kentucky, shows a formation made from many stalagmites combined into a single mass.
The description states:
MAMMOTH ONYC COLUMN
MAMMOTH ONYX CAVE, HORSE CAVE, KY.
This enormous mass of cave decoration rises as an onyx barrier through two elevations of the cavern passages, and is estimated to have required over ten millions of years to develop to its present proportions.
–Some of the color shown is natural, some is enhanced through the use of colored footlights. This card dates from the 1950s.
Hanging Bridge, Horse Cave, KY
The location moves to another Kentucky cave, this one called Horse Cave, located in the town of the same name. This image is of a mass of stone which has formed from stalactites into a single object, and is not supported from below, thus the name Hanging Bridge.
The description states:
HANGING BRIDGE, MAMMOTH ONYX CAVE
HORSE CAVE, KENTUCKY
This is one f the most perfect of several large suspended masses of cave onyx unique in this Fairyland of KENTUCKY. Its weight exceeds 75 tons.
–This cave is located in the center of the town of the same name, and provided water, electrical power and natural air conditioning in years past. This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Echo River, Mammoth Cave National Park, KY
This image shows a tourist boat cruising through the waters of Echo River in Mammoth Cave.
The description states:
ECHO RIVER IN MAMMOTH CAVE
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
This famous cover stream is 360 feet beneath the surface. The subterranean boat ride is one of the outstanding attractions of Mammoth Cave. Eyeless Fish live in the waters of Echo River.
— The image is professionally lit, as there would not normally be a light in the middle of the boat illuminating the tourists’ faces. This image gives a very good idea of the size and type of boat commonly used in this era, the 1950s. It is being rowed by a National Park employee in uniform.
Ruins of Karnak, Mammoth Cave National Park, KY
This image features formations in Mammoth Cave that resemble the columns built by the ancient Egyptians for the Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak.
The description states:
RUINS OF KARNAK IN MAMMOTH CAVE
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Erosive action of water has carved these massive limestone columns, which tower 80 feet above the cavern floor. The feature was named for the ancient Temple of Karnak on the Nile in Egypt.
— The people posing give a good sense of scale for the formations, which were not carved, but constructed by flowing water leaving mineral deposits over many millennia. The fashions visible indicate this card dates from the 1950s.
The blue lines on the card are from damage and wear.
Crystal Lake, Mammoth Cave National Park, KY
This card features an image of the underground lake that is a waterway for tourists, as indicated by the long flat boats with seating shown at the bottom of the image.
The description states:
CRYSTAL LAKE IN MAMMOTH CAVE
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
The emerald green water of Crystal Lake provide a colorful contrast to golden tinted walls of the dome above the lake. Mammoth Cave is famous for its underground rivers and lakes.
— This card is one of the current series that dates from the 1950s.