This image follows on from the previous post, showing the ‘castle’ from a vantage point further to the left. Erosion at the lake level has undercut the rock structure and made it unstable. Further rain penetrating the sandstone will, over time, cause the unsupported rock to separate and collapse into the water. This process is accelerated by the freeze and thaw cycle common in this northern Michigan climate.
The description on the back states:
These 200-foot high colored nature-carved rocks are one of the scenic wonders of the world. Stretching for miles along the south shore of Lake Superior, only one formation, Miners Castle, can be reached by auto. A boat trip reveals their real beauty. This image likely dates from the 1950s.
–As this is a colored version of the original black and white photo, the colors are somewhat exaggerated. This formation is part of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the first area so designated, in 1966.
Tag: 1950s
Miner’s Castle, Castle Rock, Pictured Rocks, Michigan
This image shows the two ‘castles’ present on Castle Rock during the time of the photo, likely in the 1950s.
There is no description on the back of this card.
The stack of rock on the right in this photo collapsed into the lake on April 13, 2006, leaving only the partly obscured stack remaining. This is considered the most famous landmark in the National Lakeshore.
Pictured Rocks Palisade, Munising, Michigan
This view of the rocky cliffs shows the stratification typical of sandstone deposits. These cliffs are part of the Pictured Rock National Lakeshore, between Munising and Grand Marais, Michigan.
The description states:
This is a land of pictured rocks and beautiful waterfalls. The 200-foot-high colored, nature-carved Pictured Rocks are one of the scenic wonders of the world. An excellent view of the breath-taking grandeur of the Pictured Rocks are the Palisades.
–The vertical streaks of color on the cliff faces is caused by mineralized water leaching from the rock faces. This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Black Rock on Presque Isle Park, Marquette, Michigan
This is another view of the waters edge at Black Rocks, a promontory of Presque Isle State Park north of Marquette, Michigan.
The description states:
No visit is complete without a drive around Presque Isle, Marquette’s beautiful park. The Huron Mountains and the evening sunset scene, the famous Black Rocks, Shiras Pool and the delightful picnic grounds, lure the visitor.
–Presque Isle is a common name around the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence seaway, indicating a large spit of land not fully detached from the nearby shore. This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Black Rocks, Presque Isle Park, Michigan
This image shows a rocky promontory called Black Rocks, a large outcropping of rocks on Presque Isle Park, on the Lake Superior shore of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
The description states:
A herd of native deer rooms the primeval forests of this beautiful peninsula located north of Marquette, and the waves of Lake Superior, pounding against the picturesque crags and cliffs, extend on ever ready welcome to all the pleasure seekers who invade this region.
–These rocks are at times several meters above the lake surface, and many come to dive or jump from the cliffs into the deep lake.
This card is likely from the 1950s.
Fayette Harbor, Fayette, Michigan
This image just along the road from the previous posting, approaching the water and small harbor where fishing boats were moored. The same rocky dolomite formation is again visible in the right background.
The description states:
FA.1 – Fayette Harbor, famed beauty spot on Michigan’s garden peninsula, locale of “The annual blessing of the Fleet”. The blessing ceremony is an ancient Catholic ritual for fishing vessels.
–There are a few small fishing boats pulled up on the far side of the harbor.
As noted in the comment below this image was ordered by a vendor in late 1960, so the picture cannot be newer than that. As these have a production lifetime, it may be a year or more older than 1960.
Fayette State Park Buildings, Fayette, Michigan
We now move to the grounds of Fayette State Park and have a closer view of the old smelter complex buildings. The forest covered rocky point shows the large dolomite deposits, some of which appear to have been used in building construction.
The description on the back states:
FAYTETTE, MICHIGAN
Ghost Town of the old iron ore days. Parts of the fine old buildings still stand and make interesting camera studies. In the background may be seen the beautiful limestone bluffs. Located on the Garden Peninsula, this is also a commercial fishing community and each year in August is held the “Blessing of the Fleet.”
–The park has more than 20 restored buildings and there are tours daily throughout the warmer months. This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Fayette State Park, Fayette, Michigan
This image is taken from almost the same location as the previous posting, showing the area of Fayette, Michigan, now Fayette State Park. Some of the buildings visible in the previous image have been demolished or are obscured by trees.
The description states:
FA-2 Fayette State Park, famed beauty spot of Michigan’s garden peninsula. Limestone cliffs and rocky shores, the ruins of the old smelters and the other buildings of the once-busy furnace town create unusual scenic and historical interest.
–The white object in the middle of the image appears to be an egret in flight.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Diver, Big Bay de Noc, Fayette, Michigan
This image begins a series of views highlighting the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, an area promoted as the Land of Hiawatha. This photo is of a diver and assistant preparing to dive the waters of Big Bay De Noc.
The description states:
340-V
A deep sea diver ready to hunt for the alleged hidden treasure in Big Bay De Noc at Fayette, Michigan.
–It is not clear what the diver has in his hand. The tank and suit are not typical of a deep sea diver, but more of the shallow diver that used SCUBA gear, which was a fairly new invention at the time of this image.
The postcard is dated 1958.
1951 Corn Palace, Mitchell, South Dakota
This image begins a series of card featuring the world famous Corn Palace, a building completely covered in decorations made of split corn cobs and other grains.
The description states:
THE WORLD’S ONLY CORN PALACE, MITCHELL, SOUTH DAKOTA, is freshly redecorated each year during Indian Summer. It requirers between two and three thousand bushels of corn, all of which appears in its natural color. The individual cobs, with the corn on, are sawed lengthwise by small power saws, the halves then nailed, flat side in, to wooden panels which are fastened to the brick wall sot he building. The annual festival is held in the last week in September but the building is open FREE the year around.
–The marking on the building and the cars shown in the image both indicate the image is from the year 1951.