Just off the University Campus is this UW themed restaurant, the Brown and Gold, named after the official colors of the University. It is decorated in those colors as well as being named such.
The description states:
Dining area of the beautiful new
“THE BROWN ‘N GOLD”
This is a two-level structure featuring fine foods on the upper level and variety store down under with literally everything from “soup to nuts to souvenirs.” Adjacent to beautiful University of Wyoming campus. Hwy 30-Interstate 80, Laramie, Wyoming.
NO FINER FOOD ANYWHERE
–This restaurant apparently does not exist any more. The postcard likely dates from the 1950s.
Tag: 1950s
Flowers and Student Health Center, University of Wyoming, Laramie
This image shows the traditional symbolic flowerbed with the University of Wyoming initials, seen from a park across the street from the rear of the Student Health Center, in the background.
The description states:
Marigolds in beds shaped as UW accent the University of Wyoming campus in the school’s traditional colors, brown and gold.
— The building and flowerbeds are still present. The building also now houses the Cheney International Center, named after Dick Cheney, the former U.S. Vice President. This image likely dates from the 1950s.
American Falls, Niagara Falls, Canada
This image is a view of the American Falls as seen from Queen Victoria Park on the Canadian side of the river.
There is no description on the back of the card, only the legend printed above the falls on the front.
The boat depicted is the famous Maid of the Mist tour boat, which was first used in ferry service before the American Civil War. It was relaunched as a tour boat service in 1895.
The image was originally black and white, then professionally colored. However, the pink ring on the image is a stain from a glass. The postcard was used and is dated 1957.
Falls Viewed from Rainbow Bridge, Niagara Falls, Canada
This image is taken from a similar, but from the Rainbow Bridge, further downstream from the viewing area in the previous photo. It is composed to make the falls look more wild and natural, as the only obvious modern presence is the tour boat in the left center of the photo. This boat is the famous Maid of the Mist.
The description states:
NIAGARA FALLS FROM RAINBOW BRIDGE
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
A breathtaking sight of Mother Nature’s great masterpiece. Niagara Falls, as seen from man’s great accomplishment, Rainbow Bridge, a beautiful combination of Power and Art.
–The bridge was built beginning in 1939 and completed in 1941 as a replacement for the older Honeymoon Bridge which collapsed from an ice jam on the river.
This card was used and is dated 1956.
American and Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls, Canada
This image shows both of the large cascades that make up the Niagara Falls complex, as seen from the Canadian side of the border.
The description states:
THE AMERICAN AND HORSESHOE FALLS
Niagara Falls, Canada
Seen from the Canadian side of Niagara
–The postcard was used and is dated 1952, which is consistent with the models of cars seen parked in the photo. The link above has another photo of this same area as it now exists, and the viewing area is still present, but much more fully developed.
Sagamore Hotel Courts, Royal Oak, Michigan
This is another example of a more suburban motel, as the location of Royal Oak is a city on the border with Detroit, Michigan.
The description states:
SAGAMORE HOTEL COURTS
Michigan’s Finest
Royal Oak – Woodward at Coolidge
Pontiac – Woodward at South Blvd.
On U. S. 10 – North Suburban Detroit
Excellent Accommodations
Telephone in each room
50 Rooms and Tiled Baths
“Travel First Class – It Costs No More”
–Even though this is a more urban location, the amenities are still quite limited according to the description, but this would be typical of the earlier motel designs. Since it is called a Hotel and not a Motel, it is likely that it was constructed in the 1940s. A check of maps of this area indicates the motel has long been demolished.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Blank’s Pleasant Ridge Motel, Petoskey Michigan
This establishment is an excellent example of the earlier designs typical of rural motels in mid-century America. This combines both typical motel room accommodations with stand-alone cabins for more privacy and isolation.
The description states:
BLANK’S PLEASANT RIDGE MOTEL AND CABINS
3 Miles North of Petoskey on U. S. 31. Seven Modern Housekeeping Cabins, Fourteen Rustic Motel Units, Hot Water, Oil Heat, Gas Cooking. Near Good Eating Places and America’s Most Exclusive Summer Shopping Center. Hay Fever and Asthma Relief. B. D. Blank, R. R. 2, Petoskey, Mich, Ph. DI-7-7512
–Heating was provide by fuel oil, and cooking likely by propane gas tanks associated with each cabin and room. The reference to asthma and hay fever was related to places which promoted a more pollen and allergen free environment for sufferers of these diseases.
The establishment no longer exists, but there is a obituary of the wife of the proprietor, Lenora Blank. She and her husband operated the business during the warm months for 18 years. This photo likely dates from the 1950s.
King Copper Motel, Copper Harbor, Michigan
This motel is located on the upper peninsula of Michigan, on the top of the northern finger of the Keweenaw peninsula. The motel is in the midst of the town of Copper Harbor and looks out over Lake Superior.
The description states:
KING COPPER MOTEL
Copper Harbor Michigan
North End of U.S. 41
Steam Heat – Bathtubs & Showers – Soundproof – Carrpeted – Seven foot casement Windows overlooking the Lake.
Willard and Shirley Kauppi, Proprietors
–As shown by the link above, the motel still exists in it’s original configuration and location. The object in the water near the shore is a floating platform, to allow swimmers to rest further from shore and dive into the deeper water from the platform. It is certainly long gone by now, possibly replaced by something more permanent and safer.
The card is dated 1957.
Hayner’s Motel, Petoskey, Michigan
This motel is located in the upper lower peninsula of Michigan on Little Traverse Bay. The area is known for its characteristic fossil deposits called Petoskey stones, made of fossilized rugose coral.
The description states:
HAYNER’S MOTEL
JUNCTION U.S. 131 AND U.S. 31
1/2 Mile South from downtown Petoskey, Michigan
30 new, ultra-modern units, each with tile bath, we all-towall carpet, soundproofing, radio. TV available. Open year-around. Hot water heat.
–This motel was a bit more modest than the previous ones, indicated by the availability of TV but not located in each room. Also, while there was air conditioning, the heat was from radiators, rather than wall heaters which were the standard of the day.
The motel was built on the location of the Hayner family gas station, and was sold in 1988. The motel owner, Harold Hayner, died in 2008.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Motel De Ville, Royal Oak, Michigan
This motel is not one of the rural establishments built near parks and scenic areas. The Motel De Ville was located just outside the city of Detroit, in the suburb of Royal Oak.
The description states:
THE NEW MOTEL DE VILLE
1524 S. Woodward at 10 Mile Rd., (U.S. 10), Royal Oak, Mich. Phone LIncoln 59433 – 1 Block from Detroit Zoo. Restaurant Next Door. Luxurious Large Rooms, Tile Tub & Shower, Television and Radio, Family Accommodations, Air Conditioning, Modest Rates, Back from the Highway for Quietness.
–The motel no longer exists on this site. In the background of the inset photo is a partially blocked sign for the Dipsy Doodle restaurant chain. These were modest diners located around the eastern half of the United States in the mid-century. All but a few are closed as is this one.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.