Tag: 1950s

This is an image of a very typical motel from the early 1950s. Simple, continuous structures with doors which open onto a common parking area and the business office at the front near the road. This one appears to have very few additional amenities beyond the room itself.

The description on the back closely follows that printed on the front:
Payne’s Motor Court
Located on U.S. #1–2–17–Built in 1950
Modern with hot water heat.
In Virginia’s most historical city,
FREDRICKSBURG, VIRGINIA
Telephone 687-J
Owned and Operated by Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Payne
–They highlight the presence of heated cabins, as the earlier establishments of the 1940’s were often little more than actual cabins, relying on heavy blankets or wood fireplaces for heat, often without electricity in more remote areas. This establishment was the second wave of construction that provided a more modern and complete accommodation, but additional amenities, such as TV, pool or air conditioning, would come later.
The structure still exists in nearly original condition, but the business has changed hands over the years and is now closed.
The card clearly dates from the 1950s based on the description.

On display in this image is a ‘coach and four’ with both driver and footman present in their normal places. This elaborate transportation was obviously only for the wealthy, since maintaining the coach, the horses and the servants would be far beyond the reach of families of modest means. Such private coaches normally had seats only on the inside. More common public coaches, even partially enclosed ones, would usually have seats on the top as well.

There is no description on the back of this card other than that indicated in the caption above.  This card is a hand-colored version of a black and white image, and likely dates from the 1950s.

Shown here, and standing in front of the building known as the gaol (a variant spelling of jail), are the outside punishment devices common in the American colonies. The item on the left is a pillory, and the criminal’s head was locked in the center hole, while the arms were locked into the holes on either side. To the right is a stock, and this device locked the criminal’s feet at the ankles while the prisoner sat or lay straight legged behind the device.

The description states:
THE PUBLIC GAOL
WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA
This building dates from the beginning of the eighteenth century and has been restored on original foundations. It includes part of the original structure.
–Stocks and pillories were public so the criminal could be accosted by paddling, tickling, pelting with fruits and vegetables among other humiliations. This card likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows a colonial gentleman preparing his clay pipe with tobacco as he sits in the tavern. Arrayed on the walls are various sizes of drinking and serving containers, both metal and pottery.

The description states:
The Tap Room of the Raleigh Tavern, Williamsburg, Virginia, the most famous of colonial taverns, where Washington, Jefferson and other great patriots stayed.
–It is common in various parts of the colonial states to post a notice proudly declaring that Washington or another notable person stayed in an establishment. This card likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows an idealized view of a cobbler, or shoemaker’s shop. Idealized as much of the stains, damage and debris that would be common in an active, long-standing shop are not present, and the area kept very clean to preserve the historical building components. Commonly there would be candle drippings, smoke stains, stains from dyes, bits and pieces of broken hardware, leather scraps, spills and other significant wear on the floor.

The description states:
BOOT AND SHOEMAKER’S SHOP
WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA
A cobbler in colonial dress makes and repairs shoes here.
–This card likely dates from the 1950s.

An important locale in any cultured city or town was the printing shop, which served to provide news and announcements as well as publishing advertisements, pamphlets, books and other reading materials.

The description states:
The Printing Office where an eighteenth century hand press is used to turn out printing as saws done in Williamsburg, Virginia, 200 years ago.
–The American statesman Benjamin Franklin established his fame through the publications he created and managed from his own printing establishment in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
This card it believed to date from the 1950s.

This card depicts a master craftsman in the process of making implements out of pewter. This is   a metal alloy of almost pure tin, mixed normally with copper and less often with other metals such as lead. It was the preferred metal for those who could not afford silver. The shop is named The Golden Ball.

The description states simply:
SIGN OF THE GOLDEN BALL
WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA
The pewter maker’s shop is a part of the official craft program of the restoration.
–While it is not obvious, the person depicted is a re-enactor, trained in metal work, who crafts items in the traditional way for the edification of visitors to Williamsburg. The card likely dates from the 1950s.

This depicts a legislative scene in the Capitol Building, featuring the House of Burgesses. This was the first elected legislature in the American Colonies.

The description states:
A scene in the House of Burgesses, Capitol Building, Williamsburg, Virginia, where George Mason’s Bill of Rights was introduced and where Patrick Henry made his famous “Treason” speech.
–The “Treason” speech mentioned above is the one made in support of his Virginia Stamp Act Resolutions, which are widely considered to be a major causus belli for the American Revolution. The postcard likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows the furnishings of Colonial Williamsburg, specifically the bedchamber, which was more than just a place to sleep, as evidenced by the table and chairs.

The description states:
The great bedchamber, Governor’s Palace, Williamsburg, Virginia. One of the finest collections of antique furniture is assembled in this building, which was the residence of the royal representatives in the Colony of Virginia. It is now open to the public the year around.
–These linen textured  cards are typical of cards produced in the 1950s.