This image shows a variety of corals, in this case corals that grew individually and not in colonies as is common today. Scientifically, they are known as Rugosa.
The description states:
Petrified Horn and Cup Corals
Simple (solitary) corals are found in both upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. These fossil corrals have been silicified. Both cross-sections and longitudinal cuts are interesting for lapidary use.
–The cup coral type is still found alive in many parts of the world’s oceans. it is possible that the cup coral described in the picture are extinct Rugosa. The card is dated 1962.
Tag: 1960s
Chain Coral, Michigan
This image displays several pieces and sections of chain coral, more officially known as Halysites. They are a form of extinct coral that lived in the Paleozoic era, roughly 540 to 250 million years ago.
The description states:
CHAIN CORAL
Silurian coral, chain coral, Halysites. Found in both peninsulas of Michigan. Interesting jewelry is made from cross section and longitudinal cuts of this petrified coral.
–Silurian refers to the time period that the coral likely lived, approximately 440-420 million years ago. The card is dated 1962.
Chert Samples, Michigan
This is a few small examples of the rock known as chert. It is a sedimentary rock, and sometimes contains small fossils, as shown in the sample on the left.
The description states:
CHERT
Banded and mottled Chert (embedded fossils). Usually occur with limestone or dolomites, and found throughout Michigan in glacial drift. Chemically the same as Japer and Flint. Can be tumbled or cut for lapidary work.
–As it has properties similar to flint, it was also used in making bladed implements and weapons. The card is dated 1962.
Bingham Canyon Copper Mine, Utah
This image shows the narrow canyon leading to the Bingham Canyon Mine, an open pit mine that covers the entire background of the photo.
The description states:
BINGHAM CANYON AND COPPER MINE, UTAH
The most unusual town in the world, Bingham Canyon is one street wide and three miles long. Its single street leads up the floor of the canyon and the homes and business buildings hug the steep mountain sides. In the background tower the terraces of Bingham Copper Mine, largest open-pit copper mine in the world.
–This card has a small pouch of copper ore attached to the side, much the same as the salt samples commonly attached to similar postcards. This card is believed to date from the 1960s.
Pioneer Monument, Salt Lake City, Utah
Shown here is a view of the Pioneer Monument erected just outside the Temple Square precinct, with an unusual souvenir attached.
The description states:
SL-109 — PIONEER MONUMENT AND “MORMON” TEMPLE
This impressive monument to Brigham Young and the “Mormon” Pioneers, stands at the intersection of Main and South Temple Street. On one side is the statue of the famous scout Jim Bridger, and on the other, Washakie, a friendly Ute Indian Chief. In the background is the magnificent “Mormon” Temple, the most imposing structure in Temple Square, and perhaps the most famed building in the west.
–This is an example of an intact card with the small pouch of salt from the Great Salt Lake, which once would be mailed without issue, but today would not be allowed because it would foul the address reading machines. It was an extra penny to mail such cards when they were new. This card dates from the 1960s.
Nashville, Tennessee Folio
These images feature important and historical buildings and structures in and around the capitol of Tennessee. Nashville is located in the center of the state, which is long east to west and relatively narrow north to south.
This collection was most likely published in the 1960s.
Country Scene with Wagon, Mississippi
This card shows a composed scene of an African-American couple riding a cargo wagon pulled by two mules. The couple is dressed in clothes typical of rural southern farmers, and there are examples of equipment and supplies common to farmers stowed in the wagon.
The description states:
GOING HOME…A scene almost forgotten in the New South.
–Such scenes were familiar into the 1950s in impoverished rural areas. This card dates from the 1960s.
Magnolia Blossom, Mississippi
This image is of another iconic flower of the southern United States, the Magnolia.
The description states:
THE MAGNOLIA…is the State Flower of Mississippi. This beautiful flower of the evergreen tree “Magnolia Grandiflora” is seen throughout the South in the late Spring and early Summer.
–The card is part of a large series of cards that dates from the 1960s.
Live Oak Trees, Mississippi
The card image features the live oak trees prevalent in the southern United States. The exact tree shown is the Southern Live Oak, Quercus Virginiana.
The description states simply: “Live Oaks and Camellias”
This card is part of a larger series dating from the 1960s.
Child in the Cotton, Mississippi
This image is a posed photo of an African-American child viewing the bolls of cotton growing on the plants all around him.
The description states simply: “Picking Cotton”
This image is part of a much larger series labelled “A Deep South Card”, and likely dates from the 1960s.