This image shows a few feral horses against the dramatic backdrop of the Wyoming plateau.
The description states simply:
#3749 Horses on the Range
The two multi-colored horses are typically referred to as ‘paints‘ and is a very common breed, while the other is more commonly described as ‘palomino‘.
This card was used and is dated July 1955.
Tag: postcard
Wild Horse Roundup, Colorado
This is a different kind of herding, as it focusses on horses instead of cattle.
The description states:
A152 — WILD HORSE HERD
Rounding up wild horses required excellent horsemanship, dexterity at roping and infinite patience.
–The image seems a bit more docile and less dramatic than the post card description. These horses are already pretty much under control, as the two cowboys in the foreground have established a rope cordon around the herd as seen by the thin yellow line across the image.
These horses are commonly called wild, but they are better described as feral horses, having descended from domesticated horses abandoned by the Spanish in the 16th and 17th century. Those living on public land are protected now under federal law.
This postcard likely dates to the 1950s.
Cattle Branding, Rawlins Wyoming
This image shows the traditional cattle branding process as practiced for more than a century in the United States. This appears to be just a demonstration as there is no red coloring on the iron nor is there smoke rising from the burnt hair and skin.
There is no description on the back of the card. The Bunkhouse may refer to one of several existing establishments, including a restaurant by this name in Rawlins. The card likely dates to the 1950s.
Cowboy ‘Riding Herd’ in Colorado
This image shows a cowboy aboard what appears to be an Appaloosa roan horse while he watches over a modest herd.
The description states:
No. 4005 – Cowboy watching herd of cattle on a mountain meadow.
–The image was published by a Colorado company, and was sold to tourists in Little America, Wyoming. The black staining in the upper left is from the cancellation machine, as this card was used. The postmark is dated June 17, 1955.
Cowboy with Large Herd in Colorado
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.
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.
Abraham Lincoln Colored Photo
This is a colored version of a famous photograph taken of the former President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, who was President during the American Civil War.
The description states:
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Sixteenth President of the United States, was born on February 12, 1809 in Hardin County, Kentucky in a log cabin on the Sinking Spring Farm near Hodgen’s Mill. From 1811-1816 he lived on the Knob Creek Farm near Hodgenville, Ky. From 1816-1830 grew up in Spencer County, Sother Indiana and moved to Illinois in 1830. In 1831-1837 spent six years in New Salem, where he was elected to the Legislature.
From 1837 to 1861 Lincoln lived in Springfield, Illinois, practiced law, served a term in Congress and in 1860 moved to the White House in Washington, D. C. and died on April 15, 1865.
–Oddly, the description does not note that his death was by assassination. This postcard was used and is dated 17 June 1961, but the original photo is from a century before.
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.
Churchill Downs Race Track, Louisville, Kentucky
This image features the main seating structure and the fountain at Churchill Downs, home of the most famous horse race in America, the Kentucky Derby. It was built in 1875 and the Derby has been run there since that year.
The description states:
CHURCHILL DOWNS
HOME OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
The beautiful grounds are open to visitors through the years. The world-famous Kentucky Derby take place annually on the first Saturday in May.
–The fastest Kentucky Derby run was by Secretariat in 1973, who also set records in the other two races of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. All three records remain unbroken as of this writing.
The postcard was used and is dated 3 April 1962.
Cumberland Falls, Kentucky
This image features a colorized photo of Cumberland Falls, the most prominent feature of the larger Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.
The description states:
Glorious sunrises and colorful sunbows are common sights at Cumberland Falls, where on moonlit nights may also be seen the “moonbow,” an attraction shared only with Victoria Fall in Africa.
–This falls is sometimes compared to the larger and more famous Niagara Falls on the border of the United States and Canada. This postcard dates from the 1940s.