This image is ostensibly of three Cherokee women potters, although the woman in the lower left is working on a bead board, making a beaded band while the others hold completed pots. Such bands would be applied to other objects or clothing.
This is one of the converted photos that have no description on the back, but it is consistent with other cards indicating that it dates from the 1930s.
Tag: postcard
Maude Welch, Cherokee Pottery Maker, North Carolina
This is an image of the noted Cherokee pottery maker Maude Welch, shown with an unidentified girl. This was undoubtedly taken on the North Carolina Cherokee reservation.
There is no caption on the back of this card, as it was a photograph converted to a postcard by stamping the back with simple markings to allow it to be mailed.
The legend on the front says: Maude Welch Making Cherokee Pottery, Cherokee, NC
This image likely dates from the 1930s.
Cherokee Woman with Infant at home, North Carolina
This image is a colorized version of a photograph, intended to look rustic and primitive. The language used on the card front is now considered pejorative, particularly the word squaw. The child, or papoose, was commonly carried on the mother’s back when unable to walk.
The description states:
Immediately south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Parrk will be found the Cherokee Reservation where the remnants of the eastern branch of the Cherokee Indians live. Although the government has instituted a comprehensive system of education and modern methods of living, ancient ceremonies and sports are still preserved as tribal customs. The Indians still play the Cherokee game of ball, one of the world’s most strenuous sports. Many are expert in archer and in the use of the blowgun.
–The Cherokee and other Native American nations were ordered out of much of their original lands and made to march to the west, all the way to the Oklahoma territory, on a journey now famous as the Trail of Tears. This led to a split in the Cherokee nation, now identified as the eastern and western branches.
This card likely dates from the 1940s.
Cherokee Mother and Child, North Carolina
This image is the first of the week featuring Cherokee Native Americans from North Carolina. This first shows a mother with a child bundled to her back.
There is no description on the back of this card. The card style and coloring are typical of cards made in the 1940s.
Sutton’s Wagon Wheel Motel, St. Ignace, Michigan
Much like the previous motel, this is also located in St. Ignace, Michigan, near the Mackinac Bridge. The original buildings were constructed in 1947, just after World War 2 to anticipate the new mobility and urge to travel of the era.
The description states:
SUTTON’S WAGON WHEEL
Motel – Restaurant – Cabins
On U.S. 2 – 4 Miles West of St. Ignace, Michigan
Overlooking Straits and Lake Michigan
Our Motto
“Recommended by Our Patrons”
Completely Modern Motel & Cabins. Wall to Wall Carpeting. Electric Heat – T.V. – Tubs & Showers in Motel-Showers in Cabins. Restaurant specializing in Chicken – Steaks – Chops and Fish Dinners.
Home Made Pies. Marie and Austin Sutton Owner-Operators
–This construction is unusual in that it includes both free standing cabins of the early phase of motel construction, and the more typical contiguous room construction that followed shortly thereafter. The buildings still stand, though the establishment has changed hands and changed names to Pointe La Barbe Inn. This photo was taken in the 1960s.
Sunset Motel, St. Ignace, Michigan
This motel was located close to the Mackinac Bridge, which was built in the late 1950s.
The description states:
SUNSET MOTEL
1 1/2 Miles West on US-2
from Mackinac Bridge
St. Ignace, Michigan
In Michigan’s Vacationland 1/2 mile from Golf Course. Showers & Tubs – TV – Hot Water Heat – Inn-Room Coffee – Separate Bedrooms. Restaurant next door.
Bud and Sheila Winters Phone (906) 643-8377
–Unlike many other establishments of this era, this motel still exists in its original location and with the same construction as shown in the picture. The most notable change from the image is the new sign at the road.
This card dates from the 1960s.
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.
Rip Van Motel, Sault Saint Marie, Michigan
This oddly named motel is on the northern tip of the Upper Peninsula very close to the locks which connect Lake Superior and Lake Huron. It would appear the name is derived from the fictional character Rip Van Winkle, who slept for many decades before waking.
The description states:
RIP – VAN MOTEL
Across the street from famous “Soo” Locks
351 West Portage Ave.
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Built in 1959 Phone: MElrose 2-2571
Singles to Suites – Family Units
Ceramic Tile Showers – Completely Carpeted – Spacious Lobby with T.V. – Excellent Restaurant in connection.
Frarnk Baccari – Owner-Manager
–This card shows some of the very typical mid-century accommodations and furniture widely used not only in motels but often in private homes. These pieces are now collector’s items in some cases.
The motel apparently has changed hands over the years, and there is a Lockview Motel in this location instead. The old buildings are gone and the new motel has new structures. The auto shown in the photo indicates this card dates from the 1960s.
North Star Motel, Mackinaw City, Michigan
This motel was situated to overlook the Straits of Mackinac and near the Mackinac Bridge. It was located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
The description states:
NORTH STAR MOTEL
Mackinaw City, Mich. 49701
Welcome to Mackinaw City’s Most Modern Motel. 33 Units – Coffee Shop – Sandy Beach – Playground. Located on Beautiful Lake Huron, with Nice Island view – 1 Mile from Mackinac Bridge on U. S. 23 and U. S. 27.
Phone Area 616 – HE 6-5565 P. O. Box 705
–The original establishment no longer exists, but the buildings apparently remain, under a new ownership, now called the Waterfront Inn, which has the same building layout with extensive modifications.
The cars and presence of zip codes on the card indicate this card is from the 1960s.
Munson Motor Inn, Traverse City, Michigan
This typical motel was built in Traverse City, Michigan but apparently no longer exists.
The description states:
MUNSON MOTOR INN
Traverse City, Michigan. On U.S. 31 North, in city. One of Michigan’s finest, close to restaurants and good beaches. Shopping centers nearby. Motel located on spacious grounds, away from highway noises. Air-Conditioned; Hot Water Heat; Direct Dial Phones; Large Televisions.
–Early motels did not have much in the way of amenities, and one of the most popular later additions was televisions. So important were these that they were advertised permanently on the road sign as shown in this picture. Later, color was also highlighted, and in the 1970s and beyond, cable services such as HBO also listed to attract the passing traveller.
Of special note is the automobile in the foreground of the photo, which is a rare and highly prized model today: a Jaguar XK E-type. The car indicates that this photo is from the 1960s.