This image shows a section of the historic highway U.S. 66 as it ascends into the Sandia Mountains east of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The description states:
HERE IS SEEN A BREATH-TAKING PANORAMA as U.S. Highway 66 winds through the picturesque Sandia Mountains towards the City of Albuquerque. Approaching the city thru Tijeras Canyon is a thrilling sight as this scenic highway emerges from the base of the Sandias to the beautiful vista of the Rio Grande.
–U.S. 66 has been replaced along most of its original course with Interstate 40, and some of the original roadway was abandoned when a more optimal route was established for the replacement highway. It can be seen that the quality of road construction at this point was fairly simple and basic, and in some cases did not allow for the expansion required for the new Interstate system.
This post card was used and is dated 12 July 1953.
Tag: postcard
Glacier Boulder, Tijeras Canyon, New Mexico
This image shows the so-called Glacier Boulder, a formation along the original route of U.S. 66 through Tijeras Canyon in New Mexico.
The description states:
A LANDMARK OF BEAUTY is this giant boulder which dominates the grandeur of the many scenic spots in Tijeras Canyon thru the Sandia Mountains. Possible millions of years old. this builder rests among other prehistoric volcanic formations on U. S. Highway 66, a few miles East of Albuquerque, N. M.
–Such rocks are often referred to as glacial erratics, as the rock does not match the rest of the rock formation on which it rests, indicating it was transported here by glacial action.
This image likely dates from the 1940s.
Sandia Peak, New Mexico
This image shows the grazing land and foothills leading to Sandia Peak in the background.
The description states:
A-29 — SANDIA PEAK AND NEEDLE, SANDIA MOUNTAINS, ALBUQUERQUE, N. M.
The rugged mountain which towers above the Rio Grande Valle on the east to a height of over 10,000 feet, presents an entirely different appearance from the opposite side, being thickly wooded and containing many recreation areas for both summer and winter sports.
–The Sandia Mountains are just to the east of Albuquerque and Sandi Crest is 10,678 feet high.
This image likely dates from the 1940s.
Sandia Loop Road, Bernadillo, New Mexico
This image shows the view of the Rio Grande valley from the summit of the Sandia Mountain crossing via the Sandia Loop Road.
The description states:
A-20 SANDIA LOOP ROAD, NEAR ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
The scenic Rim Drive one the crest of the Sandia Mts. to Bernadillo is one of surpassing beauty and interest. From the summit one has an unobstructed view for a hundred miles in every direction, the Rio Grande Valley, the extinct volcanoes, the city of Albuquerque, and to the north Bernadillo and several villages nestle in the foothills. To the west Mt. Taylor, 75 miles distant, dominates the scene on a clear day.
–This road appears to have been replaced by more modern construction with the growth of Albuquerque and development of higher quality highways.
This image likely dates from the 1940s.
Elephant Rock, Tijeras Canyon, New Mexico
This illustration shows the so-called Elephant Rock as viewed from the highway as it passes on into Tijeras Canyon in New Mexico.
The description states:
A-37 — ELEPHANT ROCK ON HIGHWAY U.S. 66 ENTERING TIJERAS CANYON, EAST OF ALBUQUERQUE, N. M.
This well known landmark comes into view shortly after entering Tijeras Canyon of the Sandia Mountains, eastbound out of the city for Santa Rosa, Tucumcari and West Texas points.
–It appears the fanciful name did not catch on, as the formation is not easily identified on line today. The word Tijeras means scissors.
This image likely dates from the 1940s.
Main Library, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
This illustration shows the front exterior and an architectural detail from the main library on the campus of the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque.
The description states:
THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY — contains more than 125,000 volumes with a total capacity of over 300,000. Of Pueblo-style architecture, this beautiful building was opened in 1938. The carvings are in the symbolic Indian motif and the furniture and other ornamentations are entirely authentic of the Southwest.
THE GREAT CHANDELIER — in the reference room is said to be the largest of its type ever made by hand. it follow the design of the lamps used by the early Spanish conquistadors.
–There are now four libraries on the campus, and they contain over 3 million volumes.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Administration Building, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
This illustration shows the main entrance to the Administration building at the University of New Mexico. It is built in the style of the Native American adobe pueblos that were common in New Mexico for thousands of years.
The description states:
ADMNISTRATION BUILDING
UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
ALBUQUERQUE, N. M.
…built in Spanish-Pueblo design, this building contains 73 rooms on three floors. The atmosphere and architecture of the University itself reflect the unique character of New Mexico. The campus is beautifully located on a high mesa overlooking the city of Albuquerque, about one mile from the downtown business section. The bronze status of the symbolic Lobo Wolf hands an a concrete pedestal at the entrance to the athletic stadium.
–This card was used and is dated 12 July 1953.
Acoma Pueblo Potters, New Mexico
This image shows two women decorating small pottery pieces for sale to the tourists who visit their home at Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico.
The description states:
K100 — POTTERY MAKERS
The women of various Indian Pueblos are all skilled in making Pottery. The clay is mixed, worked and smoothed all by hand. After drying it is decorated and then fired. As illustrated these women from Acoma Pueblo are decorating their Pottery. They offer their wares or sale at the Villages and also along the Highways.
–This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Navajo Rug Weaver Carding Wool, Arizona
This image shows a typical Navajo rug weaver at her loom, using a carding tool to work the wool.
The description states:
C810 — NAVAJO WEAVER, ARIZONA
The artistic and intricate designs of the Navajo blanket are original work of native weavers, using home-grown wool that is raised, processed and dyed by Navajo Indians in Northern Arizona.
— A substantially complete work can be seen on the loom, and another is being used as a rug for the weaver.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Navajo Rug Weaver and Loom, New Mexico
This image shows the traditional method for weaving Navajo rugs, a very popular and successful product for the Navajo nation.
The description states:
K102 — NAVAJO RUG WEAVER
Navajo rugs are worked on in the Navajo Hogan in winter and outside under a tree in the summer. Wool is sheared from the sheep, sorted and washed, carded to make fibers fine in one direction and worked into a cord used for weaving. These rugs are made completely of wool, and famed for their beauty and durability.
–This image likely dates from the 1950s.