This image shows the grounds and restaurant that made up the Jenson’s Motel and Dining Room complex in Providence Forge, Virginia.
The description states:
JENSON’S MOTEL AND DINING ROOM
Completely furnished 1-2 & 3 room cottages with private baths, also rooms in private home. Telephone Providence Forge 591 or write for reservations.
Mr. And Mrs. V. E. JENSON, Owners
On U.S. 60, Halfway between Richmond and Williamsburg at PROVIDENCE FORGE, VA.
–This is a very typical first generation motel, as the buildings are unique and separate, with the addition of lodgings in a private house, much like the bed and breakfast inns of the current day. The restaurant would have been a popular amenity when the motel was not close to a population center.
This card likely dates from the 1940s.
Tag: postcard
Payne’s Motor Court, Fredricksburg, Virginia
This image shows a typical second generation motel, with a single continuous building instead of separate cottages. There are a minimum of amenities beyond the room itself. It was located in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
The description states:
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
–This structure seems to have been demolished some time ago. This postcard, noting the original construction date, must date from the 1950s.
Natural Bridge, Virginia
This image shows the road under the Natural Bridge, a formation of limestone created by the creek which runs alongside the road.
The description states:
NATURAL BRIDGE — One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. There is no other structure like it. The Lee Highway, U.S. No. 11 passes over Natural Bridge. It is higher by 55 feet than Niagara Falls. The mean height of the bridge from the stream below to its upper surface is 215 feet, it has a span of 90 feet between the walls, width averages 100 feet and the arch is 40 feet thick.
Hotel and cottage accommodations. Open all year. Illumination at night.
–U.S. Highway 11 still passes over this span. The card was used and is dated 13 August 1951.
Mill Mountain Star, Roanoke, Virginia
This illustration shows the initial design of the Roanoke Star, built atop Mill Mountain outside of Roanoke, Virginia.
The description states:
ROANOKE, VA., Star City of the South
Constructed on top of Mill Mountain, 1,800 feet above sea level and 975 feet above the City. The largest man-made illuminated star in the world — 88 1/2 feet in diameter, on a 100 foot structure — as tall as an eight story building. Nine rows (2,000 feet) of neon tubing.
–The design of the tubing has changed somewhat over the years, to include five concentric stars, and to include red and blue colored neon tubes, though at this time the star is illuminated solely with white.
The star was first lit in 1949, and this card was used, dated 16 August 1951.
Jefferson Bedroom, Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia
This image shows the interior of the Jefferson bedroom with furnishings consistent with the period Jefferson lived in the house.
The description states:
MONTICELLO
THE HOME OF THOMAS JEFFERSON
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
Jefferson’s bedroom showing his alcove bed and chaise lounge.
–Currently the bed is still on display, but the chaise has been replaced with another contemporary chair. While it is not immediately obvious, the bed sits in the middle of the room, with access from both sides, as can be seen in this view.
This postcard likely dates from the 1950s.
Entrance Hall, Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia
This image shows the interior of the grand entrance hall of the Thomas Jefferson home known as Monticello.
The description states:
Monticello
THE HOME OF THOMAS JEFFERSON
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
Entrance Hall
–The Entrance Hall looks out through the East Portico, which was the normal entrance for the house, though the West Portico is the more famous view today.
This postcard likely dates from the 1950s.
Monticello House Exterior, Virginia
This images shows the iconic front of the home of former President Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence. It is known as Monticello and is located in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The description states:
Monticello
THE HOME OF THOMAS JEFFERSON
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
The West Front
–The house was preserved while in private hands and ultimately was deeded to a foundation which maintains the site. It is the only private house in the United States that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the original buildings of the nearby University of Virginia, also designed by Jefferson.
This postcard was used and is dated 16 August 1951.
Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia
This image shows a portion of the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.
The description states:
Tomb of the Unknowns, where rest in honored glory Unknown Americans who fell in both World Wars and in the Korean War. Continuous vigil is maintained by Tomb Guards, specially chosen from the 1st Battle Group, 3rd Infantry, part of the Military District of Washington command.
–The soldier in the center is the relief, and the two others are the incoming and outgoing guard. There was a Vietnam veteran interred here for a short time, but the remains were correctly identified and moved according to the family’s wishes. The empty crypt now has a statement engraved on it instead.
This card was used and is dated 23 May 1964.
Grass Hut in Tropical Setting, Location Unknown
This image shows a typical tropical building made of local wood and grasses. It is set in a fenced enclosure amidst a tropical setting.
There is no description on the back of this card. The only writing is an inscription stating “Richard May 1946”
If anyone knows the origin of this image or the location of the subject, feel free to leave a message.
Virgin Mary Niche, Location Unknown
This image shows a veneration site for the Virgin Mary, placed in an outdoor niche and observed by a woman in the foreground.
There is no description on the back of this card.
The only incscription on this card is a handwritten “Richard May 1946”. The card is not scanned in crooked, the image is actually incorrectly aligned on the paper.
Anyone who may know of the location of this shrine is welcome to contact me.