This image shows the typical opening ceremony of the traditional bullfight, in this instance a parade of the various performers, including picadors, toreadors, and a matador.
The description states:
EL PASEO DE LAS CUADRILLAS
The opening parade at the bullfight.
— The bullfight is often referred to as a sport, but it is more a ritual custom of Hispanic nations and cities, as there is no competition involved. While it is still practiced today, it has come under criticism for its harm to the bulls.
This postcard likely dates from the 1960s.
Tag: postcard
Open Air Market, Oaxaca, Mexico
This image shows a few of the many market stalls in one of the open air markets in Oaxaca, Mexico.
The description states:
Mercado Tipico en Mexico. Typical old Mexican Market
Oaxaca, Oax, Mexico
–Among the other items for sale are the large pottery storage jars, metal cooking pots and pans, and hand woven baskets.
This image likely dates from the 1960s.
Aerial View, Piedras Negras, Mexico
This image, taken from a low elevation, shows the main square of Piedras Negras, Mexico and large buildings on two sides of the square.
The description states:
Parroquia, Palacio y Plaza Principal
Principal Square, Palace and Parish.
Piedras Negras, Coah., Mex.
–The building identified as the Parish is better known as El Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, built in 1859. The Palace was likely the former government center, but there was a new government building erected in 1986.
This postcard was used and likely dates from the 1960s like the previous one.
Business District Street, Piedras Negras, Mexico
This image shows a typical business street in the Mexican city of Piedras Negras, Mexico. It is located directly across the Rio Grande from the Texas city of Eagle Pass. The name means ‘black stones’.
The description states:
Arteria Comercial
Commercial Artery
Piedras Negras, Coah., Mex.
— In the distance is a significant landmark building which will be revealed more fully in the next posting. From the cars shown here, this image likely dates from the 1960s.
Lozano’s Curio Shop, Acuña, Mexico
This image shows a typical souvenir shop as it looked in mid-20th century Mexico. The establishment is brightly colored, with high visibility signage and welcoming statements painted on the outside in English for visiting tourists.
The description states:
LOZANO’S CURIOS
Main St., Cuidad Acuña
Greatest selection of native Mexican craft in town. You are always welcome.
— Ciudad Acuña is located on the Rio Grande at the border with Texas, across the river from Del Rio, Texas. It is one of several towns that have developed directly across the river boundary from cities in Texas.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Mexicali Beer Garden, Tijuana, Mexico
This image shows the substantial establishment labelled the Mexicali Beer Garden. It was erected to increase interest in the recently established Mexicali Beer product, still sold today. The actual brewery was in Mexicali, but the Prohibition tourists from San Diego meant that their best selling opportunity was 112 miles closer to San Diego in the small town of Tijuana.
The only inscription on the back of this card is as follows:
Pub. by “The Big Curio Store.”
Lower California Commercial Co., Inc.
Tijuana, Mexico
–The brewing company that produced this beer, and presumably also erected this retail establishment soon after, was founded in 1923, so this image likely dates from shortly after that time. Prohibition was in effect in the U.S. beginning in 1919, and many thousands of thirsty Americans were traveling the short distance from San Diego to Tijuana to drink legally.
The postcard was used, as can be seen by the imprint of the stamp cancellation in the upper left corner, but the stamp was removed long ago, obliterating the postmark, and the card is otherwise undated.
Children Feeding Goats, Santa’s Village, California
This image shows two young children with baby bottles and three baby goats vying for access to the contents of the bottles.
The description states:
SANTA’S VILLAGE CALIFORNIA
Hungry little kids find some true friends among the visitors.
— This kind of animal feeding was not common, but still practiced in some of the small amusement parks around the country. With time, the costs of maintaining a live animal exhibit which was accessible to the visitors like this became too high, both in the requirements of the animals and the cost of potential liability.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Easter Bunny’s Nursery, Santa’s Village, California
This image shows a couple of fairy tale personalities not normally associated with Santa Claus and the North Pole. In this instance, because there was a lot of park to fill and only a limited amount of places that could be identified with Santa and the North Pole, this company included the Easter Bunny, seen here on the right in front of a putative nursery. Paying close attention is Little Bo Peep, who having lost her sheep, is tending two small goats instead.
The description states:
SANTA’S VILLAGE CALIFORNIA
The Easter Bunny visits Santa’s Village every Easter and treats the boys and girls to gaily colored eggs.
–As indicated, the presence of the Easter Bunny character was seasonal, so the building behind him was labelled but unused most of the year.
This postcard likely dates from the 1950s.
North Pole Exhibit, Santa’s Village, California
This image shows the ‘official’ North Pole location in the Santa’s Village amusement park, attended by colorfully dressed employees acting as Santa’s Helpers.
The description states:
SANTA’S VILLAGE CALIFORNIA
The ever-frozen North Pole, topped by its pixie, is a cool retreat for Santa’s friends and helpers.
–The reindeer visible in the image is labelled Comet, presumably to allow easier identification by visitors. The elven helpers would normally be young people from the nearby cities who would work during the summer and fall weekends.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
Santa Train, Santa’s Village, California
This image shows the narrow gauge train used at Santa’s Village to transport visitors around the grounds. Santa is currently acting as engineer.
The description states:
SANTA’S VILLAGE CALIFORNIA
All aboard for Santa’s train, which makes an exciting trip through the Enchanted forest and Lollypop Land.
–The two sites mentioned were decorated features for the tourists to view as they rode along. Such narrow gauge engines, typically powered by diesel and not steam, were common in these small amusement parks.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.