This image shows a typical elevated view of the outflow and body of Lake of the Clouds, located in Ontonagon County, Michigan, in the western Upper Peninsula. The image is taken from a scenic spot known as Lake of the Clouds Overlook.
The description states:
LAKE OF THE CLOUDS
Located in the Michigan Porcupine Mountains State Park, twenty-five miles west of Ontonagon, Michigan. The escarpment on the north side is 300 ft. above the lake.
–The lake is formed by the Carp River, whose outflow is visible at the bottom of the image. This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Tag: postcard
Port Austin, Michigan
This image shows a main street scene in the village of Port Austin, Michigan, located at the tip of the ‘thumb’ portion of the lower peninsula of Michigan.
The description states:
MICHIGAN THUMB SCENERY
Street Scene at Port Austin, Michigan
–The village is quite small, less than a thousand population even today.
This card is dated 1955, which is consistent with the autos shown parked in the image.
S.S. City of Petoskey, Michigan
This image is of the state-run ferry called the S.S. City of Petoskey, part of a larger fleet of auto and passenger ferries operating across the Straits of Mackinac before the construction of the Mackinac bridge in 1957.
The description states:
THE CITY OF PETOSKEY
Michigan State Ferry
Operating at the Straits of Mackinac, in Michigan. “Petoskey” is derived from the Chippewa Indian name “Pe-to-se-ga,” meaning, “The Rising Sun.”
–This ferry was put in service in 1940, and continued in service until the ferry system was discontinued in 1957. It was the next to last ferry put into service, succeeded by the S.S. Vacationland.
This image likely dates from the 1950s.
S.S. North American, Charlevoix, Michigan
This image shows the ferry S.S. North American as it passes through a drawbridge over the channel between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan in the city of Charlevoix.
The description states simply:
S.S. North American at Charlevoix, Michigan.
–The fate of the ship is not known, but it likely provided ferry service to towns on the other side of Lake Michigan before the construction of the Mackinac Bridge. This postcard was used and is dated 8 August 1955.
Municipal Dock, Petoskey, Michigan
This image is a view of the dock built and maintained by the city of Petoskey, Michigan, located near the northernmost point of the lower peninsula of Michigan.
The description states:
2–The Petoskey municipal dock cost $60,000. The money was raised from subscriptions of $1.00 to $100.00 given by individuals, businesses and industry.
–It is not apparent whether the dock exists currently, or whether it has been replaced by the marina complex now extant. This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Port Austin Lighthouse, Michigan
This image shows the Port Austin Lighthouse, located just off the northern tip of the ‘thumb’ of Michigan’s lower peninsula, where it protects ships from a dangerous reef.
The description states:
Michigan Thumb Scenery
Port Austin Lighthouse, Port Austin, Michigan
–The lighthouse was constructed in 1878 and has been regularly updated since then. It is now maintained by a private restoration group, and runs off of solar power.
This card is dated 1957.
Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth, Michigan
This image is of the Bavarian Inn Lodge building, part of the larger complex of buildings located in Frankenmuth, Michigan.
The description states:
FRANKENMUTE BAVARIAN INN
Frankenmuth, Michigan 48734
Frankenmuth family style chicken dinners are world-famous. In a town of only 2,750 people, 7,000 dinners may be served in a single day. Dining Room, Coffee Shop, Stein Room, and Gift Shop. Located 15 miles south of Saginaw and 25 miles north of Flint. Get off I-75 Expressway at Birch Run-Frankenmuth Exit (Northbound), and on Frankenmuth-Bridgeport Exit (Southbound).
–This card is dated 1972.
Bavarian Inn, Frankenmuth, Michigan
This image is of the famous Bavarian Inn, located in the town of Frankenmuth, Michigan, as it looked in the 1960s.
The description states:
Frankenmuth family style chicken dinners are world-famous. In a town of only 1900, 6,000 dinners may be served in a single day.
Dining room, Coffee Shop, Stein room and Gift Shop. Located 15 miles south of Saginaw and 25 miles north of Flint. Get off the I-75 Expressway at the Birch Run-Frankenmuth Exit (Northbound) on the Frankenmuth-Bridgeport Exit (Southbound).
–Error is in the original text. The business has thrived and expanded to include lodging and other activities. This image is dated 1967.
International Bridge, Eagle Pass, Texas
This image shows the approach to the international crossing between Eagle Pass, Texas and Piedras Negras, Coahuila, In Mexico.
The description states:
INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE at Eagle Pass, Texas links two very favorite cities on the Mexico border. Thousands of American tourists cross here on their way to the interior of Mexico, while Mexican citizens visit the American side to shop at the many well-stocked stores in Eagle Pass. Peidras Negras is one of the prettiest Mexican towns on the border. The building in the background is the new American Customs Building.
–Eagle Pass is a small city, with a population of less than 30,000. Piedras Negras, in contrast, is estimated to be almost 140,000.
This card likely dates from the 1960s.
Hilltop Motel, Galveston, Texas
This image shows the Hilltop Motel in Galveston, Texas, a short distance down the coast from Corpus Christi. The swimming pool is typical of the time, with a slide for children and a diving board. As time passed, these were typically removed, as they were sources of accidents and injuries, and thus a significant cost liability for the owners.
The description states:
Enjoy your holiday at
HILLTOP MOTEL
5-Mile Road West Beach, Galveston’s First and Only Complete West Beach Motel. Attractively Appointed Guest Rooms and Suites, Reasonable Rates – Air Conditioned – Wonderful Swimming Pool and Beach.
Phone Sh. 4-4423
–The address where this motel was located is now an empty lot. This postcard was used and is dated 28 June 1964.