This image shows the first diesel-powered trans-Atlantic passenger ship, the M. S. Gripsholm, which travelled between Gothenburg and New York City between 1924 and the 1960s.
The description on the back states:
SWEDISH AMERICAN LINE – GOTHENBURG DIRECT NEW YORK
REGULAR CALLS AT COPENHAGEN, BREMERHAVEN AND HALIFAX
m.s. “GRIPSHOLM’
–It was one of two ships of the same name which were owned by the Swedish-American Line. This one was used to transport expatriates back after World War 2 and to repatriate European prisoners from camps in the United States.
This card was used and is dated 5 June 1953, one year before the Gripsholm was sold off and renamed the M.S. Berlin.
Tag: used
American Falls and Rainbow Bridge, Niagara, New York
This image shows the American Falls section of Niagara Falls complex, as viewed from Goat Island, which divides the falls into its two largest sections.
There is no description on the back of this card.
The small portion of falls in the immediate foreground is part of the area reclaimed by the Corps of Engineers, blocking the water flow at this point.
In the background is the Rainbow Bridge, connecting the United States and Canada, which was built in 1941. This postcard was used, and is dated 14 August 1947.
Château d’If, Marseille Harbor, France
This image shows the world famous island location of Château d’If, the site of the events in the novel ‘The Count of Monte Cristo‘ by Alexandre Dumas. The work ‘if’ is the French word for the yew tree, once common on the now barren island.
There is no description on the back of the card. There are regular visits to the island from tours departing Marseille harbor, including both inside and outside the main structure as shown here.
This postcard was used, but the postmark is illegible. However, the stamp is still present and was originally released in 1937. Combined with the restrictions of war time tourist travel by 1940, this image likely dates from the 1930s.
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.
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.
Lover’s Point, Pacific Grove, California
This image shows the small rocky peninsula known as Lover’s Point, located in Pacific Grove on Monterey Bay in California. The vegetation in the foreground is ice plant, like that in the previous postings, but without the colorful flowers.
The description states:
LOVER’S POINT at PACIFIC GROVE
(California) Typical of the wondrous scenes you will find all around the Monterey Peninsula.
–At this time there was a glass-bottom boat tour that launched from the stone jetty in the middle left of the picture. This service has long been discontinued.
This postcard was used and is dated 8 July 1955.
Hopi Point, Grand Canyon, Arizona
This image is of two Hopi Indians looking across the Grand Canyon towards the north, from the lookout known as Hopi Point.
The description states:
HOTELS – SHOPS
FRED HARVEY
RESTAURANTS
Most of the stories told of what people have said upon catching their first glimpse of the Grand Canyon are unbelievable until you see the mighty chasm for yourself, for only then do you realize its breath-taking immensity.
–This seemingly remote location is in fact only about 2 miles from the tourist lodges on the South Rim, and a bus provides access to this and several other similar vantage points.
This card was used and is dated 21 Jun 1948.
Old Faithful Log, Petrified Forest, Arizona
This image shows a fallen tree, the base closest to the camera, which has been entirely fossilized over millions of years, until it is now completely composed of stone.
The description states:
FAMOUS OLD FAITHFUL LOG
Petrified Forest, near Holbrook Arizona.
–The Petrified Forest is a large area of exposed, fossilized trees in northeast Arizona. These trees were originally buried, allowing them to fossilize, and were exposed by erosion of the surrounding material over millions of years. The national park contains a total area of 170 square miles.
This postcard was used and is dated 13 July 1953.
San Francisco Peaks, Arizona
This image shows the snow-covered peaks of the San Francisco Peaks mountain range of Arizona. They are part of the San Francisco National Forest, which has no relation to the city in California.
The description states:
SNOW-COVERED SAN FRANCISCO PEAKS
mythical home of the Kachina Gods, on Route 66 near Flagstaff, Arizona.
–This card was used and is dated 12 June 1955.
