This image shows the elaborate geometric gardens from the palace windows. This kind of gardens were modeled on similar designs from England, where geometric designs were the fashion of the time.

The description states:
THE PALACE GARDENS, Williamsburg, Va. The Governor’s Palace and its dependencies, preeminent among notable estates in colonial America. The gardens are considered more typical of formal eighteenth century gardens than any others in America.
–This postcard likely dates from the 1950s.

Following on after the last image, inside of the sanctuary is this altar. Written on the altar cloth is the phrase: The noble army of martyrs praise thee.

The description states:
BRUTON PARISH CHURCH, Williamsburg, Virginia. Visitors will find in historic Bruton Parish Church the inspiring echo of Colonial America at prayer. Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Marshall and other famous Virginians worshipped here.
–The postcard likely dates from the 1950s.

This is the exterior of the Bruton Parish Church as seen from the road in the Williamsburg, Virginia historic park.

The description states:
BRUTON PARISH CHURCH, Williamsburg, Virginia.
Built 1710 – 1715, it was the court church of the English Colony. One of the most historic churches in America because of its unparalleled association with the great men of Virginia’s “golden age”.
–The postcard likely dates from the 1950s.

This establishment, unlike the previous one shown, is not a simple row of identical rooms, but actual individual buildings of various sizes for the anticipated larger or smaller traveling groups. These ranged from small cottages to small homes for rent on the grounds of the business.

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.
–Featured on the card is a well appointed dining room managed by the motel owners, still a rarity in this era. Unfortunately, such establishments proved to be expensive to maintain and uncompetitive in the coming era of standardized rooms and services. The business no longer exists.
This card likely dates from the 1950s.

This is an image of a very typical motel from the early 1950s. Simple, continuous structures with doors which open onto a common parking area and the business office at the front near the road. This one appears to have very few additional amenities beyond the room itself.

The description on the back closely follows that printed on the front:
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
–They highlight the presence of heated cabins, as the earlier establishments of the 1940’s were often little more than actual cabins, relying on heavy blankets or wood fireplaces for heat, often without electricity in more remote areas. This establishment was the second wave of construction that provided a more modern and complete accommodation, but additional amenities, such as TV, pool or air conditioning, would come later.
The structure still exists in nearly original condition, but the business has changed hands over the years and is now closed.
The card clearly dates from the 1950s based on the description.

On display in this image is a ‘coach and four’ with both driver and footman present in their normal places. This elaborate transportation was obviously only for the wealthy, since maintaining the coach, the horses and the servants would be far beyond the reach of families of modest means. Such private coaches normally had seats only on the inside. More common public coaches, even partially enclosed ones, would usually have seats on the top as well.

There is no description on the back of this card other than that indicated in the caption above.  This card is a hand-colored version of a black and white image, and likely dates from the 1950s.

Shown here, and standing in front of the building known as the gaol (a variant spelling of jail), are the outside punishment devices common in the American colonies. The item on the left is a pillory, and the criminal’s head was locked in the center hole, while the arms were locked into the holes on either side. To the right is a stock, and this device locked the criminal’s feet at the ankles while the prisoner sat or lay straight legged behind the device.

The description states:
THE PUBLIC GAOL
WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA
This building dates from the beginning of the eighteenth century and has been restored on original foundations. It includes part of the original structure.
–Stocks and pillories were public so the criminal could be accosted by paddling, tickling, pelting with fruits and vegetables among other humiliations. This card likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows a colonial gentleman preparing his clay pipe with tobacco as he sits in the tavern. Arrayed on the walls are various sizes of drinking and serving containers, both metal and pottery.

The description states:
The Tap Room of the Raleigh Tavern, Williamsburg, Virginia, the most famous of colonial taverns, where Washington, Jefferson and other great patriots stayed.
–It is common in various parts of the colonial states to post a notice proudly declaring that Washington or another notable person stayed in an establishment. This card likely dates from the 1950s.

This image shows an idealized view of a cobbler, or shoemaker’s shop. Idealized as much of the stains, damage and debris that would be common in an active, long-standing shop are not present, and the area kept very clean to preserve the historical building components. Commonly there would be candle drippings, smoke stains, stains from dyes, bits and pieces of broken hardware, leather scraps, spills and other significant wear on the floor.

The description states:
BOOT AND SHOEMAKER’S SHOP
WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA
A cobbler in colonial dress makes and repairs shoes here.
–This card likely dates from the 1950s.