Sarasota

Unique Garden Center with Chamber of Commerce Building in foreground
Sarasota, Florida

January 23, 1969
Sarasota Florida

Dear Maurice, "Greetings from Sarasota. Despite occasional rain all well. Anything new regarding examiner's audit. Hope you were able to compromise and avoid contest. Did you get away yet? Hope Horty okay." My Best,

The message and address were typewritten; very unusual for a post card.

Christmas, 1910

German Post Card

December 20, 1910
Tampa, Florida

Dear Friends,

"Only a card for Xmas greetings. Hope you are all well. I have been here 3 weeks. Mr. G prospecting in New Hope. He will get here by Xmas. I have a cold like Grippe. Weather fine, but cool for Fla. Ned's folks pleasantly located here. Boys growing fast in school. Beattie still remembers Mr. Green's folks, can hear all about you all." Best love to you all, J.H. Earhart.

I love this card, written in flowing fountain pen. You just don't hear much about prospecting and the Grippe anymore. Happy Holidays!

Swedish card, via NY World's Fair

Solnedgang, Fjallbacka

June, 1965
World's Fair, New York

John,
"World's Fair is great fun. Everyone around seems to be enjoying themselves. I bought some souvenirs for you- not very exciting. This is from Sweden exhibit. This morning saw Verranzano-Narrows Bridge. It it as beautiful as I expected. Had dark beer in German Beer Garden. Wish you were here." Claire


This postcard is imported from Sweden and was purchased at the Fair by the sender. Card has a nice World's Fair stamp.

Hello from Wildwood

Wildwood, New Jersey

August 6, 1988
Rio Grande, New Jersey

Hi Paula,
"The weather is great, sunny and hot. How's everything in Rockaway? It would be great if you were here! Well time to head to the beach I'll call you Sat. when I get home." See you soon, Tim

Two facts about Wildwood:

1. There is a tremendous collection of vintage motels and Doo-wop architecture in Wildwood, however they are threatened by the development of newer, larger hotels.

2. Rock Around the Clock, often credited as the first rock and roll record, was first performed on Memorial Day weekend in 1954 at the HofBrau Hotel in Wildwood by Bill Haley & His Comets.

Hotel Muscle Shoals

Unused postcard, dated circa 1950. These generically made black and white photocards are intriguing. This one was made by the W. M. Cline Company in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and almost looks like a shot taken shortly after construction was completed.

Muscle Shoals is known to music fans as the location of Fame Studios, where a slew of 60's and 70's soulful rock classics were recorded.

Pensive in Cape Cod

Distributed by E.D. West Co., South Yarmouth, Cape Cod, Mass.

August 22, 1955
Hyannis, Massachusetts

Dear Norman,

"Some friends were going up here & I came along (almost two weeks ago) as I felt that certain things were getting the best of me & I could do nothing about at the time. Will be in touch with you as soon as I get back. I don't have the Weldsteins add. please send my regards." Sam

99% of the used cards I have are innocuous little 'wish you were here' missives. A few though are very personal notes that make you wonder about the people and the circumstances. The front of this card ranks right up there on the list of worst poems ever written. Poor Sam.

The Good Life

La Bonne Vie
3475 South Ocean Blvd. (AIA) Palm Beach, Florida 33480
Palm Beach's Finest Luxury Condominium Residence. 275 feet private beach, Swiming Pool, Saunas, Game and entertainment rooms, Coffee Shop. Phone: 305-582-9017

September 11, 1968
West Palm Beach, Florida

Dear Moe:
"We are enjoying ourselves living at the above address- You should do the same. Kindest regards. Best Wishes for the New Year." Diane and Bert

Looks like the sender tried to indicate the unit they lived in on the cover, then thought better of it. Dig that swinging lobby! Constructed in 1967.

Onboard the Canberra

CANBERRA P & O - Orient Lines (45,270 tons) Colour Photograph by Beken & Son, Cowes

August 20, 1966
On Board the Canberra, en route to San Francisco

Dear Mum,
"As you will be able to see from picture we are on our way at long last. We left Vancouver at 5:00pm last night, we will be in San Francisco 7:00am tomorrow morning. The weather is glorious, food excellent. We are all enjoying ourselves, Carly and Christina particularly, they are playing in the play room right now. Be seeing you soon." XXX

Sent via air mail to Kent, England.

The Last Ocean Liners

Louisiana State Capitol

This view of the Capitol shows the Lady of the Lake, lake situated at the back.
Important facts are: Cost of Capitol $5,000,000. It is 34 stories high or 450 feet. Today it is considered the finest capitol building in the United States.

February 8, 1951
Natchez, Mississippi

Dear Sister & Frances
"Saw the Capitol of Louisiana went through & looked the city over from the top all around swell view." Lots of love to all L.T.G.

The artists in these old linen cards were often very creative with color. I see no evidence of red stone in the actual building. It's still a magnificent structure though.

The Beverly Hilton

The Beverly Hilton
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA
This world famous new hotel has added a new garage and parking accommodations which now provides parking space for 2,500 cars, largest parking facilities of any hotel in the world.

Wherever you go use CARTE BLANCHE the all-purpose credit card

December 31, 1964
Los Angeles, California

Hi "This is where we are staying- the team is here. Ann came today on the plane with the Governor." Lorayne

Could be Lorayne and Ann were in town for the Rose Bowl.... The Beverly Hilton was constructed in 1955 and owned from 1988-2003 by none other than Merv Griffin. The hotel underwent a $60 million renovation in 2004-05 and is still a hot spot for celebrity activity.

Swan Boats, Public Gardens, Boston

SWAN BOATS
Public Gardens, Boston, Mass.
A unique institution are the Swan Boats that cruise around the Public Gardens in the heart of Back Bay.

July 27, 1972
Boston, Massachusetts

Dear Grandma,
"My best friend (maid of honor) came to visit & she's coming back with me to Vernon for a visit. Quality counts more to me than quantity in friendship, but I'm lucky and have both.

Mom needs more help than I can give her, though I cheer her up for short periods. Aunt M.M. was going to take me to Sunken Gardens, but it rained, remember? She sent us a card and brought me a pretty Florida necklace."

Take care, Love Eleanor

Written in very small writing, this is one of those personal cards brimming with sincerity. No innocuous "weather is great...blah blah" here. "Quality" and "Quantity" are underlined in this note.

The Swan Boats have been around since 1877.

Greetings from Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland
Sixth largest city in the U.S., population 939,000. World-famous port ranks second in foreign trade tonnage. The top view, overlooking Fort McHenry, the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner, shows the outer harbor from Canton to Sparrows Point. The bottom view pictures the nearby docks in the inner harbor to the heart of the city.

[Postmark unreadable]

"We made the connection with 2 seconds to spare. Landed in S.C. & here a 1/2 hr. Sunny & cold. Will write & thanks so much." Love

Fire Island Pines, New York

May 15, 1971 - Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
FIRST DAY OF ISSUE

This image reminds me of the harbor scene at the beginning of Gilligan's Island.

Moonlight Over Diamond Head

MOONLIGHT OVER DIAMOND HEAD
Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

July 14, 1980
Honolulu, Hawaii

Dear Lud,
"Saw Jim Nabors Show. Polynesian Cultural Center. Moonlite. Sail. Pearl Harbor. Shopped at Sears and Woolworth's. Daddy swims every 6A.M. Cannot stay more than 1/2 hour in Sun."

Hope you are well. Mother & Dad

Handsome Great Buddha

Entire View of Handsome Great Buddha, Kamakura.

U.S. Navy FPO 98761
August 11, 1976

Gram,
"This great statue is only about 10 miles from where we live, made from bronze in 1200 A.D. It stands some 40 ft. high and is really quite impressive. Many Japanese are both Buddhists ans Shintoists, very few are Christians. We climbed up into his head for a really nice view of the city. Will write more later." Love, Quellie

I've often wondered what it's like to get inside the head of a great Buddha....

Kotoku-in

Perfect Pocono Vacation

Water Sports At
MOUNT AIRY LODGE Mt. Pocono, Pennsylvania
For a perfect POCONO vacation or honeymoon, MOUNT AIRY LODGE has everything - Private Lake... Ocean Sandy Beach...Boating...Indoor Sports Palace, 6 Indoor Tennis Courts and Indoor Ice Skating...Indoor and outdoor Swimming Pool...Health Club...Orchestra Nightly at our new CRYSTAL ROOM, ROYAL LOUNGE, CLUB SUZANNE and EMPRESS ROOM...TV...Saddle Horses...4 Outdoor Tennis Courts...Reasonable Rates - Include Delicious meals, sports and entertainment. Write for booklet: MOUNT AIRY LODGE, Mt. Pocono, PA. Tel. 717-839-8811. Open all year. "America's Leading Year 'Round Resort"

July 7, 1976
Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

Mom & Rosie
"Having a very nice time. The place is very pretty. The food is good. So far the weather is good. We saw a good show. There is a lot to do here. Well I'll say so long. See you when we get home." Allie & Jennie

Mount Airy closed in 2001...

"Notwithstanding its unglamorous demise, many a matron can still blush when recalling nights spent amid floor-to-ceiling mirrors, velvet-swagged canopy beds and shag carpeting so blue and deep, it successfully hid several generations of dirt."

''The food was lousy, but it was a legalized orgy,'' said Mickey Freeman, a comedian who often appeared in the Crystal Room, Mount Airy's 2,000-seat show palace that hosted headliners like Bob Hope, Milton Berle, Connie Francis and Nipsey Russell. ''I used to say, 'If you break the mirror above the ceiling, you'll have seven years of bad sex.' ''

from the New York Times, November 2, 2001

Hotel Delmonico

Delmonico Hotel
Collins Avenue at 64th Miami Beach, Florida Completely Air Conditioned - Open All Year Parking Facilities - Directly on the Ocean

Unused post card, probably from the 1940s. The Delmonico was located at 6393 Collins Avenue in North Miami Beach. I have not found much information on this building, which appears to have been demolished. Nice card, though.

Here's another historic post card view: Historic Miami Beach

The Dam is just Huge

This spectacular view of Hoover Dam was taken from near river-level downstream from the huge dam. Here flanked by towering canyon walls, the dam is seen in the distance. Hoover Dam - the highest in the world- was built and is operated by the Bureau of Reclamation of the Department of the Interior.

December 22, 1958
Kingman, Arizona

Dear Everyone:
"We just came through and that is the most beautiful mountain sights I ever expect to see & the dam is just huge. Roads have been good. Sandra had an up set sumach to-day."
Love, Bertha.

At its base, Hoover Dam is 660 feet thick which is 60 feet longer than two football fields laid end-to-end. Combined with its top thickness of 45 feet, there is enough concrete (4.5 million cubic yards) in Hoover Dam to build a two-lane highway from Seattle, Washington to Miami, Florida. Yes, Bertha, that is just huge.

WIKI

Toms River, NJ

Boating at Huddy Park, Toms River, N.J.

August 29, 1966
Toms River, New Jersey

Hi Folks,
"Having a grand time just loafing. Better than working." Love, Mom & Dad


Facts about Toms River (at least according to Wikipedia)

- During the American Revolution, Toms River was home to a strategically important salt works that supplied colonial militias, as well as a base for privateer vessels that plundered British and Tory ships off the coast.
- The 1979 movie, The Amityville Horror, was filmed in Toms River, rather than Amityville, New York" on Long Island. Local police and ambulance workers played extras.
- In 2007, Toms River was ranked by CQ Press as the ninth safest "city" in the United States, of the 378 cities nationwide.

Bucket of Blood Dead Wagon

BUCKET OF BLOOD DEAD WAGON
The Bucket of Blood Dead Wagon is one of the picturesque sights of the days gone by. This hearse was first used in Gold Hill in the 1860's. It was moved to Virginia City in the 70's and was in use until the early part of the 1900's. It is now on display at the Bucket of Blood Saloon, Virginia City, Nevada.

May 18, 1973
Virginia City, Nevada

Hi- "Haven't lost all our money in Nev. Have been playing some blackjack I'm ahead- have accumulated about 100 silver dollars." Harold & Linnea

This place is about as American as it gets. It's the old-timey hey-days at the Bucket of Blood Saloon!

The Hotel Cortez, El Paso Texas

El Paso, Texas
The central business area of "The International City," the largest border city to Mexico.

March 1, 1983
Tuscon, Arizona

"Hi Kiddo! I left Beeville quite a while back & went to El Paso - I got an apartment with Robert but we have no phone. Right now I'm in Tuscon for 1 wk & will be in El Paso again thru the end of March. Hope you and Chrissie are well. I have sinus problems and feel yukkie. Take care & I'll keep those postcards coming!" Love, Tina

The message may be 1983, but the photo is early 1960s. The Hotel Cortez is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Touted as a "Castle of Old Spain" upon its debut on September 10, 1926, the ten-story Hotel Cortez stands upon a site previously occupied by two hotels. The design incorporates iconographic detailing on the main façade representative of the region’s Spanish heritage, while throughout the building elements of Spanish Colonial Revival Style predominate. President John F. Kennedy, the hotel’s most famous guest, stayed at the Cortez during his visit to El Paso on June 5, 1963.

Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco

CAMP FLAG AT
CAMP NO-BE-BO-SCO
North Bergen County Council, Inc. Boy Scouts of America R.D. 2, Blairstown, N.J. 07825

August 8, 1980
Blairstown, New Jersey

Dear Mom and Dad, "Sorry I hav'nt been writing...I lost my notebook with my letters in it. I am having a good time." Love, John

This private camp borders Sand Lake in New Jersey and has provided entertainment to countless Boy Scouts over its history. It is also known to horror film fans as the setting of Camp Crystal Lake in the 1980 film, Friday the 13th. It was established in 1927 and is privately owned by the NNJC Boy Scouts of America. Prior to acquisiton by William Penn in 1715 the campsite can be traced back to the Native American occupation. Tragedy struck the camp on February 22, 1944, when a B-17F Flying Fortress crashed into the nearby Kittatinny Ridge in the midst of World War II, killing all 12 servicemen on board.

Beside the Pancake Man, Soudersburg, PA

Soudersburg Motel Located on U.S. 30 in Soudersburg, Pa. 8 Miles East of Lancaster City Opposite DUTCH HAVEN, beside the PANCAKE MAN Pennsylvania Dutch Vacationland Heated Pool, Bicycles - Quiet and Restful - Bus or Private Guide Tours - Air Conditioning and TV - 3 Restaurants in walking distance - Heated - Open the Year' Round - 30 Modern Units, 1 Kitchenette. Guided Tours - For Reservations write or call: Henry Stauffer, Manager Box No. 1 Soudersburg, PA. 17577 Phone 717 687-6101

November 2, 1970
Hempstead, New York

"What of needle biopsy? Had a lousy vacation. Never got to the Smoky Mts- all pea-soup fog and rain! GOOD NEWS here- I've finally been promoted to FULL PROFESSOR- effective 1/1/71." Love to you and Jane, Elisabeth


A very strange way to begin a postcard greeting, if you ask me. This is an oversized card, measuring 9-1/2" x 3-1/2".

The Countess of Dufferin

Countess of Dufferin
The first railway engine to enter western Canada, Winnepeg, Man. Canada. Many years later it was presented to the City of Winnepeg and stands in front of the C.P.R. Station, a monument to progress. Part of the C.P.R. Station is in the background.

July 26, 1962
Olympia, Washington

"Hi-
Having a good time. Stayed here a day between trains in a nearby hotel- A lovely trip across Canada and a very beautiful day on the boat, bus, and boat to Vancouver Isl. and Seattle. Saw the Fair yesterday. More about that later. A lot of walking for what you see, me thinks. "

As ever, the Hancocks.

The postmark on this card says "America's Space Age World's Fair Seattle USA 1962"
A Little History

The Pavilion of the Vatican, New York

The Pavilion of the Vatican New York World's Fair 1964-65
"Peace through Understanding" Designed to create separate distinct settings for its major exhibits - Michelangelo's "Pieta" and an early Christian sculpture from the catacombs, "The Good Shepard."

July 22, 1962
World's Fair, New York

"Thought you'd like to have a stamp. Words of mine can't describe what we are seeing. Road subway to & from Fair last night."
See you, Vi

The cupola of the Pavilion is now part of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Groton, CT. The stamp the writer speaks of is an Italian stamp with an image of the Pope, I think.

New York World's Fair

Fire Island, New York

LEJA BEACH HOTEL Davis Park - Fire Island, N.Y.
Easily reached by ferry service from Sands Pit Dock, Patchogue, Long Island, N.Y. Ideal for Surfcasting, Swimming, Yachting and Sun Bathing. Tel. GRover 5-0300.

No message on this postcard, but it's a First Day of Issue for a 9 cent Air Mail Stamp, postmarked in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on May 15, 1971. I don't know what amenities constitute a hotel over a motel, but I suspect that a finished wall over the studs is one of them. Somehow I think the yachting crowd from Long Island deserved better.

That Little Old Winemaker

That "Little Old Winemaker" of the Italian Swiss Colony Winery That "Little Old Winemaker - Me" symbolizes the finest traditions of winemaking which are carefully followed by the Italian Swiss Colony at Asti in the heart of one of California's finest winegrowing districts. Visitors to the winery are shown each step of the winemaking process as they tour the extensive cellars set among hundreds of acres of choice vineyards. The winery and Tasting Room are open daily.

August 22, 1962
Asti, California

"Having a fine time. This place is interesting. "
Best Wishes, Anne & Howard

The Fabulous Bay Lawn Apartment Motel

300 feet from Florida's Finest Beach
Bay Lawn Apt. Motel
406 Hamden Drive South
Clearwater Beach, Florida (On the Gulf of Mexico)
Hotel Rooms, efficiency and bedroom apartments, electric kitchens, electric heat and air-conditioning, T.V, heated swimming pool, shuffleboard court, private dock, boating, fishing and bathing.

July 7, 1969
Clearwater, Florida

Hi Folks-
"This place, Wow! Having a ball. See you soon."
Mary, Charles, Joan, George, Nancy and Jill

I love these 1960s era motel scenes.This place still exists, although the image on Google maps is not quite as idyllic.

Hotel Mark Hopkins - San Francisco

The Top of the Mark is located high in the sky on the topmost floor of Hotel Mark Hopkins. The luxury and glamour of this unique room and the breathtaking panorama from its windows combine to make it America's most spectacular cocktail lounge. - Geo. D. Smith, Gen'l Manager

June 22, 1946
Berkeley, California

"I made it." (Written in very shaky fountain pen ink..)

Seven Mile Bridge - Florida Keys

Aerial View of the Seven Mile Bridge

Longest Over Water Span in the Overseas Highway System, in the Florida Keys

February 15, 1974
U.S. Post Office Florida Keys

Hi-
"Greetings from the Florida Keys. The sun is very good for me. Will write when I get home." Glenn

St. Paul's Church - Norfolk, Virginia

Old St. Paul's Church, Norfolk, Va. One of the few buildings not totally destroyed by fire caused by bombardment from Lord Dunmore's British Fleet on January 1, 1776. The church was struck by cannon shot and the cannonball is embedded in cement in the spot where it struck. Note: Cannonball over plaque.

April 22, 1957
Norfolk, Virginia

"You did a good job on tuning up the Ford. She ran wonderful. Hey! Your popping the buttons." Love, Mom & Dad.

The cannonball is barely visible below the gutter on the right side of this uninspiring photograph.
More History

Augusta National Golf Club - Augusta, Georgia

The Augusta National Golf Club is one of the world's greatest golf courses. Robert T. (Bobby) Jones Jr., collaborating with Dr. Alister McKenzie, after much planning and extensive preparation, completed in 1932 at Augusta, Ga., what is hailed in golf circles as one of the greatest golf courses ever built. Each of its holes has been fashioned after holes on famous courses from St. Andrews to Pebble Beach.

March 17, 1952
Augusta, Georgia

Dear Mr. Lamb-

"Just to let you know I arrived here safe- The weather is balmy so are the people- Will see you when I get back to N.Y.? -Diane

Christian Admiral Hotel, Cape May New Jersey

Christian Admiral Hotel

Showing pool and auditorium located at scenic Cape May, New Jersey

August 29, 1968
Cape May, New Jersey

Dear Mary and Julius,

"I got down here safe and sound. Expect to stay until the 3rd or 4th of September. Having a wonderful time with Virginia Bowers. We went shopping this morning and I bought a pretty pr. of shoes. My friend does everything for me but breathe. I believe that she would do that for me too, if she could. See you next year."

Love, Viola

The building was demolished in February, 1996.

A really good article on the history of the building: Watching History Go Away

The Havoline Thermometer - Chicago, Illinois

WORLD’S TALLEST THERMOMETER

Twenty-one stories (218 ft.) high. Shows temperature by neon light tubes. Sponsored by Indian Refining Company, Lawrenceville, Ill., makers of WAXFREE HAVOLINE MOTOR OIL – best for all cars, winter or summer, because it contains no wax. Wax turns candle-hard with cold, water-thin with heat. Keep wax out of your motor! WAXFREE HAVOLINE MOTOR OIL IS SOLD AT ALL TEXACO STATIONS.

October 31, 1933
Chicago, Illinois

"We took a ride and saw the main part of Chicago. Having a nice time at the Fair. "- J.Q.M.

Constructed at the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago, the Havoline Thermometer seems to have been be one of the most popular attractions at the Fair, judging from the number of images and souvenirs found with a quick on-line search.

More information:

Chicago World's Fair
Century of Progress
Photograph