Souvenir of Ardmore, Okla.

Uncirculated
Published by Ardmore Book and News Company

The Carter County Courthouse, taken in December 2010:

Terminus of All Transportation Line

Uncirculated
Published by C.T. Art-Colortone

Postcard Caption:

The 52-story Terminal Tower which contains the Union Station--terminus of all transportation lines coming in the city--is brilliantly illuminated at night. The beautiful, modern Hotel Cleveland is also show in this view.

Construction on the Terminal Tower ran from 1924 to 1929; it was officially dedicated on June 29, 1930. The souvenir book published in conjunction with the dedication is available online. According to the InterWeb, the last train service was offered in 1977. The area is now known as the Tower City Center, a mixed use complex with office space, shopping, restaurants, a theater, spa, and more. I got excited when I saw a link called "A Greener Way" but was very disappointed to find that for the complex, a greener way is simply recycling.

Got Your License Yet?

Postmarked 28 June 1948
Amarillo, Texas

Postcard Caption:

Amarillo, Tex. (Pop. 80,000) metropolis of Northwest Texas where OLD TASCOSA in the Herring Hotel is the preferred night club for dining, dancing, and entertainment.

Message:

Sunday / Hi Laurie, / Should have you along to help me drive - Got your license yet? Having a nice trip - wish I was at the cabin where it's nice and cool. Sincerely, Dick

According to the U.S. Census, the latest available population count of Amarillo (in 2006) showed  over 185,000 people in the city. Whenever I went on a road trip with my grandparents, we stopped for dinner in Amarillo.

Memories of the Herring Hotel

Mount Rushmore, As It Looked

Uncirculated
Published by Curteich (1948)

Postcard Caption:

FRONT: MT. RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL World's greatest sculptural work began in 1927. Gutzon Borglum, World's Artist and Sculptor, planned and supervised the monument. Financed by contributions and federal funds. Busts are proportionate to men 465 ft. high. Top of Washington's head to tip of chin 60 ft. high. Rock is ageless granite. Busts are of Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Lincoln.

BACK: This view shows Mt. Rushmore, before was was started in 1927 and the gigantic monument as it looks to-day. The Memorial carved out of Granite Rock by the famous sculptor Gutzon Borglum is 6200 ft. above sea level and the Busts are proportionate to men 465 ft. high.

Here I am at Mount Rushmore in the summer of 1983:



Mount Rushmore Website

Be Britain Still to Britain True

Postmarked 26 June 1946
London

Caption:

"Be Britain still to Britain true,
Amongst ourselves united."
--Robert Burns
"ART COLOUR" POSTCARD From an original watercolor by Brian Gerald

Message:

Greetings from Scotland. We are having a very nice time. Sincerely, "The Harold Morgans"

A Fine Cabin and Good Wood Fire

Postmarked June 25, 1937
Yellowstone Park, Wyoming

Postcard Caption:

GRAND TETON FROM JENNY LAKE. West of Jenny Lake the Tetons culminate in a great group of spires rising more than a mile above Jackson Hole, presenting one of the most precipitous mountain fronts in the world. Grand Teton is the central spire of this group reaching an altitude of 13,747 feet.

Message:    

Here we are have a fine cabin and a good wood fire is real chilly here in the Mts. We have had a wonderful trip scenery is just beautiful. Expect to go back to Ft Collins in a couple of days. Hope you are well. Loads of love, The P---

Grand Teton National Park

Famous Green Benches

Uncirculated
Published by Tichnor Bros., Inc.

According to St. Petersburg, Florida: A Visual History by A. Wynelle Deese, St. Petersburg's green benches contributed to the popularity of the city. Deese explains, "folks would take to the green benches as they lined the sidewalks along Central Avenue and the downtown streets. This gave an air of hospitality, cordiality, and sometimes led to budding romances," (p. 36). Deese estimates that by 1950, seven to eight thousand green benches adorned the sidewalks. However, in the late 1960s, city leaders worried about the image perpetuated by the benches. They first painted them in other colors, and then removed them all together. The allure of the green benches remained, though, and in 1991, November 10 through 17 was designated "Green Bench Week." Since then, some green benches have been added to the town. Green Benches and More now makes replicas of the famous benches for home use.

Livsey House | Penbrook, Pennsylvania

Postmarked June 22, 1908
Penbrook, Pennsylvania

Message:

Penbrook, PA June 29, 1908 / Kind friend We were down at Phila over Sunday. Came home last evening. Had a nice but was very warm. We are all well hope you are the same From Mr. and Mrs. J.G. F--

I Think of My Friends Every Day

Postmarked June 21, 1909
Atlantic City, New Jersey

Message:

Atlantic City NJ June 21 / My dear Charlotte/ I am having a much better time than I anticipated. wish you were with us. I hope you will go to (Utica?) with me. I think of my friends every day and wish they could enjoy the fine air and rest. Lots of love A.A.M.

Lots of Curves but Beautiful Drive

Postmarked 20 June 1950
Morristown, Tennessee

Postcard Caption:

Cherokee Dam began storing the waters of east Tennessee's Holston River a few days before Pearl Harbor and now contributes vital electric power to the Tennessee Valley Authority system supplying wartime industrial plants in the Valley. The Cherokee project was completed in a record-breaking construction time of 16 months...a mark beaten only by the recent completion of TVA's nearby Douglas Dam in 12 months and 19 days. Cherokee Dam, rising 175 feet above the bed of the stream, stretches 6760 feet across the river valley. It's 31,000 acre reservoir extends 58 miles upstream.

Message:

Dear G.B. / Drove to Kingsport, Tenn 427 mi first day. Lots of curves but beautiful drive. / Soon will be entering Great Smoky National Park. / Love, / Betsy

TVA's Cherokee Reservoir website

Such a Noise at Recess!

Postmarked 19 June 1951
Chicago, Illinois

Postcard Caption:

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY Jackson Park, located on the South Side, extending 1-1/9 miles along Lake Michigan from 56th to 67th streets. It is the site of the World's Columbia Exposition, 1893, and contains a number of landmarks, among them the museum.

Message:

June 19-1951-Tues / You'd love this wonderful place. I'm anxious to see it. I wrote Pope I'd be in Des Moines Friday P.M., 22nd on the Rock Island R.R. (6 hours). It's warm now-now rain 'till this A.M. I'm taking it easy and studying. Chi schools not out- a big one across the st-such a noise at recess! I'm still enjoying my sweet family-Love to all Mamo--

Even though I lived in Hyde Park for four years, I only visited the Museum of Science and Industry once. The only picture I can find in my personal collection is when I took pictures of Flat Stan around Chicago landmarks for my mother's elementary school class in Oklahoma. I like the pond better than the parking lot!


Museum of Science and Industry Website

The President's Retreat Is in These Mountains

Postmarked 18 June 1951
Middletown, Maryland

Caption:

U.S. 40A LOOKING WEST TOWARD THE CATOCTIN MOUNTAINS IN WESTERN MARYLAND Opened late September 1947, this modern highway, between Frederick and Hagerstown, is extensively used and is the first completed development of Maryland's new highway system.

Message:

Dear G.B. / The President's retreat is in these mts. Beautiful drive. / We are leaving Wed. for Watkins Glen on to S- for Wed even, to Niagara Falls and on to Greenville for Thurs. eve. Home Friday. / Don't get behind in your work. Say "hello" to Ruth. / Love, Betsy and Harold.

Having Too Much Fun for War Time

Postmarked 17 June 1944
Claremore, Oklahoma

Message:

Hi, staying in Claremore to-night. In a juke joint getting cooled off. Had good steak dinner. Room fair. Saw capitols of Ill and Mo. and Miss and Missouri Rivers. Missouri beautiful through the Ozarks. Took some pictures. Small towns sure are different. Car just purrs. Hot, but I'm used to it now and doesn't bother us. Air conditioning means fans I've discovered. Having too much fun for war time. Seems like Bill had never been away. Leaving early in the morning Came 750 mi ---

Will Rogers Memorial Museums

Thanks to Beth at The Best Hearts are Crunchy for hosting Postcard Friendship Friday!

Just as Nice and Only $4.00

Written, No Postmark
Published by Curteich, 1947

Postcard Caption:

HOTEL ARNOLD CORNER CHURCH AND LOCUST KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE 150 Rooms... All with Baths and Ceiling Fans... Modern, Fireproof Structure... Within one block of Post Office and all leading Highways Quiet and Comfortable... Air-Conditioned Grill...Free Parking Space Adjoining.

Message:

Dear Peg: The room I have here is just about as nice as where we stayed Andrew Jackson and only 4.00 No air conditioner just a ceiling fan. Geo

Vanishing America has a reproduction of this postcard, as well as before and after photos of the block where the hotel was located. At some point, the hotel was demolished.

Here's What I Would Call a Picturesque Boy Friend

Postmarked 15 June 1937
Amsterdam. Holland

Message:

Here's what I would call a picturesque "Boy Friend" looking for someone . - Volendam to-day, very quaint in people, costumes---- all eel fisherman which they smoke and dry. Beautiful young boys and girls. To a diamond cutting factory in Amsterdam yesterday 97 years old can cut diamonds only with diamonds or diamond dust. Amsterdam has many canals thru the city.

Bed Late, Up Late, It's a Wonderful LIfe

Postmarked 14 June 1949
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Message:

Hi Ronnie:- / Are you working hard I hope not. I'm having a nice quite vacation bed late up late its a wonderful life you should try it sometime. I'm staying right near this place and it's beautiful. Well so long I'll be seeing you soon. Ida./ P.S. Excuse the last name but couldn't possible remember to spell it.

The Civic Auditorium in Kalamazoo opened in 1931 and managed to survive the Great Depression to prosper as a leading community theater organization. View the history here.

The view today:


View Larger Map

Los Angeles' Richard J. Riordan Central Library

Uncirculated
Published by Longshaw Card Co.

Postcard Caption:

The splendid Los Angeles Library costing $2,300,000, with seventeen reading rooms, a music room, art room, and lecture hall gives specialized service to the appreciative public of Los Angeles.

Today, the Los Angeles Public Library boasts almost 100 branch locations, but the 1929 central library is the most well-known, and, according to Lonely Planet, is not only the most fascinating building in town but also the 43rd top attraction in the city (out of over 800). The building is, according to a Los Angeles Times story by Cecilia Rasmussen, "less California Spanish or Mission than a unique blend of styles--Spanish, Roman, Egyptian--that made it truly exceptional. The architect [Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue] died in 1924, two years before the library opened." Less than 20 years after the building was constructed, it was overcrowded, but the city was unable to find the finances to fund repairs or new construction until a large arson in April 1986, and a smaller fire later that year, destroyed around 400,000 books. While volunteers  worked to save the remaining books from fire damage, the public and city leaders worked to raise money for new construction which began in 1987 and lasted six years. 

Learn more about the library and its history here:

• Library's Art and Architecture Page
• Fordor's Entry
• Los Angeles Times Story

Sunday Stamps: Sonoran Desert

I collected the first five sheets of the "Nature of America" series, and, for some reason, regrettably quit. This, the first in the series, is my favorite because the desert represents my absolute favorite landscape in the United States.

Thanks to Viridian's Postcard Blog for hosting Sunday Stamps. Please visit her blog to see the other entries in the collection!

Many Miles of Desert

Postmarked 11 June 1935
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Postcard Caption:

THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGE AT CAPE GIRADEAU, MISSOURI. The Bridge was opened to traffic September 3, 1928. Length, including approaches, 4744 feet. Length of steel work, 3423 feet, 10 inches. Number of spans, 8. Weight of bridge, 43,000 tons. Deepest pier, 71 feet, 7 inches below normal low water. Height from bottom of lowest pier to highest point on steel, 262 feet, 11 inches. Amount of concrete used, 15,752 cubic yards. Cost, $1,600,000.00.

Message:

We crossed this river - 6/9. Albuquerque, NM. 6/11/35 Here we are 3:25 pm Mountain Time. Very warm riding today. Lots of Indians here. We came thru many miles of desert today and dirt roads. Very dusty. / Love from Elva

The 1928 bridge was destroyed in 2004 after construction of the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge.

Ten Feet From Hell

Postmarked 10 June 1944
Clovis, New Mexico

Message:

Hi, does this postmark remind you of anything? We're having dinner in the coffee room, Clovis Hotel. Very nice. Have been seeing lots of pretty desert flowers and bushes (didn't pick!) My arms getting very brown from driving in the sun. Real stretch ahead - --- and straight. Not too hot, tho. Love, ---

Thanks to Beth at the Best Hearts are Crunchy for hosting Postcard Friendship Fridays!

Philadelphia City Hall

Postmarked 8 June 1943
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Postcard Caption:

CITY HALL covers an area of 4-1/2 acres and has a floor space of 14-1/2 acres. The height of the tower is 548 feet and the width of the base is 90 feet. The site upon which the building stands was originally Center Square, and was, early in the 19th Century, the site of the original water works.

Message:

Verdie

Although construction of Philadelphia's City Hall lasted from 1871-1901, the site of the building was in William Penn's original 1682 plan for the city.

City Hall History


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Here's Your Lucky Card

Postmarked 7 June 1947
El Paso, Texas

Message:

Here's your lucky card. Would enjoying exchanging cards with you, OK? Sincerely, Charles H. Lockhart

According to The El Paso Scottish Rite website, the Scottish Rite Temple "was designed by Hubbell and Green of Dallas, Texas and built as an 'Early Revival Style' by the R.E. McKee Construction Company of El Paso. Construction began in 1921 and was completed within 9 months."

Frightened Pugs

Like a Junior Miss Farce

Postmarked 6 June 1953
Daytona Beach, Florida

Message:

Dear Lou: Thanks for nice long letter and congratulations on your wonderful and outstanding children! You have all reason to be proud. We meant to leave before this, had to haul boat first and boatyard could not take care of us until now. Will be leaving this week-end we hope. Am worried abt. driving through hot Texas and desert-been sewing like mad, and then painted the outside of boat.-It's sweet of you Lou to plan the Orlon skirt for me, dont rush, do it at your leisure and I'll have something to look forward to. Will send you Calif. address when we get there. -Kinny went to her first dance-school dance-whole thing was like a Junior Miss farce-girl friend coaching her ahead of time, etc. she loved it and got quite a few dances. Just got over nasty ear infection she got from getting ears wet while swimming. -Hope you all have a wonderful summer, a beautiful garden, and lots of fun. / -Muriel

You don't see too many typed postcards! See current conditions at Daytona Beach with the beachcam!

The Exams Are Quite Hard So Far

Postmarked 23 August 1911
Ithaca, New York

Message:

Tue. Night / Have a very nice place to board. Am busy most of the time but am enjoying everything. / Think the exams are quite hard so far. Wonder where you are now. It's getting dark so I'll quit. / Ruth

I believe this is the same block, based on the Unitarian Church steeple. (It's the church where I was married, by the way!)

Thanks to Beth at The Best Hearts are Crunchy for hosting Postcard Friendship Friday.

The U.S. Postal Service Nears Collapse

In it's May 30 - June 5, 2011 issue, Business Week's cover story profiles what they see is the imminent collapse of the U.S. Postal System. This, of course, terrifies me because of my postcard hobby. The article is interesting to anyone who uses mail or who wants to understand decision-making in Washington.

Some of the highlights include the difficulty benchmarking the USPS: the other delivery companies (which are private) also handle logistics and seem inappropriate comparisons. Instead, authors of a report of the state of the postal system looked to other countries' mail services. (We don't compare favorably.) Since I am a management professor, one of the issues interesting to me is the lack of a long-term plan as well as the culture of the post office that is focused on efficiency rather than survival.

If the article is correct, something will happen that forces the hand of the government by the end of this year.

Weighing the Fresh Leaf

Postmarked 1 June 1906
Yoko---, Japan

Postcard Caption:

Japan, May 1906. We take pleasure in notifying you that our Special Representative is now making careful selection of the early spring pickings for our wel known "SENATE" brand of Japan Tea. C.H. Walrath & Son Syracuse, N.Y.