Brief Description
This image shows an unused postcard from the Coloradotopia archives. Pictured here are the signs at the top of Loveland Pass on the Continental Divide, likely sometime during the mid-1950s.
Info
- Date: Circa 1948-1957
- Photographer: Glenn L. Gebhardt
- Additional Credits: Rocky Mountain View Co.
- Medium: Real Photo Postcard
- Size: 5 3/8" x 3 3/8"
- ID: CL-M-1513
- Acquisition Date: May 2024
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Scanned with basic cropping, no enhancements.
No known restrictions.
Image Dating Comments
These signs were added sometime after this photo was captured in 1948.
It is also known that the photo was taken sometime before the winter of 1957, when a newer, brown Continental Divide sign could be seen in place here.
These signs were erected and painted before 1953. The signs remained in place with the State Highway Dept. name on them for a few years after that point, although the official name was changed to the Colorado Department of Highways in 1953.
Backside
Comments & Discussion
This was one of the most frequently photographed Continental Divide signs during the 1950s. This set of signs is set apart from the set that existed before it by a few key characteristics: The signs are supported by two signposts instead of a single mast. The arrows on the left sign are larger than the previous sign. The $25 reward placard is also gone from this scene.
The lower right shows a tank that was likely located outside of the high altitude research hut in the early 1950s. Since this is a real photo postcard and not a printed postcard, the image can be enlarged with great detail to show this tank in the image below.
While this may be the same tank that is pictured in this photo, it is likely a different tank, and appears to be in a slightly different position.
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: There is only one major scratch visible to the naked eye, and the postcard is in overall great condition. There is some minor surface cracking towards the right side that can be seen under the right light angle, and there are some very light scratches throughout. There is a piece of matter stuck to the backside over the postage stamp box in the upper right corner.
About the Coloradotopia Archives. The Coloradotopia archives hold a large collection of historical images that document Colorado’s auto history in the mountains. You can read more about the Coloradotopia archive project here.
