Brief Description
This image was scanned from a real photo postcard that shows the signs at the top of Loveland Pass in Colorado. It also shows a tank on the right side, and the edge of a structure. It is believed that this was a propane tank for the high altitude research center that was located in this area around this time. This image was likely captured during the early 1950s.
Info
- Date: Circa Early 1950s
- Photographer: Unknown
- Medium: Real Photo Postcard
- Size: 5 3/8" x 3 1/2"
- ID: CL-IS1
- Acquisition Date: April 2024
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Scanned with basic cropping, no enhancements.
There are no known copyrights on the postcard’s image.
Image Dating Comments
This set of signs generally dates to between 1948 and 1957. There is a photo in the archive that shows a high altitude research center that was located here in 1952. This photo likely post-dates that one (see the other one here).
Backside
Comments & Discussion
The full scan image of this postcard shows that the photo is labeled as Idaho Springs. Idaho Springs is close to 30 miles towards Denver from here. Georgetown is closer, so there is no great reason for this labeling.
There is no photographer, printer or publisher named here. The style is also not consistent with any of the well-known postcard makers in Colorado during this era.
The tank on the right side is likely for the high altitude research center. This image shows what looks like a wooden entryway that is not seen in the 1952 photo of this structure. The 1952 photo shows a different structure with no entryway on that side, and there is no tank outside of it.
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: All 4 corners have been beaten and battered. There are no cracks or spidering seen under glaring light, and there are very few surface markings. The front surface near the edges is starting to show some very mild degradation. All aging appears genuine and consistent with a postcard from the early 1950s.
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.
