1966 Loveland Pass Continental Divide Sign Kodachrome Slide #CL-K29
Brief Description
This image has been scanned from a 35mm slide, and it shows one of roughly 10 different Continental Divide signs that have sat atop this pass over the last 100 years.
A smaller sign, previously mounted on that empty post on the right, was destroyed within the first year of being put into place.
Info
- Date: 1966
- Photographer: Unknown
- Medium: Kodak Kodachrome Slide
- Size: 35mm
- ID: CL-K29
- Acquisition Date: Feb. 2024
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Scanned with basic cropping, some manual color correction, digital removal of some dirt/hairs.
Image use restricted.
Image Dating Comments
This slide is ink-stamped “Oct 66CI”.
October of 1966 is presumed to be an accurate date for the development of this slide, and also likely when the image was captured. It appears that two tiny patches of unmelted snow can still be seen in the distance from the previous season. A dusting of new snow can also be seen across the top of the peaks.
The two logs that are set up as bumper stoppers for vehicles on the right are notable here because these are not seen in all of the photos from this era here.
Comments & Discussion
This is one of the earliest known photographs of this sign. The sign was installed just 1 year before the image was captured. While many of the signs prior to this one at the top of this pass were erected by the state’s highway department, this sign and the one directly before it were put into place by the US Forest Service.
The empty signpost on the right side of the stone base was used for a smaller sign that accompanied the large one on the left. That sign was only in place for one winter until it was (likely) destroyed by the snow from a snowplow. That sign can be seen in this image.
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: The front side of the cardboard has mild but obvious browning on all 4 corners. The back is in slightly better shape, but still shows browning on 1+ corners.
The date stamp’s ink is fading and showing signs of legitimate aging as it is doing so. The yellow ink for “Made in U.S.A.” and the patent info that is printed on the slide are holding up much better. Those have no fading to the naked eye, and no obvious aging when viewed under a loupe.
The slide still needs cleaning. Some dirt and small hairs were removed digitally from the scan that is shown on this page.
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.
