Monarch Pass Continental Divide Sign Postcard #CMO-M-1905
Brief Description
This image of the Monarch Pass Continental Divide sign has been scanned from a postcard in the Coloradotopia archives. These signs had been recently added here on the northern side of the highway during the early 1950s.
Info
- Date: Circa 1955
- Photographer: Glenn L. Gebhardt
- Medium: Real Photo Postcard
- Size: 5 3/8" x 3 7/16"
- ID: CMO-M-1905
- Acquisition Date: February 2024
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Scanned with basic cropping, no enhancements.
Image use restricted.
Image Dating Comments
The note “Was here Apr 22 – 1956” is written on the back in pen. This is a summer photo that must have been taken no later than 1955.
Backside Scan
Full Scan
Comments & Discussion
The Colorado State Highway Department’s name was changed to the Colorado Department of Highways in 1953. Signs that were made after that would either have the new name written across the bottom, or a solid border like the ones seen on these signs.
What’s on the sign in the middle? The postcard has great resolution since it is a real photo postcard. View the enlarged versions below and you can be the judge of what this says. You can see Smokey the Bear in the lower right corner of the ad. In 1956, that middle sign would have a different ad… another Smokey the Bear PSA.
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: There is very light browning on the backside around the edges, especially the bottom right corner. There is no cracking or spidering in the surface, and a small amount of delamination can be seen starting along some of the edges. All 4 corners are showing some imperfections, with the top left being in the best shape when viewed from the front.
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.
