1947 Wolf Creek Pass Continental Divide Sign Photograph #CWO-142

Brief Description

Two people are seen posing on top of Wolf Creek Pass in 1947. This scan comes from an original photograph that is held in the Coloradotopia archives.

Info

Scanned with basic cropping, light enhancements.

Image use restricted.

Image Dating Comments

The date of July 1947 is handwritten in pen on the back of this photograph. The ink shows signs of genuine aging.

Backside Scan

The backside reads: “Beverly Jean and Marven Allen on way home July 1947.”

Full Scan

full scan of Wolf Creek Pass Continental Divide sign photograph CWO-142

Comments & Discussion

This Continental Divide sign’s layout is similar to others from the period. However, it still appears to be unique, and it is the only image in this archive that shows this exact sign layout. The sign’s proportions and the shape of the arrows are the immediate differentiators.

This would be the last sign in this location before the signs would be moved to the other side of the highway.

Take note of the size here. This photograph only measures 2.8 inches across in real life, but when scanned at this resolution, it still retains wonderful detail.

Condition, Aging & Authenticity: The handwritten ink on the backside is seen beginning to fade. The top-left corner is crimped. The photograph’s surface still has a nice glossy appearance with almost no signs of any degradation. Other signs of aging are very mild to the naked eye.

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.

Monarch Pass Signs

Wolf Creek Pass Continental Divide Sign in 1954

Continental Divide Archives

Berthoud Pass Continental Divide sign in 1963

All Coloradotopia Archives

Monarch Pass Continental Divide signs with the Hermit of Arbor Villa