Berthoud Pass Continental Divide Sign Postcard #CB-A1848
Brief Description
The Continental Divide signs are pictured on this postcard standing in front of a small ski lodge on Berthoud Pass. The Berthoud Pass Lodge would be constructed in 1949, just behind where this building was located.
Info
- Date: Circa 1946-1948, Postmarked 1948
- Photographer: Unknown
- Medium: Postcard
- Size: 5 3/8" x 3 5/8"
- ID: CB-A1848
- Acquisition Date: March 2024
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Scanned with basic cropping, no enhancements.
Image use restricted.
Image Dating Comments
The image on this postcard was captured sometime between 1946 and 1948. There appears to be a Packard Clipper from either 1946 or 1947 in the background on the left.
This archive has a photo of this sign in 1948 with some of the same smudges and markings + some additional visible wear.
The postmark on the back reads Aug. 18, 1948.
Backside
Full Scan
Comments & Discussion
The enlarged image of the sign above shows some smudging of the paint on the right side. There are lots of other sign images from this era that show waves in the lines and smudging of the paint. This indicates the lines were probably painted by hand, possibly just using tape to make the lines. For example, this sign from Monarch Pass.
That is likely a Packard Clipper from either 1946 or 1947 in the background. It has the obvious insignia of the Packard vehicles from these years. The bumper is not an exact match to the most common models, however, there were many variations of this car made in these years. At least one version with these taillights and possibly this bumper has been spotted.
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: The edges show signs of wear on the front side, especially the top edge. There is cracking and spidering in the postcard’s surface, especially around the areas where the indentation of the writing from the backside can be seen on 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.
