1920 Monarch Pass Continental Divide Sign Postcard #CMO-8151920
Brief Description
The image on this family postcard was captured in 1920, next to the Continental Divide sign at the top of Monarch Pass. This was located on the oldest automobile route over the pass. A new route would be built in 1921 and completed early the next year.
Info
- Date: Aug 15th, 1920
- Photographer: Unknown
- Medium: Postcard
- Size: 5 3/8" x 3 3/8"
- ID: CMO-8151920
- Acquisition Date: Oct. 2024
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Scanned with basic cropping, no enhancements.
Image use restricted.
Image Dating Comments
The postmark on the back reads ‘Aug 15, 1920’. The note on the back has the same date handwritten in pen.
Full Scan
Comments & Discussion
Why is there a postcard with a family portrait? These postcards were not sold in stores.
Have you ever seen a professional photographer stationed on a ski slope? You can ski past them and buy your photos later as a keepsake. That is presumably how this postcard came to be. The photographer would hang out next to the sign, capture these images, and develop the postcards for tourists to purchase later and send home.
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: The postcard has acquired lots of obvious dirt and wear, most noticeably in the borders of the front. The upper portion and right side of the image are fading the most. There is visible oxidation of the handwriting ink on the backside.
Transcription
Dear Children,
They let me get up yesterday for the first time and Ned took me out in the Ford for a ride in the afternoon. I do not feel quite so well this A.M., but think I am going to be all right. Don’t know when we will start home. The plan now is for Ned & family to take us by auto to Colorado Springs. This was taken on summit of Monarch Pass. Ned & family, me, the manager & wife?… Mr & Mrs. Marsh Brown, Baptists & Eastern Stars. Hope you are well. It is so nice to have papa here.
Your loving mamma E –
Will let you know when to look for us.
About the Coloradotopia Archives. The Coloradotopia archives hold a large collection of historical images and items that document Colorado’s automobile history in the mountains. You can read more about the Coloradotopia archive project here.
