1940s Berthoud Pass Continental Divide Sign Magic Lantern Slide CB-GLT1635
Brief Description
This glass magic lantern slide contains an image that was captured on top of Berthoud Pass sometime during the mid-1940s.
Info
- Date: C. 1945-'46
- Photographer: Charles H. Tozier
- Medium: Magic Lantern Slide
- Size: 4" x 3 1/4"
- ID: CB-GLT1635
- Acquisition Date: May 2025
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Photographed in light box and on light table.
Image use restricted.
Image Dating Comments
The graffiti in this photo is more extensive than in any other photo from the era. This image was likely captured very late during the time that this version of the sign was known to exist. This is most likely the summer of 1945 or 1946.
Tozier died on January 1, 1947.
Backside
Comments & Discussion
This version of the sign was added sometime around 1939-1940. It was repainted after a few years. The repainted version is identifiable in photos by the added tail on the arrow to the left of ‘Clear Creek Co,’ which wasn’t present before the repainting.
This sign was likely replaced when the Berthoud Pass Inn burnt down in the fall of 1946.
The label on this slide indicates that it came from the Tozier Collection, which is held at the Harvard Gray Herbarium Library and the Cabot Library. According to university staff, this slide is not missing from either of those two parts of the collection. Other parts of the collection remain undocumented.
Charles H. Tozier was a Harvard graduate, dentist, and photographer from Massachusetts. Read more about him and the Tozier collection here.
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: There are no cracks in the glass upon arrival into the archives. The label has obvious discoloration and signs of aging.
About the Coloradotopia Archives Collection. 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 collection here.
