1951 Berthoud Pass Continental Divide Sign Photograph #CB-94H
Brief Description
A family is shown on top of Berthoud Pass after a snowstorm in March of 1951. This photo sits in the Coloradotopia archives along with its unidentical twin photograph that was taken just a few moments apart from this one on the same day.
Info
- Date: March 1951
- Photographer: Unknown
- Medium: Photograph
- Size: 2 3/4" x 4 1/2"
- ID: CB-94H
- Acquisition Date: March 2024
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Scanned with basic cropping, no enhancements.
Image use restricted.
Image Dating Comments
The date “3-51” is written on the back of this photograph in pen. Everything in the photo is consistent with March of 1951.
Backside
Comments & Discussion
Two buildings can be seen in the background. One was a small lodge where tickets for the chairlift were sold. Behind that building, the roof of the new Berthoud Pass Lodge can be seen. The smaller lodge would be removed soon, but the Berthoud Pass Lodge would stay until 2005, when it was torn down.
This slide was acquired for the archives alongside of CB-94V.
The bottom of the sign reads: Colorado State Highway Department. This department’s name would be changed in 1953, and future signs erected in Colorado by this department would either have the new name or no name at all.
This sign also lists the elevation at 11,314′. This would be adjusted to 11,303′ before the end of the decade.
This sign had been in place for around 1-2 years by the time this image was captured. The graffiti can be seen starting to accumulate.
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: The front surface has retained its glossiness, but has lots of small dimples and marks. The Kodak Velox lettering is mostly faded, but still legible. The waved edge pattern shows little or no damage. There is no visible darkening on the backside except for mild darkening that is barely visible on 1+ edges.
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.
