Berthoud Pass Continental Divide Sign Photograph #CB-MP24
Brief Description
This original photograph has been scanned from the Coloradotopia archives. It shows a woman on Berthoud Pass next to the Continental Divide sign sometime in the 1940s. The Berthoud Pass Inn can be seen in the background, along with a few cars and the Continental Divide.
Info
- Date: Early 1940s
- Photographer: Unknown
- Medium: Original Photograph
- Size: 3 1/2" x 2 1/2"
- ID: CB-MP24
- Acquisition Date: 2024
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Scanned with basic cropping, no enhancements.
Image use restricted.
Image Dating Comments
This photograph can be dated to the early 1940s by comparing it to other photos from this era. This sign was likely added here around 1940, and the amount of graffiti seen here indicates this image may have been captured sometime in the 1942-1944 range.
Backside
Full Scan
Comments & Discussion
The original Berthoud Pass Inn was taken down in 1937. A smaller inn and souvenir shop was built in its place shortly afterwards. That is the structure shown in the back left of this photograph. The trees behind this parking lot would be partially cleared soon in order to make room for the rope tow. Highway 40 ran right behind where the photographer was standing to capture this image.
The Cars
The vehicles in this photo have not been identified yet.
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: There is obvious discoloration due to age on the backside and in the borders on the front. There is mild fading of the inks on the back. The front is starting to show a small amount of cracking and spidering.
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.
