Monarch Pass Continental Divide Sign Postcard #CMO-M-1218
Brief Description
This image has been scanned from a postcard that is held in the Coloradotopia archives. The image shows a group on top of the Continental Divide at Monarch Pass sometime around the early 1950s.
Info
- Date: Circa 1949-'54
- Credits: Glenn L. Gebhardt
- Medium: Real Photo Postcard
- Size: 5 1/2" x 3 1/2"
- ID: CMO-M-1218
- Acquisition Date: February 2024
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Scanned with basic cropping, no digital enhancements.
Image use restricted.
Image Dating Comments
The car shown here is a Pontiac De Luxe station wagon (either a Streamliner of a chieftain) that was made in 1949 or later. The 1948 models had the tail lights on the top row of the trunk’s wood panels, whereas the 1949 or later woody models had the taillights on the second row down.
New signs were added on the other side of the highway around the time that construction began on the Monarch Crest visitor building. That building opened in 1954.
Backside
Comments & Discussion
While it is believed that these signs were removed as construction of the Monarch Crest visitor center began in the early 1950s, the Continental Divide sign that is shown here would not be gone forever. It would return for a brief period after the visitor center opened. This sign was mounted above the front entrance to the building.
The Federal Aid Project post is not new. This can be seen in photos from the 1940s.
The enlarged version of the sign below shows that some of the lines were probably painted freehand with no real template. There are obvious waves in the arrows and border lines.
The registration box that is seen in the middle of the scene was not uncommon for the early 1950s. A similar registration box was also seen on top of Rabbit Ears Pass around this time.
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: The postcard’s surface has very few issues. A small amount of degradation is seen in the glossy surface along the upper edge under glaring light. There is light scratching across the middle-right area. The back has no visible signs of aging to the naked eye. The white border is in great unmarked condition.
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.
