-
Postcard History: Nut Tree Airport, Vacaville CA, 1960s
The Nut Tree Airport, located in Vacaville CA, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. It began as a small airfield in the 1920s, primarily serving local pilots and agricultural operations. In the 1930s, the Nut Tree Airport gained notoriety as the home base of the Nut Tree Flying Service, which was…
-
Postcard History: The Rainbow Lodge, Colfax CA, 1930s
The Rainbow Lodge, a historic landmark nestled in the heart of Colfax, California, boasts a rich history that stretches back over a century. Established in the late 19th century, the lodge has witnessed the town’s evolution from a bustling gold mining hub to a peaceful mountain retreat. The Rainbow Lodge’s origins can be traced back…
-
Postcard History: Petaluma & Santa Rosa Railroad Company, 1920s
The Petaluma & Santa Rosa Railroad Company was a railroad that operated in Sonoma County CA. It was incorporated in 1872 and began operations in 1874. The railroad ran between Petaluma and Santa Rosa, a distance of about 16 miles. It was later merged into the Northern Pacific Railway.
-
Postcard History: Country Club Bowling Lanes, Sacramento CA, 1960s
Country Club Lanes in Sacramento, CA was opened in 1960 as part of the Country Club Centre. It was originally a bowling alley with 48 lanes, but has since expanded to include a laser tag arena, two arcades, a full bar and lounge, billiards, and a cafe. The iconic Googie building was designed by Long…
-
Postcard History: Dumbo the Elephant Ride, Disneyland, Anaheim CA, 1960s
The original Dumbo the Elephant ride was introduced at Disneyland in 1955 as part of the park’s grand opening. It was a simple, yet charming attraction that featured a single, spinning Dumbo figure. Children could sit in the elephant’s ears and enjoy a gentle ride. The ride was an immediate hit with young visitors and…
-
Postcard History: Co-Operative Oil Company Gas Station, Rochester MN, 1940s
Constructed in 1940, the all-steel Cooperative Oil Company service station was located at 601 S. Broadway in Rochester MN. The building was designed by prominent Rochester architect Harold Crawford, better known for his more grandiose historical homes in the Pill Hill neighborhood and other landmarks. During its early years, the station was open 24 hours…
-
Lost Postcard History: Strodtbeck’s Fine Breads & Cakes, Cleveland OH, 1910s
The story of German bakeries in the United States is deeply intertwined with the history of German immigration to the country. As millions of Germans fled their homeland in the 19th and early 20th centuries, they brought with them a rich culinary tradition that included a love of bread and pastries. These immigrants established bakeries…
-
Lost Postcard History: Forgotten Butcher Shop, Cleveland OH, 1910s
Imagine a modest storefront with a large glass window displaying rows of hanging carcasses, their rich hues of red and brown catching the sunlight. Step inside, and the first thing you’ll notice is the pungent scent of blood and spices, mingling with the earthy aroma of sawdust. The shop is filled with the tools of…
-
Postcard History: The Flip-Flap Rollercoaster, Coney Island NY, 1900s
A main attraction of Sea Lion Park in Coney Island, the Flip Flap Railway was built and tested in Toledo OH in 1888 by designer Lina Beecher, who tested the ride with sand bags and monkeys before human riders were allowed on the rollercoaster. The Flip-Flap featured a single rail, and riders rode two-to-a-car and sat in tandem. The…
-
Postcard History: El Dorado High School, Placerville CA, 1916
Placerville, a charming town nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, has a rich history deeply intertwined with the California Gold Rush. Its story begins in 1849 when the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill sparked a frenzy of prospectors, leading to a population boom. Before the Gold Rush, the area was inhabited by Native American…
