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Postcard History: Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley CA, 1930s
Telegraph Avenue, a vibrant thoroughfare that cuts through the heart of Berkeley, California, is more than just a street. It is a cultural and historical landmark that has shaped the city’s identity for over a century. From its humble beginnings as a dirt road to its current status as a bustling commercial district, Telegraph Avenue…
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Postcard History: The Original Brown Derby Cafe, Los Angeles, 1940s
The original Brown Derby opened its doors in 1926 on Wilshire Boulevard, across from the Ambassador Hotel. Its unique design, the brainchild of architect Wallace Neff, was a departure from the prevailing architectural styles of the time. The hat-shaped building, with its cozy interior and intimate atmosphere, created a welcoming and exclusive environment. The restaurant’s…
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Postcard History: The Municipal Pier, Santa Monica CA, 1920s
The Santa Monica Pier, a beloved landmark on the Pacific Coast of California, has stood as a testament to both the city’s rich history and its enduring appeal. From its humble beginnings as a wooden walkway to its current status as a bustling tourist destination, the pier has witnessed the ebb and flow of time,…
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Postcard History: The Miner’s Hat Diner & Drive-In, Kellogg ID, 1951
The Miner’s Hat was constructed in 1940, when Mary Etta Page had it built next to Highway 10. She ran it as a roadside diner, a place where hungry workers driving to and from their shifts in Kellogg’s lead and silver mines could grab a beer and a “Coney Island” hot dog, the Hat’s most…
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Postcard History: Main Street (Highway 29), St Helena CA, 1910s
Saint Helena, nestled amidst the picturesque Napa Valley, is a charming town steeped in history and natural beauty. Its rich heritage, dating back to the early 19th century, has shaped the town’s unique character and contributed to its status as a renowned destination for wine enthusiasts and visitors alike. The history of Saint Helena begins…
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Postcard History: Georgia Street Downtown, Vallejo CA, 1910s
Georgia Street, a vital thoroughfare running through the heart of Vallejo, California, has witnessed the city’s evolution from a frontier town to a bustling urban center. Its rich history, marked by diverse cultural influences, economic booms, and social transformations, reflects the dynamic spirit of Vallejo. In the mid-19th century, as Vallejo emerged as a…
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Postcard History: The Sunset Bowling Center, Hollywood CA, 1940s
Housed on Warners Brothers Sunset lot, the Sunset Bowling Center marked continued expansion of the movie studio’s recreational use of the property. With a rollerskating rink already in place , Warner Brothers announced plans to design the world’s largest bowling alley in April 1939. The venue would include 52 lanes, a cafe and cocktail lounge.…
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Postcard History: Railroad Depot & Downtown, Colfax CA, 1909
Colfax, a charming town nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, has a rich history rooted in the California Gold Rush. Its story is one of discovery, hardship, and resilience, reflecting the spirit of the American West. The Gold Rush Era: In 1849, the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill sparked a mass migration to California.…
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Postcard History: Spiral Bridge, Hastings (Red Wing) MN, 1940s
The Spiral Bridge, a once-prominent landmark in Hastings, Minnesota, stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and engineering ingenuity. This iconic structure, characterized by its distinctive spiral design, played a pivotal role in connecting the city to the surrounding region for over half a century. Despite its eventual demolition, the Spiral Bridge continues…
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Postcard History: The Cross Shaft Gold Mine, Angels Camp CA, 1910s
The Cross Shaft Mine stands as a testament to the rich mining history of Angels Camp, California. As a pivotal part of the Utica Mining Company’s operations, this mine played a significant role in the town’s economic development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A Brief History of the Cross Shaft Mine The…
