Greetings from Breton Woods, N.J.

The Breton Woods club community sprouted up in the 1930s. The location was desirable because of it's proximity to the Metedeconk River. Originally a Boy Scout camp, Breton Woods was popular because its cabins were affordable for working families and the plot of land was included with the cabin purchase.

In researching the history of Breton Woods, I found this wonderful collection of home movies taken in the 1930s showcasing many of the recreational activities popular there, which included boating, parades, sports, and beauty pageants. Please click HERE to have a look.

anywhere but here

It's late August in southern California.... the point where, every year, I have lost nearly all patience with the heat of summer + I find myself dreaming of being anywhere but here.

This bunch of postcards represents places I'd rather be, those of more forgiving climate and things I've never seen before.

Here's to cooler temperatures soon + more film photographs to share as a result.

"More than 55,000,000 people pass through the portals of the San Francisco Ferry Building each year, where boat connections are made for the East Bay cities and for other rail connections in all directions. The Ferry Building with its clock is one of the landmarks of the city."

"The Niagara River leaves Lake Erie at Buffalo at an elevation of about 600 feet above sea level to run a turbulent course for twenty-seven miles to Lake Ontario. In this journey, it descends over 300 feet, 160 feel of descent is made at the Falls shown in this picture, located about twenty miles from its source."

"Norris Geyser Basin is the first geyser land reached on the Grand Loop trip after leaving Mammoth Hot Springs. Valentine Geyser is distinguished by its crater like deep pit and Ledge Geyser, right near it across the trail, plays from 3 vents. Both are irregular in action."

"After leaving Las Vegas, the railroad winds over slopes to the commanding height of Glorietta Pass (Alt. 7,422 ft.). The downward ride is through Apache Canyon, where, in 1849, noted battles were fought between Kearney's army and the Mexicans, and in 1962 between Federal and Confederate forces."

postcards, part 4

This time around I chose city scenes from my collection of postcards. I love the linen postcards and artwork from the 1930s and '40s, the feel and color of them are so unique. These selections feature places I've had the opportunity to see myself (New York, Columbus), others to hopefully see in the future (downtown Boston), and the Carthay Circle Theatre, well... it's alive in film and photographs and, in a way, on Buena Vista Street. Enjoy.

front

back, postmarked August 17, 1940

front

back

The Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles opened in 1926 and was demolished in 1969. 

front

back, postmarked October 2, 1938

While the Deshler Wallick was demolished in 1970, the adjoining LeVeque Tower and Palace Theatre still stand.  

front

back, postmarked July 1, 1935 (It looks like I'm not the only one who has sent postcards to myself)

front

back

As this is part 4 of an ongoing and potentially infinite number of postcard entries, feel free to catch up with the previous entries via the links below. I've already got a theme picked out for part 5, so it shouldn't be long.

Postcards, part 1.
Postcards, part 2.
Postcards, part 3.

postcards, part 3

This next batch of postcards belonged to my grandmother, Helen Byers. They are from the years she spent in the Navy in the 1940s, which I profiled last year in a Veteran's Day tribute to her. I love to imagine her life then, traveling and seeing things so different from what she saw growing up in the midwest. Rarely a day goes by without me thinking of her or being reminded of her in some way. Her spirit is very much a part of who I am.

back of the Omaha postcard. Red was one of my grandmother's friends from the Navy, nicknamed for her red hair

postcards, part 1

I've been collecting postcards nearly my entire life. I had family all over the country, and my parents and I traveled quite a bit when I was young. Postcards were (and still are) an inexpensive souvenir from a visit to somewhere new, and convenient for a quick "hello". Since I was a kid I've loved sending postcards to friends, and am excited when I get them in return. 

What began as correspondence between myself and friends + family turned into a enthusiasm for interesting or rare graphics, correspondence between people I've never met, images of places I know from another era, and an overall love of the art of the postcard. A few months ago I conquered the daunting task of organizing my collection. My postcards are now in archival sleeves, labeled when necessary, and easy to access. I'm looking forward to sharing them here, beginning with this iconic block lettering theme. 

front of postcard

back of postcard, with reference guide

front of postcard

back of postcard