Wild Postcards

Ski Party, Sun Valley Lodge, Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho

“The magnificent and palatial Sun Valley Lodge is located in the heart of Sawtooth Mountains, south of Galena Pass and near Ketchum, Idaho. The view shown is looking east up Trail Creek Pass. Skiing, skating, tobogganing and dog-sledging (sic) are typical activities attracting international sportsmen. Cost $1,500,000.” I hope they’re referring to the cost of building the Lodge rather than going on a ski vacation.

This Curt Teich card (number 7A-H3945, published in 1937) features a photograph by Wesley Andrews, and was in fact distributed by the Wesley Andrews Company of Portland, Oregon. Andrews started out making real photo postcards early in his career, then apparently outsourced production to the Teich Company later. A beautiful card despite some minor damage in one corner.

Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan

This Curt Teich linen postcard, number 5B-H530, was manufactured in 1945 and distributed by Benjamin’s Photo Art Service of Mackinac Island. It wasn’t postally used until August 7, 1958 (according to the postmark), sent from Traverse City, Michigan to Mr. & Mrs. P. G. Gussman of Lewstown, Pennsylvania. “Laura Ann” writes: “Dear Grandma & Grandpa: Having a nice time. On the boat coming to Mackinac Island this Grand Hotel is very beautiful. The view is beautiful on the Island. Especially at Fort Mackinac. Made a sack or chemise I don’t know which for Ginger.” Talk about a non-sequitur.

Many people will recognize the hotel from the film Somewhere in Time starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. It was based on the book Bid Time Return by Richard Matheson. The action in the book takes place at a completely different hotel, which I will write about another day.

What's the difference between a sack and a chemise?

The next best thing to being there.

This “Plastichrome” by Colourpicture Publishers, Inc. was actually made in Canada, unlike most of the Canadian cards posted thus far.

“Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, Canada. This popular area is equipped with kitchen shelters, playground, supervised swimming and dressing cubicles, fireplaces, picnic tables, running water, electricity and toilet facilities.”

If you don’t mind, I think I’ll just say home; I already have all that stuff, plus my dressing cubicle at home is unsupervised.

Gulf Beach Hotel

The Gulf Beach Hotel, “on beautiful Lido Beach, Sarasota, Florida.” With all that wonderful scenery, let’s take a picture instead of the inside of the motor court and our dark, industrial walkway — it’s worth it just to get a snap of that kid’s Hawaiian shirt. “Modern, luxurious Air-Conditioned Motor Court on the Gulf of Mexico, offering wide choice of accommodations for a glorious Florida vacation — 100,000 square feet of breath-taking lawn and beachfront playground with private swimming area, roomside parking and maid service. 50 units, each with private tile bath. 22 kitchenette apts. Air-Conditioned Lounge. Continental breakfast included. Recommended by AAA and Quality Courts United.”

“Florence” sent this back home to Mrs. W.W. Twitchell in Massachusetts, on behalf of herself and Lucy, on March 12, 1954: “Hi. I have been looking for a little sun & no one. I think we will start home April 5 if it is good weather up there.” And if it isn’t, well, we’ll consider coming home after the first hurricane comes through. Were Florence and Lucy sisters with a trust fund? A mother and daughter living off alimony from a faithless husband, or perhaps a widow’s pension from a husband who fought and died in Korea (thus, “looking for no one”)? It would be interesting to know.

Florence and Lucy are fine.

Now that's luxury.

“Camptown: Luxurious Campground. Heated swimming pool, whirlpool and sauna, fishing, tennis, archery, pitch and putt golf course, minutes from Disney World and other major attractions!” Hell, why bother with Disney World when you have all these amenities?

Joan and Dick apparently sent this to their friend back home in New York, in February 1987. “Hi. We’ve been in Fla. a month. Weather hasn’t been great but no Snow (thanks for that clarification; we were all wondering — Ed.). We plan on 2 more weeks in Florida then on to Texas and West. We expect to get home in June. Then down to the shore.” Does the fun ever stop?

Fun with Dick and Joan