Over the holidays, I purchased a small box of old postcards from a woman who was settling the estate of her grandmother.
The postcards that I wanted included a selection of postally-used postcard greetings, most of which will appear on Gather as postcard stories.
The little box, however, also included a collection of unused linen postcards (circa 1930-1950) that seemed to have been saved as souvenirs.
Here is a collection of vintage scenes from Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Some of the scenes include period details that are pre-1940, while others are later.
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Here is a "Big Letter" souvenir postcard
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Here is a view of the downtown:
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Here is Lake Hamilton:
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Here is a secluded spot, a "Lover's Lane", at Bonanza Springs:
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Here are the famous baths, some of which were owned and operated by the park Service:
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Here are famous hotels in the resort town:
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Finally, here is a favorite downtown eatery:
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I have never visited Hot Springs, but the pictures make a trip more desirable.
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Comments: 40
I thought of Tonia and Deb when I posted this.
I am sorry to hear that " the town has seen better days", Tonia.
I was looking at the postcard it relates to just before I clicked on your link, and was thinking about those big black cars. And then after reading the article, it occurred to me that most folks would notice those big black cars and thing "gangster."
And, although I am no sort of car-historian, I was thinking that the entertainment industry has so tightly connected those cars to that small element of the population of the times that finding photos of Great Uncle Tim or Great-grandfather Mumblesmith just automatically makes someone wonder if they were shady characters.
No wonder that Tonia prefers the way it used to be - she always struck me as a bathtub-gin kind of person.
:-)
It's true, Dannielle.
Seeing a 30's character in a double-breasted suit and wearing a fedora might cause one to think "gangster" even if it was the local school superintendant.
I have a distant connection to this clan through a Clutterbook relative, and my great-aunt, Clara Ubersmaltz.
:-)
It looks like an idyllic place. I especially like the view of down town.
The Huddlepinks accepted the offer gratefully, and apparently Mildred was a bit more grateful than the rest of the family.
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My goodness! You were related to Cranky Clara? I know a lot of the stories of her were unbelievable, but with that last name and a figure like hers, it wouldn't surprise me she turned out that way.
I think I need to nominate this for best comment of the day.
In Arkansas in the thirties that would have been a rather interesting scenario.
This is great, Nippy. Thanks for the "blues' notes.
Mildred Huddlepink, Dannielle!
About six months after the delayed voyage, Mildred took an extended vacation at an unidentified location in the country.
Upon her return, she took off to Buffalo where she performed interpretive dances in the revue at the "Bargeman's Bar" on the waterfront.
Family legends assert that hundreds of barge-toting mules were named "Mildred" in her honor.
Yes. Mildred was a favorite for those who needed their ashes hauled.
The child "discovered" on that country doorstep so long ago had the curious nickname of "Pinky" and it was researching that mystery that led to the mysterious Mumblesmith connection.
We like to think of Mildred as a generous and kindhearted soul, a soiled dove with a heart of gold. Her gratitude to Mumblesmith was expressed with eager sincerity, which the historical documents seem to suggest he greatly appreciated. He certainly did not hurry the family out the door.
In her letter to her mother back home, Mildred only said the family had left 'with his blessings."
That might be her, Kate.
Clara never could spell worth a darn, and when she was irritated (as dannielle notes) no one hung around long enough to make sure they got the name right.
:-)
I love your enjoyment and your passion, Mariana.
Not all of them, Aniko.
It was Dannielle who reminded me of my distant connection to the Mumblesmith family!
Thanks for elucidating this frustrating roadblock in Mumblehead/Mumblesmith genealogy, Kate.
Always use a professional, I say (and so does Elliot Spitzer).
But there's plenty of überschmaltz to be found elsewhere on Gather.
So do I, Madame Donna.
These are the last examples of hand-colored photographs in popular use. The "linen" postcards had their own distinctive color palette, too.
Indeed there is, Janna.
I need to remind Aniko of it.
In Arkansas in the thirties that would have been a rather interesting scenario. "
Probably a tragic scenario, Kathleen.
I did not mean to overlook your observation.