Location is everything according to this fabulous sign at the Mecca Motel in Colorado Springs. The motel dates to 1930 when its traditional motor court design was popular with a growing group of tourists who had automobiles and leisure time,
The sign, though, is classic mid-century. My only regret is that I had to snap this picture from the car while snow swirled around us on a very gray morning. I would love to see it on a blue sky day.
But you get the gist. Ain’t she a beaut?
In case you’re in the market, you can still stay at the Mecca. Book your room or get more info here.
Trips to Colorado nearly always are rich in cool vintage signs. One morning we had a tasty breakfast at a little mom and pop restaurant called Mo’s Diner in Manitou Springs. That’s their sign pictured above.
From this spot, I was able to grab a snapshot of the LaFun Motel sign across the street. I thought for about two seconds that I might cross the street for a better view but it was snowing and slick and there were people waiting for me to get in the car.
Still, you get the gist.
And just down the street was the Ute Trading Post sign. It’s in pretty rough shape but it’s still a fantastic example of mid century creativity.
One spot, three signs, loads of charm. I liked it.
Southern Ohio is known for its prolific population of white tailed deer. Hunters come from all over to take part in deer hunting season. Most of us have inflicted damage to our vehicles by hitting at least one deer. They traipse through my yard and are an ever constant presence in our world.
In other words, I’m familiar with deer. Yet I squealed like a toddler every time I saw a mule deer in Colorado Springs.
They were everywhere.
Mule Deer are a little bigger and stockier than the White Tailed Deer we have here at home so they’re kind of a novelty.
There’s a small herd that lives at the Broadmoor Resort and in the surrounding neighborhood. Locals lookout for them and even give them names. They walk down the streets and across grocery store parking lots.
They act like they own everything and it’s pretty awesome!
This isn’t a car you see in southern Ohio everyday. I liked it well enough to go around the block for this snapshot. Google says that it’s a 1969 Austin America. It reminds me of the Mini Cooper which my little nerd heart adores.
Friends, go around the block when you see something worth a second look! It’s worth the trip.
They’re not my family but they’re someone’s. I find these photos abandoned in boxes and baskets in dark corners of junk shops and antique stores. They were once cherished by someone but were discarded by descendants who don’t know the people or have no attachment to dusty old photos.
I pick up these snapshots in my travels for a few bucks because they cause me to ask questions or they seem so familiar I hate to leave them behind.
I prefer snapshots to portrait photography but occasionally bring home a professional portrait if it’s eye catching.
They mostly reside together in a box and I occasionally get them out to shuffle through and daydream about.
Last month, I picked up a few pictures at Antiques Village in Dayton and promised my pal Eilene a glimpse. Eileen writes a blog that you should look into if you enjoy stories about people from the past. She also sometimes picks up snapshots and uses her amazing research skills to identify their subjects and return them to a family member.
I do not currently have a scanner so forgive me for just snapping some phone pictures.
Sometimes these photos have writing on the back with a lot of valuable information. Meet Marianne Jensen. This is her graduation picture from Mercy College in June 1957.
Here’s another that’s labeled. This is the nursery class of the Upper Arlington Church of Christ. It was taken for Mothers Day 1960. I like all their little coats.
Here’s a family Christmas card. In case you can’t read it, the names are Jim, Mike, Peg, Tom, Pat, Ernie and Julie Arquilla.
There’s a note written on the back by Julie to Marianne and Dick who lived in Florida at the time. This picture came from the same booth as the nurse Marianne photo and I wonder if they are the same person.
Some are just fun little snaps. I wonder what their story is. There are no markings at all.
Film and processing weren’t cheap back in the day so I often wonder what made someone snap a particular photo. This one isn’t marked either.
And then sometimes the reason is clear. This one is only marked “41.” He looks quite smart in his uniform. I wonder if he made it home from the war.
Some have clues. The back of this 5×7 is stamped Hyland’s Studio, 736 1/2 Fifth Street, Portsmouth, Ohio. She’s not one I would usually buy but she was too pretty to leave there.
It just makes me sad to see them abandoned so I bring them home and call them my own. Someday I might do something with them but at least they are safe for now .
