1948 Berthoud Pass Continental Divide Sign Photograph #CB-A20E1
Brief Description
A group is seen at the top of Berthoud Pass in 1948. This photograph came to the archives within a set of 3 photographs, all taken a few moments apart from each other in the same spot.
Info
- Date: Sept. 1948
- Photographer: Unknown
- Medium: Original Photograph
- Size: 3 1/2" x 4 11/16"
- ID: CB-A20E1
- Acquisition Date: October 2024
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Scanned with basic cropping, no enhancements.
Image use restricted.
Image Dating Comments
The backside of the photograph is labeled ‘Sept 1948’ in pen.
This photo provides information about the construction of the Berthoud Pass Lodge that can be used to help date other images. While the lodge would not open until 1949, it can already be seen rising up behind the smaller building in this photograph.
Full Scan
Comments & Discussion
This Continental Divide sign was added by the Colorado State Highway Department, and while it can’t be read in this image, that name is scrolled across the bottom of the sign.
In addition to the sign, this photograph shows a small ski lodge in the background, with the larger Berthoud Pass Lodge being built behind it. The smaller building was added in 1947. The Berthoud Pass Lodge opened in 1949.
The infrastructure of the Berthoud Pass Ski Area rope tow can be seen in the background ascending higher on the divide. The chairlift was located on the opposite side of the road, behind where the cameraman was standing.
The Water Doesn’t All Follow the Arrows
The arrows on this sign indicate that water falling on either side of this point should naturally flow into either the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean. However, while that might be the natural flow of the water, the Moffat Tunnel changes that. This tunnel includes a set of railroad tracks, as well as a separate irrigation pipe that brings water from this basin, through the Continental Divide, and down to Denver.
Also Included
These photos were all captured a few moments apart from one another.
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: The front surface has nice glossiness with relatively few dimples and marks. All 4 corners have some form of damage, and each is a bit different. There is only a hint of aging on the backside. A pen streak already exists upon entry into the archives. The left edge has some roughness when viewed from the front.
About the Coloradotopia Archives Collection. The Coloradotopia archives hold a large collection of historical images and items that document Colorado’s ski and automobile history in the mountains. Subscribe to the Coloradotopia newsletter to receive weekly updates on new items as they’re added to the archives.
