Berthoud Pass Continental Divide Sign Postcard #CB-519-B
Brief Description
This postcard shows the Berthoud Pass shelter house that was added after the previous structure burnt down in 1946. It also shows the Continental Divide signs that sat by the highway.
Info
- Date: Winter 1947-'48
- Photographer: Unknown
- Additional Credits: Shockey Scenic Co.
- Medium: Unused Postcard
- Size: 3 1/2" x 5 1/2"
- ID: CB-519-B
- Acquisition Date: February 2025
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
The main image (cropped) has some digital enhancements, as do the other images shown lower on this page. The full scan version has no enhancements.
Image use restricted.
Image Dating Comments
The image on this postcard was almost certainly captured in the winter of 1947-’48. This version of the shelter house was built in 1947, and by the November of 1948, the newer Berthoud Pass Inn could be seen rising up behind the shelter house. The Continental Divide sign also acquired a set of scuff marks by Nov 1948 that are not seen here.
Full Scan
Comments & Discussion
The Continental Divide signs shown here were likely almost brand new when this image was captured. A different set of signs can be seen pictured here throughout the early to mid-1940s. This sign would be modified or replaced by the 1950s.
The buildings and signs would come and go from this location, but that stone marker in the center has been there since 1929. It can still be found at the summit of the pass today, although its location has been moved slightly.
The shelter house seen behind the signs here was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1947. The previous building was known as both the shelter house and the Berthoud Pass Inn. The sign on the front of this structure has been enlarged in the next photo shown here.
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: There are some very light surface scratches only seen under glaring light, but no major scratches. A very small amount of delamination has begun along the edges. There is no significant discoloration or signs of aging on the backside.
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