Berthoud Pass Continental Divide Sign Postcard #CB-B-952
Brief Description
This postcard, likely developed by Harold Sanborn sometime during the 1940s, shows the Continental Divide signs and historical marker on top of Berthoud Pass. This photo was captured while facing to the north with the Indian Peaks in the background.
Info
- Date: Early to Mid-1940s
- Photographer: Unknown
- Medium: Real Photo Postcard
- Size: 5 3/8" x 3 1/2"
- ID: CB-B-952
- Acquisition Date: March 2024
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Scanned with basic cropping, no enhancements.
Image use restricted.
Image Dating Comments
This is the earliest version of the black & white signs that the state’s highway department added here during the late 1930s. This sign is pictured here with a lot of graffiti, indicating it had likely been here for a few years already by the time that this image was captured. The version of the Berthoud Pass Inn that is seen in the background was here there from 1938 to 1946.
Update: The graffiti here looks very similar to a newly acquired photo from 1940, so this suspected date range has been updated. See that image here.
Backside
Comments & Discussion
While it can’t be read in this image, the signpost on the right appears to have a $25 reward plaque on it. This same plaque, meant to serve as a warning to vandals, was also found on other signs around Colorado during the era. It does not appear to have worked very well.
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: The back has a few marks and spots, but is mostly blemish-free with very little discoloration. The front surface has some potholes, creases, cracks and spidering.
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