Berthoud Pass Shelter House Postcard Winter 1938–1939 #CB-B-899
Brief Description
This postcard image shows the summit of Berthoud Pass during the winter of 1938–1939. It includes a newly rebuilt version of the Berthoud Pass Inn, and several cars belonging to skiers that had traveled here for the day.
Info
- Date: Winter 1938–1939
- Photographer: Harold Sanborn
- Medium: Postcard
- Size: 3 11/16" x 5 5/16"
- ID: CB-B-899
- Acquisition Date: 2024
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Scanned with no enhancements.
Image use restricted.
Image Dating Comments
The postmark reads ‘June 6, 1939.’ The image can be dated based on the history of the shelter house that is shown here. The original Berthoud Pass Inn burnt down early in 1938. This shelter house was built over the summer, and in the summer of 1939, an addition was built onto the right side of the structure.
See also: History of the Berthoud Pass Inn.
Full Scan
The full postcard can be seen below. The crowds had become big enough by this point that the State Courtesy Patrol was forced to station officers at the top to regulate parking and traffic. Skiers are seen in the background descending a small portion of the Berthoud Pass Ski Area.
The enlarged version of the shelter below shows stacks of drinks sitting to one side of the door. A Continental Divide sign can barely be seen on the opposite side. That sign can also be seen in this photograph.
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: The postcard has a circle imprint in the top-center area, some scratching of the front surface, one horizontal crack through the glossy surface of the front, but no other major cracking or spidering. There is only a hint of discoloration due to aging around the edges of the backside.
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.
