Aquarena Cacti

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Aquarena SpringsAnother Aquarena Springs postcard, this image taking “uninteresting” to a whole new level. The cacti is all but invisible in the poorly exposed shot, and it’s difficult to read the sign attached to the tree. (it says “Brag Tree”) On the back:

AQUARENA, San Marcos, Texas. The Texana Village Exhibit at Aquarena features the largest variety collection of cacti and tropical plants in the southwest if not in the nation. Literally hundreds of odd shaped and colorful specimens are viewed in a tropical setting of waterfalls and trickling streams. Another photographer’s “must see”.

Johnson Residence, Chickasha, Oklahoma

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Johnson ResidenceI did considerable searching to discover who H.B. Johnson was, but I failed to find anything definitive. I came across references to a 1919 legal case, but that was less than enlightening. (I don’t read legalese) I also found info that suggested that he could have been in politics… anyone know?

World’s Most Beautiful Bathing Beach

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Panama City BeachMailed on May 31st of 1956, this linen postcard offers a view of the beach at Panama City, Florida, “The world’s most beautiful bathing beach”. Judging from the correspondence on the back that slogan may be right on target:

Hi -
We left last Fri. & arrived here Sat. at 1:00 P.M. for a months’ vacation. Imagiine 21 miles of white sandy beach. The children love it here & it is an ideal spot for them. We are all getting sun-tanned.
Hope you are all well. Love, Chris and John

Gainesville Community Circus

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Gainesville Community CircusI don’t know how many communities have, or had, their own circus, but Gainesville, Texas had one. The circus was conceived in 1930 by the Gainesville Little Theatre as a fund-raising venture, one that grew into a popular travelling road show. The circus was comprised exclusively of amateurs, all Gainesville residents, and was active until the mid-50s.

Swift & Company

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Swift & CompanySwift & Company, a business that was key to the growth of Fort Worth, Texas. Mailed to Gainesville, Texas on December 27th of 1908, the postcard has this message on the back:

Dearest Phibe. Many thanks for the dear little tie you sent me. I was so surprised & I certainly do appreciate it. I got so many nice things & what did Santa bring you? My sweetheart brought me the loveliest[?] umbrella. Love you. Write me soon. Your loving friend, [name illegible]

Texas Brewery

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Texas BreweryI’ve been looking for one of these postcards (one that I could afford) for years, and finally got my hands on one. Mailed in 1914, the divided back postcard shows the facilities of the Texas Brewing Company, a Fort Worth brewery that was at 9th and Jones St. The company operated from 1890 to 1918.