Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees

These colorful brochures and maps were handed out to lake-goers in the late 1940s. This huge lake — 1,300 miles of shoreline — provides recreation and hydroelectric power for the region. Flirtatious bathers look out while playing in the water. The inside of the brochure are packed with ads for lake services and tourist stops. [...]

Colorado Main Streets

From a state known for its scenic landscapes, here are a few beauties to check out. The first photo is downtown Montrose situated on U.S. 50. Dense clusters of buildings, sweet signs and people walking give the town a bustling flair. This photo looks to be from the early 1960s.

Next up, the eastern Colorado town [...]

Take U.S. 12

Travel the route 0f Lewis & Clark. This beautiful road traversed the northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains before ending in the Oregon city of Portland. This vintage brochure was handed out by the more than 400 members of the Highway 12 Association. Printed in the late 1950s, the guide uses the ubiquitous cowboy to [...]

Stop in Shamrock

Shamrock, Tex. is located on the eastern side of the Texas panhandle. This flat landscape is punctuated by several towns that catered to Route 66 travelers. Shamrock offered the gamut of roadside services. Gas stations were sprinkled along the highway through town, including the well-known Tower Conoco. This Art Deco masterpiece sits at the corner [...]

Reno’s finest

Check out this awesome brochure for Harold’s Pony Express Motel. Located on U.S. 40, this lodge was only a few blocks from Reno, Nev. colorful casino center. The cover of the guide shows a motel built in Ranch-style architecture.

The guide shows off a crisp room filled with mid-century blonde furniture sitting on a cool-looking western [...]

Jackson Hole

Located in the shadows of the Teton Range, this beautiful town in Wyoming offers much to the traveler. The usual lineup of good-looking gas stations and cafes are seen. This 1950s view of  downtown is highlighted by the famous Cowboy Bar. Although the bar has undergone a few changes since this picture was taken, one [...]