If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 724

 

 

 

 

 

Marquette Park Pavilion, Gary, Indiana

 

This used, divided back, postcard features a color photograph of the Marquette Park Pavilion.  The card was made by Dexter Press Inc. of West Nyak, New York and published by Harvey’s Studio, Valparaisa, Indiana.  The code 5601-B appears at the lower left corner on the reverse.  Even though the card has writing on it, it was not mailed, does not have a dated cancelation mark, and hence dating the card depends on the years Dexter Press, Inc. and Harvey’s Studio were in operation. 

 

Thomas Dexter’s first print shop was opened in 1920in Park Ridge, New Jersey.  By the 1930s he was producing postcards.  In 1952 the company had moved to West Nyak, New York, where this card is identified as being produced.   At the time of the move the company was producing natural color photochrome images.  The estimated date for this particular card is sometime between 1952 and 1972.  The company was sold to Consolidated Foods in 1972 and later merged with MWM Color Press in 1977.  The New York plant was closed in 1984 and moved to Aurora Missouri where it now prints religious material under MWM Dexter. 

 

Marquette Park was originally named Lake Front Park.  It is a city park surrounded by the Indiana Dunes National Park.  The Pavilion was designed by George W. Maher, architect, of Maher and Sons, and built by the construction company Max and Sons [Maximillian Dubois] between 1923 and 1924.  The park includes another building on the property called the Aquatorium.  It was restored as a museum honoring Octave Chanute, the father of flight.  The Pavilion was renovated in 1966, again in the mid-1990s, and most recently around 2008.  The building is a venue for various events from weddings to civic functions. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://londonpostcardsca.wordpress.com/2017/12/22/international-publishers-dexter-press-pearl-river%E2%80%8B-n-y/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Dunes_National_Park

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marquette_Park_(Gary)

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 723

 

 

 

 

 

San Gabriel Mission, California

 

Pacific Novelty Co. of San Francisco, California produced this unused souvenir postcard found in a shoe box jumble at a local antique mall.  Printed at the bottom on the front of the card is: “No. 149 – The Steps at San Gabriel Mission, California.  Founded in 1771.”  This would be a typical card purchased when visiting a site such as this mission.  No other credits or information is available on the divided back of the card. 

 

San Gabriel Mission is a historic landmark.  The Spanish Empire founded the mission on the Nativity of Mary, 8 September 1771.  It was the fourth of what became 21 Spanish missions in California.  Named after the Archangel Gabriel it is sometimes referred to as the “Godmother of the Pueblo of Los Angeles."  Antonio Cruzado, who was a Franciscan missionary in California, designed the building that has capped buttresses and tall narrow windows.  A large stone cross can be found in the center of the Campo Santo (cemetery).  In addition to designing the mission building Cruzado is credited with planting the first California orange grove in 1804.  

 

The steps or stairway indicated on the card lead to the choir loft.  The bell wall next to the stairway was built after the original bell structure toppled during the 1812 San Juan Capistrano earthquake.  The newer tower is larger and has six bells.  

 

One legend concerning the founding of the mission states that when confronted by a large group of native Tongva people who were intent on driving away the strangers, one of the priests laid a painting of “Our Lady of Sorrows” on the ground for all the see.  The natives were so moved by the beauty of the picture that they made peace with the missionaries.  Today the 300-year-old painting hangs in front and slightly to the left of the old high altar in the Mission’s sanctuary.  It is not known how many of the native people embraced Catholicism. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Gabriel_Arc%C3%A1ngel

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Cruzado

https://angelusnews.com/local/la-catholics/the-legend-of-la-dolorosa-finds-new-life-in-the-ruins-of-mission-san-gabriel/

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 722

 

 

 

 

 

Source of the Dôme, Abrest, France

 

Featured on this unused Editions du Lys postcard is one of two hot springs located a few meters apart in the commune of Abrest, France.  A third spring was also found but is not as well known. The card has “V 117 VICHY (Allier), Source du Dôme” at the upper left corner on the reverse.  “Couleurs Naturelles” is printed on the center line on the reverse, with the printer’s identification perpendicular to the center line.

 

Drilling for a spring in 1898, Francisque David, went down 159 meters or about 521 feet to find what has become known as the Dôme thermal spring.  The extremely hot waters gush out at 150 degrees F or 65.4 degrees C.  Originally the water was used for baths in a first-class Vichy spa resort facility, the waters were later used as a drink and bottled nearby, still later the water was used in the production of mud for thermal baths.  Due to electrically charged clay particles, the mud is reputed to treat rheumatism and digestive system ailments.  Two years after he drilled for the Dôme, David, again drilled to create the Lys and Cornélie springs.  These three springs were integrated into the State domain in 1927.  The Dôme and Lys springs have been listed as Historic Monuments since 2022. 

 

The Dôme and Lys springs were modified for ease in access.  The waters have been channeled into a basin.  As can be seen on the card the stone basin is completely covered in deposits of calcium carbonate.  The orange iron oxide and green micro-algae form a colorful crust on the basin.  There is a strong steam with the odor of sulfur.  The Dôme is in a kiosk shelter but the Lys is uncovered. 

 

To help get an idea of where these springs are located, the Allier River is a tributary of the Loire River.  Abrest is a small community in the Vichy Auvergne countryside.  Vichy is a city in central France located about 3 km or 1.9 miles north of Abrest. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sources_du_D%C3%B4me_et_du_Lys  [there is an English translation option]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vichy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allier_(river)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abrest

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 721

 

 

 

 

 

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum, Stirling Castle, Scotland

 

 

Printed by James Fleming & Co., of Callander, Scotland, this unused postcard features a photograph from the interior of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum housed in Stirling Castle, Scotland.  The card has a divided back with the title located on the reverse at the lower left corner.  No other credits are found on the card.

 

Counties in the United Kingdom that have organized regimental armies have museums dedicated to the history of specific army regiments.  Yeomanry, Militia, and Volunteer regiments also have museums or exhibition spaces.  Many are open to the public, some are open by appointment only. 

 

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, also known as Princess Louise’s, was created under the Childers Reforms in 1881 and is a light infantry company.  In 2006, as part of the restructuring of the British Army’s infantry, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders were assimilated with the Royal Scots, The King’s Own Scottish Borderers, the Roy Highland Fusiliers, the Black Watch, and the Highlanders to form the seven-battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland.  Defense cuts in 2012 reduced it to a single light infantry company called Balaklava Company, Royal Regiment of Scotland.  

 

 

It was fun to find this old picture of Bopa aka FarFar’s father, “Mac” who served a mission in the Highlands of Scotland when he was about 20 years of age.  While he was there, he visited the town of Thurso where his parents had lived before emigrating.  No bag pipes, here he and a companion are dressed in the traditional kilt, bonnet, and sporran, while the third member is wearing a more traditional looking dress suit.  The picture taken around 1913 or 1914.

 

 

 "Mac" McKay in the center with two companions, ca 1913-1914

 

 

The black & white photo does not let us see if the kilts are in the MacKay plaid.  Standing in the middle, Grandpa McKay was almost 6 feet 4 inches tall, which would make it easy to pick him out even if we did not have other pictures of him to be sure.  Note the Argyll knee socks.  

 

  

 

MacKay plaid

 

 

The Regimental Museum for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders is housed in Stirling Castle.  That castle was built in the 1490s and was known as the “King’s House,” or the “King’s Old Buildilng,” because it was thought to have been the private residence of King James IV.  The castle sits atop a crag giving it a strong defensive position.  The castle is considered one of the largest and most historically and architecturally important castles in Scotland.  This castle has withstood at least eight sieges including one in 1746 when Bonnie Prince Charlie tried unsuccessfully to take it.  Today the castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a tourist attraction managed by Historic Environment Scotland. 

 

The grounds are used as an open-air concert venue.  Like some other castles, Stirling Castle has ghost lore.  A maid servant to Queen Mary, called the Green Lady, has been sighted by residents of visitors.  She is thought be a warning or omen of impending danger.   There is a fee to tour the castle and the museum.  The entry ticket fee to tour the castle incudes entrance to the museum.  Public donations is the main source of support and maintenance.  The governing body is the charitable trust:  The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum Trust. 

 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regimental_museum

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argyll_and_Sutherland_Highlanders

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_Castle

 

 

 

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 720

 

 

 

 

 

The Castle of Angers and the statue of René of Anjou

 

A. Papeghin, imp.-édit., of Tours printed this vintage black & white card featuring the Castle of Angers, located in the Loire Valley of France.  At the right is a statue of René of Anjou who was born here and is known as Good King René.  This card was one in a booklet set and has been torn out along the perforated left side.  The information blurb is printed on the front of the card at the upper right and contains the number 28.  The blurb contents translated into English:  “The Castle and the statue of King René began under Philippe Auguste and was completed under Louis.  Henry IV signed the contract thee on April 5, 1498, which ended the League by uniting Cesar de Vendôme, the natural son of the King and Gabrielle d’Estrees, with the Duke of Mercoeur.  A.P.”

 

It looks more like a fortress than a castle because it was a fortress in the beginning due to its strategic defensive location.  Like some other castles or fortresses it was built on a site previously held by the Romans.  The structure shown on the card is the result of permission by the Bishop of Angers to the Counts of Anjou to build a castle here in the 9^th century.  There are dozens of castles that were built about this time to protect Anjou from the Normans.  There have been many additions and renovations to the original building.  It has been listed as a historical monument since 1875.  Today it is owned by the City of Angers, is open to the public and has been converted into a museum.  The museum is home to the oldest and largest collection of medieval tapestries in the world, including the priceless Apocalypse Tapestry.

 

René of Anjou was born in 1409 and died at age 71 in 1480.  He was Duke of Anjou and Count of Provence from 1434 to his death in 1480.  He also reigned from 1435 to 1442 as the King of Naples.  He was married twice and had 10 legitimate children and 3 illegitimate children. As a patron of the arts, both paintings and written works, he commissioned translations and re-translations of classical works into French prose.  He also kept a theater troupe in his court.   

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_d%27Angers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ren%C3%A9_of_Anjou

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabrielle_d%27Estr%C3%A9es

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 719

 

 

 

 

 

Weymouth from Greenhill Gardens, Dorset, England

 

This unused British Production postcard has a divided back but no information blurb or identifying codes.  Although in color, it is not a color photograph but has been colored or tinted.

 

Greenhill Gardens are found on the edge of the town boundaries, on a slope above the beach and promenade and over looking Weymouth’s seafront and bay.  The Gardens were part of the Wilton Estate and gifted to the local council in 1902 for “the benefit of the inhabitants of Weymouth.”  Safe, clean, well-managed, welcoming, and accessible it was awarded Green Flag status as is one of the best green spaces in England.  The gardens feature brightly colored borders, winding paths, and recreational spaces.  There is an indoor café, Greenhill Beach Café, with outdoor seating.  There is also an 18-hole putting green and four tennis courts, plus a bowling green.  Future plans include a wooden gazebo. 

 

Weymouth is a seaside resort town that depends on tourism for its economy.  The history of the town goes back to the 12^th century and incudes roles in the spread of the Black Death, the settlement of the Americas, and the development of Georgian architecture.  During World War II, Weymouth was a major departure point for the Normandy Landings. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhill_Gardens,_Weymouth

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weymouth,_Dorset

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 718

 

 

 

 

 

Antique Steam engine tractor, ca 1959

 

Modern farm equipment looks entirely different from this antique steam powered tractor featured on a used postcard.  Vincent Tortora is credited as the photographer on this card published by James E. Hess of Lancaster, PA.  The cancellation mark provides the date of 3 Oct 1959.  An information blurb is at the upper left corner on the reverse:  “Greetings from “The Penna. Dutch Country.”  Antique Steam Engine Tractor leaving farm yard.  Many of these old-timers are on display at Arthur Young’s of Kinzer, Pa. where an annual get-together is held displaying the limitless power of these aged engines.  Many are still in use today used mostly to Steam Tobacco beds.  This process is to kill weed seed in the soil before the tobacco seed is sown.”

 

Steam tractors similar to the one depicted on the card were used in the late 19^th and early 20^th century.  The first ones were specifically designed for agricultural uses.  Horses pulled the portable engines that were built on skids or wheels for ease in transporting to work areas.  These machines were used for threshing grain and plowing.  The owner/operator of the engine would travel from farmstead to farmstead.  Oats and wheat were the common types of grain; however, other grains could also be threshed using this type of engine. 

 

Usually there was a “threshing day” when all the neighbors would work together to complete the massive job.  Women and girls were in charge of cooking the noon meal that was brought out into the fields.  The engine did not do all the work, children had jobs suitable to their ages such as pitching bundles into the threshing machines, driving the bundle racks, supplying water for the steam engine, hauling the freshly threshed grain into the granary.  Because the steam engine was so expensive, several farmers might pool their resources and join together forming a cooperative.  The power of this type of engine allowed for the threshing and plowing to be completed quicker and easier than by hand and/or with horses or mules.  Some of the largest steam engines had 150 horsepower and were known as “Road Locomotives.”  In the mid-1920s these engines were phased out by lighter, faster-starting internal combustion tractors that were fueled by kerosene, petrol or distillate. 

 

Kinzers, Pennsylvania is an unincorporated community in Lancaster County.  The Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association has held an annual reunion in mid-August each year on Arthur S. Young’s farm since 1948.  A number of steam traction engines are showcased during the reunions.  Originally there was also a publication called Iron Man Album, founded by editor Rev. Elmer Ritzman, that was devoted to preserving the heritage of threshing and farm life in general.  Today Ogden Publications now owns that magazine and has renamed it Steam Traction Magazine. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam-tractor

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinzers_Pennsylvania

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rough_and_Tumble_Engineers_Historical_Association

 

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 717

 

 

 

 

 

Bronze statue of Ii Kamonnokami, Japanese statesman

 

This is an unused color-tinted postcard printed in Japan.  The blurb is found at the upper right corner on the front of the card and reads in English and Japanese:  “The bronze statue of Ii-Kamonnokami the famous statesman served for the opening the Port of Yokohama, rested on Mt. Kamon, Yokohama.  The card was found in a jumble box at a local antique mall.

 

Ii Naosuke (Kamonnokami) was born in 1815 and assassinated in 1860.  He held the position of Tokugawa shogunate, Japan, from 1858 until his death in 1860.  Most famous for signing the Harris Treaty with the United States that granted access to ports for trade with American merchants and seamen, he was also an accomplished practitioner of the Japanese tea ceremony.  At least two of his written works were about the tea ceremony. 

 

Ii was the youngest of 14 sons and not in line for a prominent position.  As a result, he was sent at an early age to a Buddhist temple where he lived on a small stipend from his family.  All 13 of his elder brothers either were adopted into other families that needed an heir or died before their father.  When his father died in 1850, Ii was called back from the monastery and reclaimed the Ii name.  He then became eligible for a position in the bakufu, council of the shogun’s advistors.  He became involved in politics and rose in power.   He alienated many reformists and ended up being assassinated by a group of Satsuma samurai on March 24, 1860.

 

The Treaty of Amity and Commerce of 1858 allowed the formal opening of Yokohama for foreign trade in 1859.  The port was a center for silk exports. 

 

The park where the statue is located on a hill in the city of Yokohama.  Although the statue was removed by the government’s metal recovery instructions in 1954, the city of Yokohama rebuilt it for the 100^th anniversary of the opening of the country.  There were about 200 cherry trees planted in the park in 1996. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ii_Naosuke

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamonyama_Park

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Yokohama

https://www.tota.world/article/339/

 

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 716

 

 

 

 

 

La Cattedrale di San Giusto, anteriore al 1840 [Saint Justus, Trieste Cathedral, exterior ca 1840]

 

This is another postcard of three cards from a booklet set that was sent by my friend who lives in Italy.  There is no blurb on the reverse, only the title at the upper left corner.  On the reverse center line: “… Tipografia Villaggio del Fancliullo – Trieste” [printing or publishing house, Villaggio del Fancliullo, Trieste].  The featured illustration on the card looks as if it may be a watercolor painting.  Once again the picture includes people dressed in the clothing of yesteryear that provides us a glimpse of what it might been like in the mid 1800s.

 

This cathedral is one of the historical monuments in Trieste.  My friend says that even though the city has completely changed since the 13^th century, some buildings from that era are still standing including this one. 

 

The first religious building was constructed on this site in the 6^th century using part of an existing Roman structure.  Remains of the original mosaic flooring has been integrated into a modern floor.  Also, markings from the original Christian building can still be seen on the outer walls.  Between the 9^th and 11^th centuries two basilicas were erected on the ruins of the old church.  One was dedicated to Our Lady of Assumption and the second was dedicated to Saint Justus (San Giusto).  Then in the 14^th century more changes were made when one nave was demolished and the two basilicas were then joined.  This resulted in the construction of a asymmetrical façade, a Gothic rose window, and a new bell tower.  Romanesque debris stones were used in some of the remodeling.  In the 1930s archaeological excavations exposed more of the remains of the Roman forum and civic building.  Two lower-floor columns have been reconstructed.  

 

 

I found it fascinating and interesting that items from previous buildings were incorporated, saved, or reconstructed to enhance and preserve the history of the site and the building.  As always, thank you to my friend for sharing the card.

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedial.org/wiki/Trieste_Cathedral

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 715

 

 

 

 

 

The Ducal Palace, Nevers, France, ca 1906 to 1915

 

The two unused postcards shared this week were part of a booklet set, consecutively numbered 6 and 7, found at the lower left.  The title centered at the bottom and the publishing house identified by the logo, letter P with ND in the middle and “hot.” under the top part of the letter P [ND Phot.].  The cards have divided backs and the typical greenish color common on vintage cards from France.  Not visible on the card are the fine perforation marks along the left margin where the cards were removed from the booklet set.  These two black & white postcards feature the city of Nevers and the Ducal Palace.

 

The Ducal Palace seen on the first card served as the residence castle of the counts and dukes of Nevers in the 15^th and 16^th centuries.  It is on the list of French historic monuments for 1840.  Built on a hill where an old fortress used to be, it is considered the first of the Loire castles.  It has been rebuilt and restored more than once during the intervening years.  The restoration project in the 1980s provided space for a town hall that included the mayor’s office and council chamber.  There are also a tourist office, exhibition halls, a reception area, a permanent exhibition on the history of the city, and an aquarium featuring Loire fish.  Pieces of 14^th century artillery were found during the restoration in 1988. 

  

 

 

Nevers, France, General View, ca 1906-1915

 

The general view of the city of Nevers is featured on the second card.  Nevers was first named Noviodunum and later Nevirnum by the Romans.  In 52 BCE Julius Caesar used this convenient position on the banks of the Loire River as a depot.  As a result, medals, coins and other Roman Antiquities have been found on the site.  At the end of the 5^th century, it became a seat of a Roman Catholic bishopric and it still is today.  Charters were obtained by the citizens in 1194 and 1231 and for a brief period the town was home to a university.  In 1565 the town became the seat of a branch of the Gonzaga family.  The Gonzaga Dukes of Nevers died out in 1708.  A number of products, such as porcelain, agricultural implements, glue, iron goods, boots, shoes, fur garments plus other things, are produced in the town which support the economy. 

 

 We can estimate the date to between 1906 and 1915 when the company was using the ND Phot. Logo; although, it is possible it was reprinted after the company combined with L.L. but continued to use the old logo.

 

 

Logo of the Neurdein postcard company

 

The photographer, Étienne Neurdein (1832-1918), established his business in 1864 and began publishing postcards in 1875 under the name Neurdein et Cie.  His brother, Louis-Antonin Neurdein (1846-1914), joined him in 1885 and together they owned and ran the company now called Neurdein Frères.  By 1906 they were using the ND Phot. logo.  Lévy and Letellier (L.L.) acquired existing Neurdein postcard plates and continued to offer them under the Neurdein ND logo but also under the L.L. logo.  In 1915 the name changed to Neurdein and then from 1916 to 1918 it was Neurdein & Cie.  The French government began funding the production of Algerian images to promote colonial tourism and private investment.  The cards had views of major cities and types and costumes of the local people.  Emile Crété acquired both companies in 1920 and published some cards under both ND and L.L.  Then in 1932 the joint company was further consolidated by Compagnie des Arts Potoméchaniques (CAP) although it remained at the same address.*

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palais_ducal_de_Nevers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nevers

https://www.archnet.org/authorities/9539

 

 *  *  *  *

 

  *[see also Reference:  Rebecca J. DeRoo “Colonial Collecting: French Women and Algerian Cartes Postales” in Postcards: Ephemeral Histories of Modernity, David Prochaska, and Jordana Mendelsohn, eds. (State College, Penn., Penn State University Press, 2010), 159-71]

 

 

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 714

 

 

 

 

 

Wailua Falls, Maui, Hawaii

[Photograph by R. Wenkem]

 

Today’s unused postcard features a color photograph by R. Wenkem of Wailua Falls, Maui, Hawaii.  Published by Ray Helbig’s Hawaiian Service, Honolulu in 1951 the card has S-116 on the reverse center line at the top.  It is Mirro-Krome card by H.S. Crocker Co., Inc. of San Francisco, California.  It is identified as a Natural Color Card, Nani Li’I “Hawaiian for ‘Little Beauty.’”  At the upper left on the reverse is the blurb:  “Wailua Falls, Maui . . . near Hana; the falls are one of the many cascades that plunge into the sea from the Haleakala slopes, and provide a beautiful setting for camera fans stopping at the distinctive Hotel Hana-Maui.”  The card was most likely a souvenir available at the hotel.

 

The Hana Highway, also called The Road to Hana, connects the town of Hana to east Maui.  This highway is 64.4 miles long.  It is narrow and winding, so it takes about 2.5 hours to travel from Kahului to Hana by car.  One report showed 620 curves all through lush tropical rainforest.  There are bridges dating from 1910 that are still in use.  In 2000 President Bill Clinton designated it as the Hana Millennium Legacy Trail.  There is a stone monument and a Zero Mile marker at the junction of routes 36, 360, and 365.  In 2001 the highway was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Today the Hana Highway is a popular tourist attraction with many waterfalls and other attractions.  There are scenic turn outs including one for Wailua Falls. 

 

Haleakala crater is an active shield volcano located in East Maui.  It forms about 75% of Maui. The tallest peak is 10,023 ft or 3,055 m.  The last time it erupted was estimated in 1999 by the U.S. Geological Survey to have occurred between 1480 and 1600.  Even though it has not erupted in recent times it is still considered dormant rather than extinct.

 

Robert George Wenkam was a photographer, author, and book producer born in 1920 in Oakland, California.  He worked as a civil engineer with the Army Corps Engineers from 1941-1946.  In 1947 he worked as a civil engineer for Bogert Childs Association, of New York City.  Then in 1948 as an architect, designer for various firms in Honolulu.  From 1949 to 1976 he was an independent photographer.  In 1976 he was the owner, writer, photographer, of Wenkam/Candere Books, Honolulu.  Wenkam died in 2000 at the age of 80.

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hana_Highway

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haleakal%C4%81

https://prabook.com/web/george.wenkam/358294

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 713

 

 

 

 

 

San Giacomo [St. James], Trieste, Italy, 1854

 

This is one postcard in a booklet set.  It features a painting of San Giacomo, or St. James, church and part of the surrounding area.  My friend who lives in Trieste recently sent this card and two others from the set.  The only information about the picture is printed on the back of the card at the upper left:  “Nuova Chiesa di s. Giacomo in Trieste, 1854.”  My friend’s note on the card provided some additional information.  He says in part:  “This hill was a good place to see afar and protect the town from raids.  The neighborhood is very old around the cathedral. … It is a very urbanized quarter [now] so all the trees and field have disappeared, alas.  But it is quite lively, with foreign communities from the Balkans and it is a popular neighborhood, not yet gentrified or overwhelmed by tourism.”

 

Notice the detail on the church, the people’s clothing, the horse and wagon, and the hint of the landscape in the background.  The square in front of the church is called Campo San Giacomo.  The church was built between 1851 and 1854.  It seems likely that this picture on the card is representative of the way the church and square appeared when the church was new.  Today this part of the city, near the center of Trieste, is the most populous and houses about one quarter of the city inhabitants.  The neighborhood has every service from supermarkets, bars, taverns, restaurants, to schools.  There is also a “washhouse” that can be visited where a permanent exhibit tells the story of the washerwomen.  This same building is also a venue that can be used free of charge as a meeting place for citizen events and hosting cultural associations.

As always, thank you M for sending the card!

For additional information, see:

 

https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Giacomo_(Trieste)  [select translate option for English]

 

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 712

 

 

 

 

 

 Woodland Park Zoo, Snow Leopard, Aibek

 

This week’s postcard was purchased at the Woodland Park Zoo gift shop and features the male snow leopard named Aibek.  The number 96583-46 is at the lower left corner on the reverse.  No photographer is credited nor is there an information blurb on the card. 

 

Bob and I have a friend who volunteers at the zoo.  She had been showing us pictures of the animals, including the snow leopards.  She said she didn’t have regular days or hours at the zoo but was often there.  We crossed our fingers and chose a sunny day to visit the zoo, hoping that she would be there.  And, she was!  She explained that leopards are solitary in the wild; therefore, Aibek, the male, and his mother, Helen, came out at different times.  While Marai, mate of Aibek, and the 3 cubs came out as a group.  All of the snow leopards are not out at the same time.  We asked if there was a time of day when it was most likely to see the mother and cubs.  She said it was not always at the same time. 

 

When we got to the snow leopard area viewing station, we could barely see Aibek who was sleeping on top of a rock with the sun on his back.  Our friend said she could tell which leopard it was by the pattern of spots on his coat.  The volunteer on duty came over to talk to her and explained that Aibek had been taking a snooze up there for more than an hour and a half.  Just at the moment, Aibek stretched and ambled down from the rock, posing briefly before moving to a less visible area in the enclosure.  We did not get to see the cubs, Lenny, Phillis and Raya, but we will go back another time and hope to see them also. 

 

 

Aibek coming down from the top of the rock where he had been taking a long nap

 

 

Aibek looking right at us

Since 1981 Woodland Park Zoo has been a conservation partner with the Snow Leopard Trust.  The zoo participates in a Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan working with other accredited zoos to ensure a healthy population.  In the wild their native home is in the high mountain ranges of Russia and in countries like Afghanistan, China, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, and Pakistan. 

 

For more information about Woodland Park Zoo, see:

https://www.zoo.org/

https://www.zoo.org/snowleopards

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=Woodland+park+snow+leopards