If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 695

 

 

 

 

 

Lombadas Mineral Water Building, St. Miguel, Azores, ca early 1900s

 

This is an unused Vintage postcard with a divided back dating from the early 1900s.  The number 7 appears at the lower left on the reverse.  Along the left border, also on the back side of the card, is:  Café Tavares, Largo  Conselheiro João Franco.  No photographer is identified.  The place shown on the card is the mineral water building in St. Miguel (Michael), Azores.  I found the card in a shoebox jumble at the local antique mall.  

 

Although it is no longer being used, mineral water was bottled here.  Because the soil is volcanic and heavily enriched with carbon dioxide, the spring produces a natural sparkling water.  The water is also rich in minerals, especially iron.  Red iron residue can be found in the nearby stream beds.  The buildings in the photograph have been abandoned and are now covered in moss and other vegetation due to the warm humid climate.

 

São Miguel Island (Saint Michael) is called the Green Island.  It is the largest and most populous island in the Azores.  The island has six volcanic zones.  Most of the people live along the coasts due to volcanic cones and craters in the interior. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Miguel_Island

https://www.discover-azores.com/en/lost-places-nature-always-wins/