Handcolored Postcard of Memorial Church at Stanford University in California

Today I want to feature a beautifully done handcolored postcard of the Memorial Church, located at Stanford University in Stanford, California.

This post card was made by The Albertype Company of Brooklyn, New York and published by the Stanford Book Store of the Stanford University.

Hand painted post cards were popular during the early part of the 20th century. These cards were usually done as piece work by women, unbeknownst to them the work had its dangers. As artist do to obtain a sharp point for the fine detail work, they frequently place the brush between their lips and twirl the brush until the desired point is obtained. Little was known about the dangers of the lead in their paint, no doubt endangering the health of the postcard painter.

Today's Genealogy Name

From a 1947 postcard addressed to:
Miss Leonor A. Field
Health Department
Riverhead
Long Island, New York

The Fresno Hacienda Barmobile

Yesterday I attended the Spring Dallas Metro Postcard Show and Sale and found this interesting postcard featuring the Fresno Hacienda barmobile. This post card sparked my curiosity and I had to find out more information on a resort who provided their guests with such a unique service. Sadly, little was available on the web about the Hacienda's history but I was able to find some interesting pictures and information on its present condition and a blog from its current owners.

The Fresno Hacienda, located Highway 99 at Clinton Avenue just north of Fresno, was once a renowned resort which boasted of being the World’s finest and largest convention motel. The finest dance music, food and floor shows including celebrities such as Nat King Cole were provided nightly and their famous Sunday Smorgasbord and daily Chuck Wagon kept their guests mouths watering and their stomach’s happy.

The Hacienda, was one of four properties owned by Standard Motels, Inc., with the others located in Paradise Nevada and Bakersfield and Indio California. All of the resorts featured the Horse and Rider sign which can be seen in the background of the featured Barmobile postcard.

As the Barmobile electrically drove around the motel’s entire 11 ½ acres providing parched Fresno Hacienda patrons liquid refreshments, it played the melody “How Dry I am” that dear readers is what I call customer service!

This postcard along with many others featuring the state of California may be found in my web store The Postcard Emporium.