Ocean Park, California

Ocean Park (South Santa Monica) was a popular beach resort back at the turn of the century. There was a huge heated indoor saltwater plunge, a dancing pavilion, a casino, auditorium, skating rink, an aquarium, and amusement rides. Despite numerous fires over the years, Ocean Park continued to thrive until the Depression. By the 1950s efforts were underway to create a new amusement park at the location. The new park closed and declared bankruptcy in 1967.

Here's a card showing Pier Avenue in about 1905.

Here's on that shows the dancing pavilion.

And, finally, a beach scene showing a lot of overdressed people. It appears that there is quite a bit of litter on the beach, and something that resembles a barrel down by the water.

Here are the backs of the cards in the same order.
The first one was sent to Mrs Mirrieto Kiser in Chicago in 1908. The message reads:

Los Angeles, Cal

Nov 27 - well dear sweet heart did you think of me today when you ate your dinner I did you I had a nice dinner but not good unless you were at my side + then I would be happy

Your lover

Fred

The second one was sent to Miss Gladys Smith in Regina (?), California in 1913. The message reads:

Dear Gladys -

I was awful glad to get your letter. Did you write it your self? I am going to send you some story book some time. Be good girl and write again

Sister Sue

The last one was sent from Venice, California to Miss Bernice Wiskotschell of Marysville, California in 1908. The message reads:

 Venice - Aug. 16 - 08

Dear Bernice,

Receivd a postal from you today - good to hear that you are having a good time - this is a view of where I am this afternoon. remember me to all.

Goodbye

Daddy

Hotel Plaza - Laredo, Texas

Here's Laredo's famous Hotel Plaza with its Spanish Grill. The hotel doesn't seem to be there anymore.

 The message on the card, sent to Miss Rosalie Newcomb of San Antonio in 1943, reads:

Dear Roesel: This is where we are - bridal suite. It's raining cats outside. Say "hello" to Flo.

Love, Annette

Edinburgh, Scotland

Our recent visit to Edinburgh was initially inspired by the old Valentine prints I posted on this blog some time ago. We were so enchanted with the views that we decided to go and see for ourselves what it looks like today. Edinburgh did not disappoint. We were also fortunate to arrive for a week of warm sunny weather. Edinburgh residents, particularly the students, were obviously elated and in a very festive mood. While we were there, we met up with Susi and Thomas, friends from Germany. Susi took a few pictures from a similar perspective to the old Valentine views.

Both views are from the Balmoral Hotel towards the Scott Monument, named after Sir Walter Scott. Sadly, the incredible plaza and gardens over the train station no longer have the same elegant design. The old view shows an existing tram system, which was decommissioned in 1956. Decades later, it was decided that maybe Edinburgh needed a new tram system. The recent photo shows the new tramline construction on the right, a project that has been underway since 2008 and angered citizens for a number of years with cost over runs and traffic delays.

Here's a view from the Scott monument toward the Balmoral Hotel.

And the approximate view today.

Edinburgh is such a beautiful city, with amazing green space so close to the city center. It's definitely a place I would like to visit again. Here's a link to the previous post on theses Edinburgh views and the tram system. And here's a link to information on history and progress of the tram system.

Here's a street sign in Edinburgh.