My favorite photo postcards

Photo postcards, known as “real photos” by collectors, are premium collectibles because of the details that seem clearer than on many other postcards. They, along with other types of postcards, were what led me into writing my blog. It hasn’t been as easy as I thought it would be, but it has been fun.

Zendcrest Lunch, Warren RI
This lunch room was in business in 1950 and the late 1940s. According to the sandwich board, seven sandwiches were priced at 15 cents and none cost more than 25 cents except for the Hot Chicken for 40 cents.

Toy Town Tavern, Winchendon MA
This is part of the dining room of the Toy Town Tavern, an inn opened by Morton Converse, owner of a major toy manufacturing company, in the first decade of the 20th century. It boasted of a kitchen that had “the most scientific and sanitary construction.” It served vegetables and berries grown in its garden and gave “special attention . . . to the Milk, Cream and Butter used.”

Lloyd’s Café, Corinth MS
Lloyd’s opened in 1926 during Prohibition. The neon sign for Falstaff beer in this photo suggests it was still in business in the 1950s.

The New Roxy Restaurant, Crestline OH
Said to have the “most modern kitchen and equipment on the market today,” the New Roxy was open from 6 a.m. to midnight. It opened in 1932 and stayed in business for many years. Judging from the contents of the glass case, its customers must have included many cigar smokers.

Golden Boot Café, Elk City OK
The Boot was opened 1946 by a couple named Smits, serving three meals a day, including steak and chicken. In 1955 it also served enchiladas and pizza. In 1962 it advertised a special Sunday dinner for 85 cents that included soup, salad, meat, two vegetables and dessert. It seems to have closed in 1964.

Unknown
Based on a wall calendar for George Blanchet Insurance in Manchester NH, it is likely that this early 20th century restaurant was located in that city. A message on the back – in French – refers to the pea soup served here.

Iceberg Café, Albuquerque NM
Of course real icebergs do move around and that was true of this café also. From about 1939 to 1949, it had various owners and three addresses. I’m not sure whether it was rebuilt each time or towed, but I’m assuming the former. It served Mexican dinners, along with sea foods, chicken, and steak.

Mac’s Shell Service & Coffee Shop, Black River Falls WI
Mac ran the service station on Highway 12 while his wife Martha ran the coffee shop. Opened in 1947, it stayed in business until 1968. It was known for the highway signs created by Mac that carried messages such as “Keep Wisconsin green, bring money,” and “Whoa! Stop and eat if it kills you, I need the money”

Paldora Café, Oklahoma City OK
The Paldora, aka Pal-Dora, opened in 1947, but was sold to a owner with a Hispanic name the following year who changed the name to Café Palacio and promised to serve Mexican food.