My favorite chrome postcards

Chrome is the postcard collector’s name for cards that look like glossy color photographs but are printed on ordinary lightweight card stock. They appeared first in the 1940s and are still standard today, although often they are larger now.

M and M Lunch, Blairsburg IA
A highway restaurant at the junction of U.S. highways 69 and 20, the M and M boasted in the early 1960s that it was “completely” air conditioned. I guess it needed it badly since the closest trees are far away.

Lone Star Café, Bowie AZ
Located on Highway 86, the café advertised that it was at the “gateway to the Wonderland of Rocks.” The unincorporated town of Bowie was scarcely populated so it’s likely this was the only eating place. Open seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. A 1954 advertisement said it had been under the same management for seven years on a route that was “Mountain Free.” Offered for sale in 1968, the notice claimed it was a “real money maker.”

D’Andrea’s 3 Acres Drive-in, Woodbridge CT
This turnpike eating spot in the 1950s and 1960s claimed to be “New England’s Most Modern Drive In.” The menu featured fried clams and lobster rolls. The business also included a motel.

Goldie’s, New York City NY
Goldie’s, named after [Mr.] Goldie Hawkins, advertised itself as the city’s “Happiest Show Spot,” offering cocktails, dinner, and supper. Goldie was a Southern gentleman who played piano and said that he set a “fine table.” The happy spot was at 232 East 53rd Street.

Tower of Pizza, West Yarmouth MA
Visually, at least, the Tower of Pizza achieved its ambition of being a “unique eating establishment” specializing in pizza, deli food, and muffins. The couple who owned the Tower also ran a Tastee Tower in Falmouth Centre.

The Town House Café, Mitchell SD
Two partners opened a place called the Majestic Bar in 1935. It became the Town House Café in 1955 and stayed in business at least to the end of 1977. No doubt business was buoyed by the presence in town of the Corn Palace, a curious tourist attraction of Moorish-style architecture with exterior murals made of corn and grains.

Uncle Herb’s Pancake House, Manitou Springs CO
Along with pancakes Uncle Herb’s served chicken dinners and other dishes. It was near Pike’s Peak and definitely in business in the 1960s, maybe before and after too. On one of their matchbooks – likely from the 1950s – was a “funny” bit of witticism that suggested, “If your wife can’t cook don’t divorce her. Keep her for a pet and eat at our place.”

Jet Drive-In, Austin TX
The mercury vapor “Wide-Lite” of this canopy was said to be color-corrected to be flattering to food and faces. Lyndon Johnson, President from1963 to 1969, was known to drop in for a hamburger.