Postcards From the Past
Postcards have become more than just a way to jot a quick note home from the trip...they've become a means of recording history, how things were as folks passed through the Mojave area. Join us now for a trip back through time...
Mining * Trains * Natural Wonders
The Town
Mid-1940s? Because of the extreme high resolution of this real-photo postcard, we can also show you detail images of the storefronts and the corner scene. Museum collection. Mid-1940s? Postally used in 1954 Same scene as above, but just a little more recent. The Variety Store is now Deaver's Stationery. Back caption reads, "Today Mojave is a railroad center and supply depot for Farmers, Miners and Fishermen. The town is located on highway '6' in a flat desert basin. In 1883 Mr. Perry built 10 huge wagons here to haul borax out of Death Valley and for five years these conveyances, drawn by 20 mule teams, plied between Death Valley and Mojave. Photo-Color by Merle Porter." Museum collection. A couple doors down from the scenes above. Early 1960s Mid-1950s? Caption on back reads: "Mojave is a supply center for miners and farmers. Today trains roll across the desert sands where in 1883, and for five years after, the 20 mule team plied between Mojave and Death Valley. These wagons built, at a cost of $900, by J.S.W.Perry in 1883, were pulled by a 20 mule team that was owned by Charles Bennett. The twon is located on highway 6, about 100 miles from Los Angeles. Photo-color by Merle Porter". Museum collection. Early 1960s 1960s White's Motel, 1940s? Montmartre Hotel (date unknown)
