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Postcard Gallery - 1950's
(166 Items)

Many of these cards were purchased on ebay, some were donated by classmates, and others were shamelessly plagiarized from unsuspecting ebay sellers who were demanding a king's ransom for them.

Cards and other images in this gallery are from the 1950 decade. If you grew up in the Gaylord area during this decade you will fondly remember many of these scenes. A few of the cards couldn't be accurately dated so we put them here because they appeared to be from this era.

Here's how to view them; click on the Thumbnail Panel numbers to select which set of thumbnails that you would like to view, then just click on the thumbnail image and the full-sized image will be displayed below. Postcard descriptions and captions will be displayed at the bottom of the full-sized image.

  • Postcards - 1950's: -AuSable Resort - 1958
  • Postcards - 1950's: Perrin's Motel on Otsego Lake - 1950's
    Check out the old Chevy in the background. Also note the old telephone number. It was before we had dial phones and the operator would ask, "Number Please?"
  • Postcards - 1950's: -Gay El Rancho - 1959
  • Postcards - 1950's: -AuSable Lodge - Canoeing
  • Postcards - 1950's: -AuSable Ski Club - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: -AuSable Ski Club - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Birch Hill Motel - 1950's
    6 miles South of Gaylord, Michigan on U.S. 27. Overlooking beautiful Otsego Lake Modern with tiled showers For reservations write - Birch Hill Motel, Route 2, Gaylord, Michigan or phone Gaylord 1-3131
  • Postcards - 1950's: -Butcher's "Break O' Day Resort" - 1950s
  • Postcards - 1950's: Central Hotel Rendevous & Restaurant
  • Postcards - 1950's: -Otsego County Courthouse - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Otsego County Park - 1959
  • Postcards - 1950's: -Gaylord Country Club  - 1957
  • Postcards - 1950's: -Gay El Rancho - 1953
  • Postcards - 1950's: Gay El Rancho - 1959
    The "Ox Yoke" building situated right on the beach offers a breath-taking view of lovely Lake Dixon through its big picture windows. The huge patio in front is the scene of afternoon dancing and outdoor barbeques. Inside you can lounge in front of the fireplace, play ping pong, dance, eat, or shop.
  • Postcards - 1950's: -Gay El Rancho - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: -Gay El Rancho Dude Ranch - 1959
  • Postcards - 1950's: Gay El Rancho House Band - 1952
  • Postcards - 1950's: Gay El Rancho Clubhouse - 1952
  • Postcards - 1950's: Gaylord Aerial View - Late 50's
    The county seat of Otsego County, located on high- ways US 27 and M32 and the N.Y.C. railroad. With more than 100 lakes and the Black, Sturgeon, Pigeon, Au Sable and Manistee Rivers -- the five noted trout streams -- nearby. Gaylord is a popular gathering place for vacationists. Winter sports are also popular here. Gaylord is the highest point in the Lower Peninsula.
  • Postcards - 1950's: Gaylord Buck Pole  - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Snowblowing  - 1952
  • Postcards - 1950's: Gaylord Rural Agricultural School  - Postmarked September 22, 1954
  • Postcards - 1950's: Gocha's Motel  - 1954
  • Postcards - 1950's: Graywood Circle - Otsego Lake - 1952
  • Postcards - 1950's: Haye's Motel - U.S. 27 - Otsego Lake - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Hidden Valley - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Otsego Ski Club - 1959
  • Postcards - 1950's: Hidden Valley - Boat Rentals - 1951
  • Postcards - 1950's: Hidden Valley Lobby - 40's or Early 50's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Hidden Valley Lounge
  • Postcards - 1950's: Hidden Valley - 1950s
  • Postcards - 1950's: Hidden Valley - 1950s
  • Postcards - 1950's: Hidden Valley - 1950s
  • Postcards - 1950's: Hidden Valley - 1950s
  • Postcards - 1950's: Hidden Valley - 1957
  • Postcards - 1950's: Annual Courthouse Ice Tree - 1958
  • Postcards - 1950's: Irontone Springs - Early 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Lancasters Resort  - 1950s
  • Postcards - 1950's: Main Street - 1955
    (Courtesy of John Wheeler)
  • Postcards - 1950's: Main Street  - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Main Street  - 1952
    (Courtesy of John Wheeler)
  • Postcards - 1950's: Main Street  - 1959
  • Postcards - 1950's: Main Street  - Early 1950's
    (Courtesy of Clayton Barber)
  • Postcards - 1950's: Malcolm's Motel  - 1950s
  • Postcards - 1950's: Nutty Pine Resort - 1952
  • Postcards - 1950's: Otsego County Memorial Hospital - 1958
  • Postcards - 1950's: Otsego Lake - 1958
  • Postcards - 1950's: Otsego Lake - 1955
  • Postcards - 1950's: Otsego Ski Club - 1956
  • Postcards - 1950's: Pleasant Point Motel - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Pleasant Point Motel - 1950's Card Back
  • Postcards - 1950's: Schlang's Restaurant & Cabins - Late 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Schlang's Restaurant & Cabins - Late 1950's - Card Back
  • Postcards - 1950's: Schlang's Restaurant & Cabins - Late 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Schlang's Restaurant & Cabins - Late 1950's
    The back of the card refers to the "New" Mackinac Bridge. The bridge opened to traffic in November of 1957.
  • Postcards - 1950's: Schlang's Restaurant & Cabins - 1950's
    Leo & Minnie Schlang (parents of classmate Jim Schlang) bought the cabins, restaurant and Mobile gas station in 1945.
  • Postcards - 1950's: Schlang's Restaurant & Cabins - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Schlang's Restaurant & Cabins - 1950's - Card Back
  • Postcards - 1950's: Skate-A-Way Decal - 1950's
    Not a postcard, but definitely a memory jerker . . .
  • Postcards - 1950's: Snow Valley Lodge - Late 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Snow Valley Lodge - 1954
  • Postcards - 1950's: Snow Valley Lodge - Late 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Snow Valley Ski Club - 1950s
  • Postcards - 1950's: Snow Valley Ski Club - 1950s
  • Postcards - 1950's: Snow Valley Ski Club - 1950s
  • Postcards - 1950's: Snow Valley Lounge
    SNOW VALLEY SKI CLUB - GAYLORD, MICHIGAN - Located west side of Otsego Lake. Accommodations for 1000 persons - dining and dancing.
  • Postcards - 1950's: Snow Valley Rope Tow - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Snow Valley
    SNOW VALLEY SKI CLUB - GAYLORD, MICHIGAN - Located west side of Otsego Lake. Certified instruction - national ski patrol.
  • Postcards - 1950's: Snow Valley Lounge
    SNOW VALLEY SKI CLUB - GAYLORD, MICHIGAN - Located west side of Otsego Lake. Relaxing in the rustic lounge after skiing.
  • Postcards - 1950's: Top 'O Michigan Restaurant - Otsego Avenue - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Gaylord State Park - 1958
    OTSEGO LAKE STATE PARK - A favorite place to relax and enjoy the great out-of-doors. The part offers excellent camping along the shores of Otsego Lake just south of Gaylord, Michigan.
  • Postcards - 1950's: State Park - 1958
  • Postcards - 1950's: Mom & Pop's Star Restaurant - 1959
  • Postcards - 1950's: Underground Forrest (Frederic) - 1957
  • Postcards - 1950's: Vacationland Ferry - Mackinaw City - 1955
  • Postcards - 1950's: Vacationland Ferry - Mackinaw City - 1955 - Card Back
  • Postcards - 1950's: Main Street - Vaughns - Early 1950's
    (Courtesy of John Wheeler)
  • Postcards - 1950's: Angus & Otsego Lake Post Office - 1950's
    (Complements of Mark Stauter)
  • Postcards - 1950's: Hidden Valley - Home of Otsego Ski Club - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: At Hidden Valley - Home of Otsego Ski Club - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Rendezvous Cafe - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Snow Valley - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Otsego Lake State Park - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: The Alpine Court - South US-27
  • Postcards - 1950's: The Arbutus Resort
  • Postcards - 1950's: Birch Hill Motel
  • Postcards - 1950's: Hidden Valley Golf Course
  • Postcards - 1950's: Lancaster's Resort
  • Postcards - 1950's: Otsego Ski Club
  • Postcards - 1950's: Snow Valley Ski Club
  • Postcards - 1950's: Snow Valley Ski Resort - West Otsego Lake Drive
  • Postcards - 1950's: Main Street - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Wholfeil's Resort
  • Postcards - 1950's: Gay El Rancho Horseback Riding - 1955
  • Postcards - 1950's: Ken Mar On-The-Hill - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Snow Valley Ski Slopes - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Snow Valley Ski Slopes - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Snow Valley Scenic Train - 1958
  • Postcards - 1950's: Main Street - Postmarked September 9, 1951
  • Postcards - 1950's: Gay El Rancho
    The Ox Yoke Beach Building with large spacious Dance Hall, large Recreation Room, beautiful Stage, Snack Shop and Gift Shop on the shores of beautiful Lake Dixon at GAY EL RANCHO RESORT RANCH, GAYLORD, MICHIGAN.
  • Postcards - 1950's: Otsego County Park 1951
    Postmarked October 29, 1951
  • Postcards - 1950's: Dixon Lake Resort - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Hidden Valley - 1958
  • Postcards - 1950's: US-27 Looking North - 1953
  • Postcards - 1950's: State Park - 1955
  • Postcards - 1950's: Irontone Springs - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Ken-Mar "On The Hill" - 1951
  • Postcards - 1950's: State Park - 1956
  • Postcards - 1950's: Idylwild Resort - Otsego Lake - 1952
  • Postcards - 1950's: Hidden Valley - Postmarked 1951
  • Postcards - 1950's: Otsego Ski Club - 1959
  • Postcards - 1950's: Otsego Ski Club - 1959
  • Postcards - 1950's: Camp Sancta Maria - Postmarked July 24, 1955
  • Postcards - 1950's: Schlang's Restaurant & Cabins - 1940's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Graywood Circle - 1951
  • Postcards - 1950's: Kenmar "On The Hill" - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: The Standard Products Co. - Postmarked July 10, 1953
  • Postcards - 1950's: A vintage Snow Valley Matchcover - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: State of Michigan Highway Department - Snow Blowing - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Idylwild Resort - Postmarked July 12, 1956
  • Postcards - 1950's: KenMar On The Hill - Postmarked June 26, 1959
  • Postcards - 1950's: A car show from the fifties - Hidden Valley (Otsego Club)
  • Postcards - 1950's: Conservation Department Headquarters and Workshop - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Otsego County Courthouse
  • Postcards - 1950's: Otsego County Courthouse
  • Postcards - 1950's: Hidden Valley (Otsego Club)
  • Postcards - 1950's: North Main Street - Looking East
    Courtesy of Jim Jozwiak
  • Postcards - 1950's: Main Street - Looking Northwest
    North side of Main Street. It shows Ditmers, Glen Electric, Glasser Drugs and Dumas Bros Restaurant (not the usual Sugar Bowl name), Big Dime Store, Bowling Alley and on the right, Audrain Hardware.
  • Postcards - 1950's: Corner of Court and Main. Looking East on North side of Main Street.
    On the left is Audrain Hardware and Nelson's Drug Store. On the south side is Western Auto, retaurant Glasser Insurance, Mooney's Sporting Goods, International Harvester and Packard Dealer.
  • Postcards - 1950's: Rendezvous Cafe - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: The Rendezvous from across the street - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: The Rendezvous with a 50's vehicle parked along side - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Topsail Pines Resort - 1950's
    TOPSAIL RESORT - Overlooking Otsego Lake - On U.S. 27 - 5-1/2 miles south of Gaylord, Michigan. Topsail Resort welcomes you to beautiful Otsego Lake for a restful and quiet vacation. Modern efficiency cottages and Motel. Private Showers. Our Gift Shop is open for your enjoyment. Curios and imports from the Four Corners of the World. Genuine Indian Jewelry - Pottery - Moccasins and Hand Carved Totem Poles. Open Year 'Round - Phone Gaylord 13324 - Route 2, Gaylord, Mich. Frank & Emily M. Schlang - (blacked out) Ed & Marie Warne
  • Postcards - 1950's: Schlang's Otsego Lake Restaurant & Cabins - Mid 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Main Street and Courthouse Lawn - Postmarked September 3, 1953
  • Postcards - 1950's: A highway somewhere in Gaylord. Probably either M-32 or US-27
  • Postcards - 1950's: Camp Sancta Maria - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Corey Cove Resort - Otsego Lake - Postmarked July 25, 1951
  • Postcards - 1950's: Wohlfeil's Lake View Resort
  • Postcards - 1950's: At Hidden Valley Home of Otsego Ski Club - Gaylord, Mich - Postmarked August 5, 1955
  • Postcards - 1950's: Timberly Motel - U.S.27 South - Phone 8301
  • Postcards - 1950's: The Pro Shop - Hidden Valley - 1958
  • Postcards - 1950's: Otsego Lake - 1958
    If anyone knows where this is on the lake, let me know.
  • Postcards - 1950's: Geigler's Resort on Otsego Lake - Postmarked July 17, 1950
  • Postcards - 1950's: Aerial View Otsego Lake - 1958
    OTSEGO LAKE - Just south of Gaylord, Michigan, this sparkling lake affords visitors and residents an opportunity for boating, fishing and swimming as well as the enjoyment of the beautiful scenery. Otsego Lake State Park is located along the east shore of the lake.
  • Postcards - 1950's: Alpine Motel - 1950's
    ALPINE MOTEL - U.S. 27 - 2 miles South of Gaylord, Michigan - Phone Gaylord 4081 - "Finest in The Northland" - 25 lovely units - single - double and family rooms. Attractively furnished with Rittenhouse furniture. Ceramic Tile baths - Central Heat - TV Lounge. Restaurants nearby. Open Year 'Round for Summer and Winter Sports. Fishing - Hunting - Skiing - Near to 7 Famous Trout streams and 127 Clear Lakes. 1/4 mile No. at Otsego Lake - near many Ski Clubs. Direct Route to Famous Straits of Mackinac Bridge. Rec. by Duncan Hines. Lucian & Mabel Del Din.
  • Postcards - 1950's: Club 131 Mancelona - Postmarked May 19, 1952
  • Postcards - 1950's: Corey Cover Resort - Otsego Lake - Early 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Olsons Service Station & Cabins - North US-27
  • Postcards - 1950's: County Courthouse Lawn and Main Street
  • Postcards - 1950's: Main Street in the early 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Main Street in the early 50's - Postmarked June 2, 1956
  • Postcards - 1950's: Corner of US-27 and Main Street - Early 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Price's Motor Court - Early 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: EDW. A. Wohlfeil - Lake View Resort - Early 50's
    Otsego Lake and Lake View Resort - Welcomes you to Michigan's Woods and Waters. 1348 ft. above sea level - Ideal for hay fever and asthma relief. Excellent fishing, hunting, swimming and center for winter sports. Nine modern housekeeping cottages. Boats go with cottages. Route No. 2 - Phone 3 F 6.
  • Postcards - 1950's: EDW. A. Wohlfeil - Lake View Resort - Early 50's
    Otsego Lake and Lake View Resort - Welcomes you to Michigan's Woods and Waters. 1348 ft. above sea level - Ideal for hay fever and asthma relief. Excellent fishing, hunting, swimming and center for winter sports. Nine modern housekeeping cottages. Boats go with cottages. Route No. 2 - Phone 3 F 6.
  • Postcards - 1950's: Otsego County Courthouse and Gocha's Garage - 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Looking East on Main Street (M-32) - Early 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Otsego Lake - Postmarked April 4, 1958
    Courtesy of eBay
  • Postcards - 1950's: Courthouse Lawn and Main Street - Late 40's - Early 50's
    Courtesy of eBay
  • Postcards - 1950's: Gay El Rancho - Dance Party - 1958
    GAY EL RANCHO RESORT RANC - GAYLORD, MICHIGAN - Afternoon dancing on the patio over-looking lovely Lake Dixon. This pation adjoins the spacious "OX Yoke" building with its fireside lounge, recreation room and little theater. (Gif shop and snack shop too.) Courtesy of eBay
  • Postcards - 1950's: Lancaster's Resort - Postmarked July 17, 1958
    Why not visit "The Top O' Michigan"? Let us contribute to your vacation enjoyment. Modern housekeeping and overnite cottages, accommodates 2 to 6 guests. All modern equipment. Boat included. Safe, sandy bech, playground with barbeque, picnic tables and swings. Open through hunting season. For reservations, write R.R. No. 2 Gaylord, Mich., or phone 13263.
  • Postcards - 1950's: Hayes Motel - 1950s
    Relax and enjoy your vacation with us on beautiful Otsego Lake, "In the heart of the nation's playground." Completely modern, single double and housekeeping units. Fully equipped. Play gym for children and park-like grounds. Open year 'round. Fishing, hunting, swimming, skiing and other sports. 2 blocks from state park, white sandy beach - Life guard. Phone Gaylord 1-2132 - Larry and Billie Hayes
  • Postcards - 1950's: Hidden Valley - Otsego Ski Club - 1950's
    A nifty '57 ford station wagon and a Rambler station wagon.
  • Postcards - 1950's: Rendezvous Cafe - Early 1950's
  • Postcards - 1950's: Gay El Rancho - October 20, 1956
    Complements of eBay
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