PC-002-655

Old Man Joshua, Beacon Tavern, Barstow, California

 

circa 1939

Frasher, Burton, Senior

Photographic paper: Dops

A large Joshua tree stands casting its shadow on the highway. Across from it is a sign advertising the Hotel Stillwell's rooms for $2. Also across the road are many more Joshua trees, with snow-capped mountains beyond. Although Beacon Tavern does not appear in this Real Photo Post Card, it does appear on several postcards published by Frashers Fotos (logo at the bottom right) in the 1930s and 1940s. One from 1944 identifies the location as "U.S. Highway 66, Barstow, California." "Beacon Tavern" referred to a series of 36 aviation beacons placed by gasoline giant Richfield near airfields and highways. After the 125-foot high towers were erected, a "Richfield village" was set to spring up with a gas station, a Beacon Cafe, and a Beacon Tavern, built in that order. The hotel phase of construction began in 1930, with Barstow as the first. Designed by Wilson and Merrill, it was on Main Street, opening in 1930. As it was the first, so it became the last Beacon Tavern as the Great Depression deepened. A handwritten date on the back reads: "Dec. 27-'39."

Joshua trees; Trees; Barstow; Route 66; RPPC; Real Photo Post Cards; Burton Frasher, Senior

750 East Main Street

California - Barstow

Frashers Fotos

 

MS-0008

 

Frasher's, Incorporated, Pomona, California

Postcard

3.5 inches X 5.5 inches

No

 

 

 

Image

TIFF

20.65 MB