Vintage Florida: Postcards from the Road
During the early year's of the automobile era, postcards documented the growth of our nation's infrastructure.  These postcards, either in black and white or of the linen style, showcased new bridges, scenic views and highways, and even roadside attractions.  Some of these locations have been replaced by more modern structures or left in disrepair.  Others have long been forgotten.  The postcards shown here are examples of the numerous postcards made of highways, attractions, and the many towns and cities of Florida.  If you have any postcards or additional information you'd like to contribute, please e-mail me.

Linen postcard of the Davis Causeway.  Scan courtesy of Doug Kerr.
Today, the Davis Causeway is known as the Courtney Campbell Causeway.  The causeway, which today carries FL 60, was completed in 1934.  Originally, a toll bridge, the causeway was first named after Ben T. Davis, who was the chief financier of the project.  In 1944, the bridge was purchased by the state and tolls were removed.  Three years later, the causeway was renamed after Courtney Campbell, a State Transportation Board member who pushed for numerous improvements to the highway.  (1)

Linen postcard of the John Ringling Causeway.  Scan courtesy of Doug Kerr.
The John Ringling Causeway connects Sarasota to St. Armand Key.  It was financed by the legendary circus promoter, John Ringling in 1925.  A year later he donated it to the city of Sarasota. (2)  The bridge was replaced by a new four lane structure in 2003.  The original bridge was demolished as part of the project.
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    Sources & Links:

  • (1) Canning, Michael. "Along bridge he built, his beach." St. Petersburg Times. May 2, 2003.
  • (2) Florida Center for Instructional Technology. "John Ringling." Exploring Florida: A Social Studies Resource for Students and Teachers. University of South Florida. (February 10, 2007).
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    Page Created: February 10, 2007
    Last Updated: February 10, 2007

    © 2007 William Lawson