Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Southern Pacific Railroad Depot in San Antonio

The Sunset Station was built in 1902.  In Feb. 1907 it was nearly destroyed by a fire caused by the electrical lighting.  It is said that they went to work rebuilding it immediately and finished the reconstruction/restoration in seven months.

From my postcard collection:
The first card is in color, undivided back, postmarked 8, Nov. 1907 from Nacona, Texas.
Before 1907 only the address was allowed to be written on the back of a postcard.  Hence, people wrote as much as they could on the front.

The next two postcards have divided backs but were not written on or posted.  I am not sure which of the two is older.  But, the one in color has a huge cactus growing next to the right side of the building.  Both cards were published by Van Noy - Interstate Co.  I am guessing that the black and white one is older because the publisher is just written out whereas the color one has their logo.
The last card is postmarked Feb. 28, 1927.  It has a brief description of the subject printed on the back.  And the statement "THE WINTER PLAYGROUND OF AMERICA"  This card is the only one of the four that has a flag on it and it looks added.
(good luck reading her penmanship)

Today the Sunset Station is a venue for events, entertainment, weddings and banquets.  It still looks beautiful!
Hope you enjoyed my little history lesson through postcards.
Kat

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