Elkhorn Postcards

My mother collected post cards. She gave me several of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, the town where she grew up, and where I went to high school. The most impressive building downtown is the old hotel on Wisconsin Street. The building dates from 1893 when it was the Elkhorn House hotel, and it became the Loraine Hotel in 1929. The building once was also a bus station. It hasn't had an operating hotel since the 1960s. These days there is a popular Chinese restaurant called Moys in the spot. I realized this morning that I have several cards showing the hotel from about 1907 until the 1950s. I wonder when the clock on the top level was removed, also the top level of the spire in the corner. It's interesting to see what businesses have come and gone in the location, how people dressed, and even the vehicles they drove.

Anyway, I've fallen into collecting cards since Mother died a few years ago. I always considered it to be an old lady sort of hobby, so maybe that's what I am becoming. Other than cards my relatives sent (I like to see their handwriting), I only collect linen cards of places I have actually visited. I like looking at the old stamps, reading the messages, and I like the colors on the vintage cards. Plus they don't take much room, which gives them an edge over other things I have collected, such as dolls, or old glassware.