This is an original 1939 lithograph postcard from the Union Oil Company 76 Gasoline Postcard Series, showcasing a photochrome aerial view of Pacific Palisades in Santa Monica, California. The postcard features the distinct architecture and transportation of the era, with an emphasis on promoting tourism and travel through advertising. The postcard is a piece of roadside America art highlighting the beauty of the region and the company's gasoline brand.

The Union Oil 76 Postcard Series (1939-1955) was a collection of promotional postcards issued by the Union Oil Company of California (Union 76). These postcards featured scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and points of interest primarily along the West Coast, including California, Oregon, New Mexico and Washington. Distributed at Union 76 service stations, they served both as travel souvenirs and marketing tools, promoting road trips and tourism during the golden age of automobile travel.

Notably, these were among the first color chrome postcards published, showcasing pre-World War II America in vivid color. At the time, American travelers exploring the open road in the 1930s and 1940s could only capture their journeys in black and white photographs, which were not only limited in detail but also costly. Purchasing and developing film could add up quickly, with the price of a Kodak film roll and processing costing the equivalent of several dollars per roll in today?s money. Additionally, travelers had to wait days or even weeks to develop their photos after returning home, often relying on a local drugstore or mail-in service.

In contrast, when they stopped at a Union 76 gas station near breathtaking locations like Bryce Canyon National Park, they could pick up a stunning, full-color postcard of the very landmark they had just seen?often for just a few cents. These postcards were immediately available, allowing travelers to take home a vivid, high-quality color image of their journey on the spot.

Beyond being cherished souvenirs, these postcards also helped develop brand loyalty for Union 76. Each time a traveler stopped for gas, serviced their vehicle, made a phone call using a pay phone, or grabbed an ice-cold Coca-Cola, they enjoyed a pleasant stop, made even more memorable by the gift of a beautiful postcard. This subtle yet effective marketing strategy made Union 76 stations a preferred stop along the road, strengthening their connection with customers and encouraging repeat visits throughout their travels.