Soar above the Ozark Mountains and Lake Fort Smith with this vintage aerial postcard, a monochromatic snapshot in time. Looking down from a bygone airplane ride, you'll see the lake's glassy surface mirroring the sky, cradled by the deep green of the surrounding forests. U.S. Highway 71 snakes through the scene, a testament to the burgeoning mid-20th century road network, and the impressive structure of the dam itself is clearly visible. Considering the dam's completion around 1936, this postcard likely captures a scene not long after its construction, offering a fascinating glimpse into the changing landscape of the region.
Printed by the renowned Curt Teich Co. of Chicago using their signature C.T. Photo-cote process, this isn't just a postcard; it's a tangible piece of Americana. It bears the charming marks of time and travelâgentle corner and edge wear that whisper stories of its journey. Turn it over, and you'll discover a piece of postal history: a one-cent stamp indent and an address to Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Bellis in Mt. Gayler, Arkansas, connecting us to the individuals who once held this very card. Highway 71, as any Arkansan knows, traverses the western part of the state, weaving through Sebastian County and linking rural communities. This postcard offers a unique perspective on this vital artery during a simpler era of automobile travel. For collectors of vintage postcards, or anyone interested in the history of Arkansas, the Ozark Mountains, dam construction, or the evolution of America's highways, this piece offers a captivating and historically significant window to the past.