1988 Escanaba Michigan Yacht Harbor Autumn Fall Chrome Postcard USED UP Boats

"Authentic Upper Peninsula Michigan Harbor - Vanishing Moment in Time!

You're looking at a genuine piece of Upper Peninsula Michigan waterfront history - a vibrant time capsule of Escanaba's picturesque yacht harbor as it appeared in autumn 1988 actually mailed from Ironwood Michigan with multiple authentic signatures.

This beautiful chrome postcard preserves a moment in time along Michigan's changing Upper Peninsula waterfront - an authentic nautical scene that continues to evolve with each passing decade.

Description

This vibrant chrome postcard showcases the scenic yacht harbor of Escanaba Michigan photographed by noted Michigan photographer John Penrod.

The image captures the tranquil beauty of small boats and pleasure craft moored in the protected harbor waters their reflections creating perfect mirror images on the calm surface.

Framing this quintessential Upper Peninsula harbor scene are dramatic autumn leaves - vibrant red maple foliage on the left and golden hues on the right - documenting the breathtaking fall colors that draw visitors to Michigan's UP year after year.

In the background Escanaba's waterfront buildings are visible including a distinctive tall structure that serves as a recognizable landmark for this harbor town.

The photograph perfectly illustrates why Escanaba's waterfront has been a beloved destination for boaters tourists and outdoor enthusiasts for generations.

Historical Significance

Escanaba has a rich maritime heritage dating back to the 1800s when it served as a crucial shipping port for the region's abundant timber and iron ore.

This 1988 view documents an important transitional period as Escanaba was evolving from its industrial past toward becoming more focused on recreation tourism and pleasure boating.

The yacht harbor shown here represents the economic shift in many Upper Peninsula communities during the 1980s as traditional industries declined and tourism became increasingly important to local economies.

Documenting the appearance of Escanaba's waterfront during this specific period provides an important visual record as urban waterfronts throughout the Great Lakes region continue to undergo significant redevelopment and transformation.

As the Upper Peninsula continues to change with shifting population patterns economic pressures and climate impacts tangible evidence of how these harbor towns appeared in previous decades becomes increasingly significant.

Condition

This postcard presents in good used condition with the authentic character that comes from being genuinely mailed from Ironwood Michigan in July 1988.

The front image retains vibrant autumn colors showing the natural beauty of Escanaba's yacht harbor with excellent clarity and minimal fading.

The reverse features the original Ironwood Michigan postmark dated July 13 1988 along with intact 14¢ Sinclair Lewis and 1¢ Omnibus 1880s US postage stamps.

A charming handwritten message signed by multiple people (Dwight John Yaeger Don & Carol Weaver Celia Weaver Frannie McGuire Mickey & Rooney Jim & Beatrice) provides authentic local context from a group traveling through Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

While showing the expected edge wear and minor yellowing consistent with a card that actually traveled through the mail system 35+ years ago this remains a well-preserved authentic example of late 1980s Michigan tourism ephemera.

Age/Era

This postcard dates precisely to July 1988 as confirmed by the clear postmark from Ironwood Michigan.

Published by Period Hiawatha Co. of Berrien Center Michigan (with their phone number and card number 7509) this card represents the high-quality tourist memorabilia produced to document Michigan's natural beauty in the late 1980s.

Interestingly despite featuring a quintessentially American subject the card was printed in Switzerland - a practice common among premium postcard publishers seeking the highest quality printing technology available at that time.

The late 1980s represented a fascinating transitional period in postcard production and usage just before digital photography and the internet would dramatically change how people shared travel experiences.

As we approach the card's 35th anniversary these tangible records of pre-digital travel experiences become increasingly appreciated by collectors seeking authentic documentation of specific places and times.

Rarity

While scenic Michigan postcards were produced in quantity during this period finding examples with clear postmarks from specific Upper Peninsula locations has become increasingly challenging as the years pass.

The combination of the harbor view with authentic autumn foliage clear Ironwood postmark and multiple signatures makes this more desirable than unused examples from the same era.

As interest in Great Lakes maritime history and waterfront development continues to grow visual documentation of harbors like Escanaba's takes on added significance and collector appeal.

Many similar cards have been discarded or damaged over the decades making well-preserved examples with clear postmarks and intact stamps increasingly difficult to locate.

Once these authentic windows into late 1980s Upper Peninsula landscapes disappear into permanent collections they're gone forever from the marketplace.

Collector's Note

This postcard appeals to multiple collecting interests: Michigan Upper Peninsula history maritime and harbor scenes boating and yachting autumn/fall colors and late 20th century American tourism.

The Ironwood postmark makes this particularly relevant for collectors focusing on specific Upper Peninsula communities and their tourist economies.

The detailed descriptive text on the reverse adds significant value specifically identifying the view as 'from the lovely waterfront looking across the yacht harbor' in Escanaba.

The small silhouette illustration of a person fishing on the reverse side connects thematically to the maritime subject matter adding collecting appeal.

As part of a numbered series (7509) by photographer John Penrod this card would be particularly valuable to collectors seeking to complete sets of Period Hiawatha Co. Michigan views.

Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost!

Don't miss this rare opportunity to own an authentic piece of Upper Peninsula Michigan maritime history before it vanishes forever!"

 _gsrx_vers_1723 (GS 9.9.3 (1723))

Condition: Used

Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.