Old Gulf Shores Alabama Postcards

On these pages will be vintage postcards and memorabilia from the Alabama Gulf Coast.


"Historical "Catilever" Drawbridge across the Intracoastal Canal at Gulf Shores, Alabama, with the new High Level Bridge in the background. Photo also shows the Golf Course, Oyster Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, together with many thriving businesses." (1970's)




"Maisel Cottages ... Located on snow white beaches of the Gulf. Enjoy the cool Gulf breezes or the air conditioned comfort of your own cottage. Fish or swim in the beautiful Gulf or take a cool dip in our pool." (1960's)




"Peganita Cottage is the summer home of Mr. & Mrs. S.H. Goldman at Gulf Shores, Ala. Although only 500 feet from the Beach, on the Gulf of Mexico, it is surrounded with shrubs and flowering plants growing in the sand." (1950's)




"Old Spanish Fort Tourist Village ... Located 7 miles east of Mobile, Alabama, at the junction of U.S. Highways 31 & 90, is built on the site of the last battle of the War Between the States (April 8-9, 1865). The original trenches and breast works have been preserved and official U.S. Government War Department maps identify the various batteries, gun replacements etc. The 60 unit motor court, restaurant etc. (Air conditioned) enjoy a Coast-to Coast reputation for excellent service and genuine hospitality." (date on back 1-17-51)




"Dauphin Island is the scene each summer of a Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. the top prize fish is the Tarpon which is the State's official fish. The entire Alabama Gulf Coast is famous for excellent speckled trout during the winter months."




"Along the Gulf Coast of Alabama ... The sugar white sand along the new Gulf Shores meets the azure blue water and enhances the pleasure of thousands of people who come for fun and sun to this busy resort area."

This shot centers on Highway 59 (Gulf Shores Parkway) at the intersection with Highway 182 (Beach Boulevard) ... 1970's




"Along the Gulf Coast of Alabama ... Convention Center ... The beauty of the Convention Center is enhanced between the blue fresh lake and the Gulf of Mexico. The fast growing area of Gulf Shores to the west is a delightful place to visit. A complete vacation spot for fun, sun, and relaxing." (1970's)




"Gulf State Lodge & Convention Center ... Gulf Shores, Alabama ... Following along the gleaming white shore line of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, is this modern convention center."(1970's)




"Along the Gulf of Mexico Gulf Shores, Alabama ... Gulf Shores has taken on a new look that is unique in its accommodations. The front has pavilions and parking area to accommodate vacationers. The sugar white sand and the fun in the sun is still the best in the south." (1970's)




"White Caps Beach Apartments Motel ... 5 Miles East of Gulf Shores, Alabama at Romar Beach on Alabama 182 ... All luxury equipment air-conditioned, electric kitchenette, tile bath, shuffleboard, maid quarters, beautiful private beach with cabana. Swimming pool."

The White Caps was the first motel in Orange Beach, and it was the site of the first swimming pool on the island. It opened in 1960. Summer House Condominiums occupies the site today.




"This beautiful white sandy beach along the Gulf of Mexico is truly a paradise for the vacationist. Swimming, boating, and salt water fishing are but a few of the many diversions for relaxation."

The Gulf State Park Casino was at the end of Hwy 135 on the site where the convention center was located before Hurricane Ivan. The casino was primarily a teenage hangout. It burned to the ground in the early 1950's.




"The Palms Court" Loxley, Alabama ... 14 Units - Comfortable - Reasonable - Electric Fans - Heat - "Friendly Service Always"

The Palms still stands today. This postcard is probably from the early 1940's. In those days tourists would have stayed in a motel like this one and made day trips to the rivers and Mobile Bay to fish.




"The Satsuma is a Mandarin type, "Kid-glove" orange of delicious dessert quality. It was introduced into the United States from Japan in 1876. Satsuma oranges are grown extensively in the Gulf Coast section. Single orchards in Mobile County comprising as much as 1100 acres." Postmarked 1947.




This postcard is postmarked Jan 20, 1937. I don't recognize the scenery. If you do or know anybody who might, let me know.



"Tarpon Bay Lodge , West of Foley, Alabama, on beautiful Weeks Bay - The Home of Game Fish. A Grand Place to Play or Rest." Postmarked 1950.




"Holiday Inn Dauphin Island, Alabama ... State Highway 163, 32 miles south of Mobile in the Gulf of Mexico ...When you visit the sparkling sugar-white sands of Dauphin Island's beaches, you'll know you're in the paradise of the Gulf." Postmarked 1967

The Great Blue Heron

No bird is more regal than the great blue heron. These are large wading birds which are found in wetlands and near open water. Their territory runs over a majority of North and Central America, the Galapagos Islands, and the West Indies. This bird shows up in Europe rarely, and it has also been spotted in the Azores, England and Spain.

The great white heron was once thought to be a separate species, but it's not. The white heron roams south Florida and the Caribbean and is actually a white morph of a blue heron. Another species of heron called the Wurdemann's heron looks similar to the great blue heron, but it has a white head.

In Europe and elsewhere a similar but smaller bird, the grey heron, is predominant. Along with the cocoi heron and the great blue, the grey forms a sort of super-species. There are also five subspecies.

The bird's territory goes up to Alaska and Canadian provinces. Birds normally living in the northern part of their range migrate South for the winter. On the West Coast and in the southern U.S., they stay put. In the north, some of the birds do remain during cold winters, as these are hardy birds.



The blue is the biggest of the herons in North America and grows up to fifty-five inches tall. Stretched out, the wings may cover a length of seventy-nine inches. It can weigh up to eight pounds and it has lovely, slate-blue feathers, reddish brown thighs, and two stripes down the flanks. Its neck is a rust-grey color with white and black streaks down the front. It features an almost-white face and a pair of bushy black "eyebrows" on its head.

The great blue heron has a dull-yellow beak and this turns orange at the start of the breeding season. Young birds have an overall duller color, no plumes, and a beak which is dull gray-yellow. The bird walks in an almost straight line and the distance between steps is about nine inches. It has small talons which imprint as it walks.

Habitat is varied for this large bird. It is very adaptable to its surroundings. The great blue is always found close to bodies of water, and it prefers nesting in an elevated location such as bushes or trees. The great blue heron might be spotted in both saltwater and freshwater marshes, at the edges of lakes, shorelines, and in temporarily flooded meadows, like their cousins the egrets.

They are a favorite of birdwatchers because they are regal, refined and elegant. Watching them wait patiently for prey and then lightning quick catching it, brings a few of those gorgeous Audubon paintings to life.

You are likely to spot these large and beautiful birds if you visit the coast or inland waterways of Alabama. They are very common on the beach, and there you will normally see a solitary heron in search of food. They are very accustomed to humans, so it is easy to get close enough to take a good photo. If you are in a watercraft, look for their nests (from the water, of course) on the islands in and near Perdido Pass.

Gulf Shores Memorabilia

Alabama Point, Alabama ... Spanning Perdido Bay, this bridge connects the resort areas of two states - Florida and Alabama. (1960s)


The first bridge over Perdido Pass was opened to traffic in 1962. This two-lane bridge was damaged by Hurricane Frederick in 1979. After the hurricane, a higher four-lane bridge was built and the old won was demolished.

Ashwander Beach Cottages ... Completely Furnished for Housekeeping ... Air-Conditioned ... New and Modern ... Write or call for reservations ... Earl & Lois Ashwander - Gulf shores, Alabama. (1960s)



Friendship House ... Gulf Coasts' Finest Food ... Restaurant - Lounge - Antiques ... Highway E. 180 on Intracoastal Canal ... Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542 (1960s)

The Friendship House, owned by Nick Coles, was located on the Intracoastal Canal at the old drawbridge.

Lovell's Restaurant ... Loxley, Alabama ... Serving the most delicious meals, specializing in plate lunches, chicken and sea foods... Owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. M. Lovell. (1960s)

This building still stands. Several different businesses have occupied it since Lovell's closed.




Just glance at the map! Gulf Shores, Alabama, is easily accessible to a vast area of the United States. It's the perfect holiday spot for every member of the family, and ideal for extended visits too! Its fishing and beach sports are yours on a year-round basis. The attractions of the Azalea Trail and Mardi Gras in Mobile, the Pensacola dog races, are only a short, pleasant drive over beautiful highways.

We have Courts, Cottages, Motels and Hotels available at reasonable rates. Kitchen equipped if you like, or you may dine in our many excellent restaurants. They are located on the Gulf Beach, Intra-Coastal Canal and Orange Beach.

The simple life's the rule of wonderful Gulf Shores, but the accent's on true, modern comfort. There's a variety of cottages available, assuring just the type you need. MODERATE rates always.
Fishing? Every day in the year, you have your choice - deep-sea fishing in the Gulf, fresh water fishing in nearby streams, bay fishing in one of our many bays, casting from one of our five piers, or surf casting directly from the shores! All yours in Gulf Shores! (1960s)