Alan Mays' photos with the keyword: West Virginia

For more information, see the full version of this real photo postcard:

A photo taken at the playground for the Vintage Photos Theme Park. This real photo postcard captures children in mid-swing on playground equipment at the Lost River State Park in West Virginia (mouse over the image above for a close-up view of the activity ). Workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped to construct the park, which opened in 1937. The three young men on the right-hand side were caught in mid-stride as they walked toward the camera. Their uniforms, including neckties tucked into their shirts, suggest that they were CCC workers.

"Economize by using Putnam Dyes and Putnam Dry-Cleaner." Printed on the back of this die-cut advertising card: "Easter Greetings from Frank P. Allen, Shanks, W. Va." A royal rabbit wearing a crown sits on colorful Easter eggs to promote Putnam Dyes—used for clothes but not eggs, as far as I know—and Putnam Dry-Cleaner, a solvent for home dry cleaning . For another multicolored advertising piece from this company, see Putnam Fadeless Dyes and Tints Advertising Fan .

Jennie B. Dorsey, left, and her aunt, Mrs. Amanda J. (Dorsey) Watkins, in Clarksburg, West Virginia. For more information, see the full version of this real photo postcard:

A picture that tells a sad story (either in the photo or written on the back) for the Vintage Photos Theme Park. The woman at left on the front of this real photo postcard is Jennie B. Dorsey, who was visiting her aunt (her father's sister), Mrs. Amanda J. (Dorsey) Watkins, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, in 1911 (mouse over the image above for a close-up view of the women). As Amanda wrote on the back of the card, "This is a picture of my niece who has the consumption," which was another term for tuberculosis , an incurable infectious disease at the time. On the front of the card, Amanda added, "She has been failing ever since she returned to her home in Scranton, Pa." Sadly, Jennie did pass away the following year on April 3, 1912. She was only 24 years old, and her death certificate listed the cause of her death as pulmonary tuberculosis. This real photo postcard was postmarked in Columbus, Ohio, on July 13, 1911. It was addressed to Miss Lizzie Seitz, Post Office Box, Muncie, Ind. Message on the front of the postcard: Jennie Dorsey & Mrs. Watkins in Clarksburg, W.Va. She has been failing ever since she returned to her home in Scranton, Pa. Message on the other side: Dear Miss Seitz, This is a picture of my niece who has the consumption and I on our lawn, and this is the house we live in. We are at the camp for 2 days. We are not very well in body. Will write more in a letter soon. We all send love. So sorry about your eyes. Use salt water diluted and get the juice of a grape vine. Be careful, don't use strong medicine. Be careful and rest them all you can. I cured mine with salt water.

"Old Mill, Rock Springs Park, Chester, W. Va. Aquarama." The Aquarama (see sign on building) or Old Mill was an enclosed water ride at the now defunct Rock Springs Park in Chester, West Virginia. An " old mill " ride was also called a "tunnel of love" at some amusement parks.

An advertising postcard for Nunn-Bush Shoes. None But Nunn-Bush Shoes for Me! Nunn-Bush Ankle-Fashioned Oxfords. Most styles, $8.50 to $11.50, a few higher. Nunn-Bush shoes are ankle-fashioned to make their trim lines last. The John B. Wilt Co., "The Home of Good Clothes," Elkins, W. Va.

Despite signs warning against it (see below), some people still climb onto Jefferson Rock for photos.

A photo of Jefferson Rock taken on a hazy, hot August afternoon in 2009. See below for a vintage view of Jefferson Rock from a similar angle:

In this view from Jefferson Rock, cars and trucks are visible on the bridge that carries U.S. Route 340 over the Shenandoah River.

The Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet at Harpers Ferry , West Virginia, and the borders of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia come together here as well. In this view from Jefferson Rock, the waters of the Shenandoah River are barerly visible in the distance, as is the bridge that carries U.S. Route 340 over the river. The hills on the other side are still part of West Virginia.

Two of the pillars that support the top slab of the rock.

A tattered & torn (or otherwise damaged) photo for the Vintage Photos Theme Park. Handwritten caption: "Remember that day." Handwritten note on the back: "Isn't this sweet. Give me one in the place of this." An undated and well-worn photo taken at Jefferson Rock , which overlooks the town of Harpers Ferry , West Virginia. According to Wikipedia, "The name of this landmark derives from Thomas Jefferson, who stood there on October 25, 1783. He found the view from the rock impressive and wrote in Notes on the State of Virginia that 'this scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic.'" Note that the silhouette of someone's head and shoulders is visible in the background between two of the pillars that hold the top slab of the rock in place. Here's a 2009 view of the rock taken from a similar vantage point:

"1. Set arrow to city nearest starting point. 2. Read mileage in window of destination. 3. Principal highways are shown in red."