An imaginary visit to Baltimore, Maryland in 1949


Let's time travel back to Baltimore, Maryland in 1949. And if you're wondering why I'm setting the way-back machine to that time and place, it isn't because I know anything at all about Baltimore, or that 1949 was an historically significant year there, it's simply because I found a cool old image on the Duke University website.

We're looking north on Charles Street towards Mt. Royal Avenue. And the only reason that I know the location is that my number one history adventuring researcher found the address for the Mayfair Hotel, which was at 1320 N. Charles Street. To cinch it, he also found an ad for Kelly Buick. This is just too much fun!

By the way, in case you're wondering, the reason the Duke University images are there because of the advertising. Yes, there are people who study vintage advertising! And often the location isn't listed (this one wasn't), but the date was. Duke University tends to be very careful about what they post, so I believe them when they write a date. Of course, if you see a car that was manufactured after 1949 or '50, please let me know and I'll do the correction.



And looking at the cars is where I want to start! If it's 1949, the new 1950 models could be on display at the dealership, assuming that it's late in the year. Imagine that - a new decade! And the 1950s were an awesome time for automotive design, which had been held back quite a bit during the war. If you can identify the year of the car inside of the showroom, please let me know!


Just look at those cars! This is part of the reason that I love the Duke site, they have such wonderful high-resolution scans. Amazing detail.


But wait, what about the neon! This must have been amazing at night. I notice that there seem to be "revues", which I guess was some type of musical performance, with pretty girls.


Note the Stage Door Restaurant at the Mayfair Hotel. All-Girl Revue! Not surprisingly, the bar is open. I suppose I'll go sip a gin-and-tonic, and enjoy the show, thinking about how wonderful the 1950s are going to be.

Thank you for visiting Baltimore with me!



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