Lake Havasu City isn’t an old community by any means, yet there were postcards mailed from here that are now over 50 years old. I came across a vintage one the other day, sent on August 22, 1970. We’re fast approaching the 55th anniversary of it leaving town.
The colorful picture postcard shows several boats fueling up at a “Site 6” Lake Havasu dock, with another one just leaving. It looks like a small convenience store is also located there.
A large van with the word ICE emblazoned in large letters on the side sits in the background with what appears to be a Karmen Ghia Volkswagen parked in front of it. Being a bit facetious here, I didn’t spot any federal agents standing outside with masks. Some of you will get the pun, if it can be called that.
The postcard I mentioned was sent to Jerry Smith at 1630 Prairie in Elkhart, Indiana. A stamp was only a nickel back then. It was mailed by his parents with a short note written in ink. I’ve left the language exactly as it is with no corrections. Look closely and you’ll see some humor in the wording. I’m sure it wasn’t intentional.
“Hi Son – All I can say I wish you couldn’t have come with us. It is so pretty here and we are having a lovely time. I don’t no if we will get to see Linda or not. love Mother & Dad”
The Smiths passed through town just as the London Bridge was being finished. There were no Shugrues or Mudshark Pizza at that time, nor Holiday Inn Express. The closest McDonald’s was in Phoenix. Regardless of limited amenities, the Smiths indicated they loved this place.
I researched the couple, and it was Jerry Garnett Smith Jr. and his wife Irene Margaret Smith who visited LHC. They were impressed with the scenery, as most people are, and it piqued my curiosity to see if they might’ve eventually relocated to our city like so many snowbirds do.
Research shows they remained in Indiana, as did their 18-year-old boy, at that time, Jerry G. Smith III. Sadly, all three of the Smiths have since passed away, with their son succumbing to cancer in 2022. He was a year older than me.
When my wife and I first began visiting Havasu, we purchased a few pieces of property from those folks who had flown here on one of Robert McCulloch Sr’s free flights. These people had plans to build their dream homes, yet things never materialized.
Selling their prized lots to us, with them holding the note, a couple of older sellers passed away before we paid things off and obtained the titles. Our monthly payments then went to beneficiaries.
Rotary Park is loaded with memorials to these “early visitors,” and I often take time while walking through to read their plaques. It’s sobering to see so many, knowing that someday Joleen and I will be joining them.
With no way to stop time, realizing that we’ll be leaving paradise for an even grander place, this knowledge always puts my mind at rest.
I like to write junk... 