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This is an originalreal photo postcard (RPPC)showing a lively streetscape ofThe Village, Big Bear Lake, California, likely photographed in thelate 1930s to early 1940sbased on the automobile models visible. The image captures the heart of Big Bear’s early commercial district—an area that grew dramatically in the 1920s–40s as the mountain resort town became a popular getaway for Southern California residents.
Prominently featured in the photograph are several recognizable businesses of the era:
Safeway Grocery Store— part of the rapidly expanding national chain that dominated American grocery retail during the 1930s.
Corbet 5-10-25 Cents Store— classic “five-and-dime” shops like this were essential fixtures of small-town Main Streets.
Big Bear Studio— a local photography and souvenir shop typical of vacation destinations.
U.S. Post Office – Big Bear Lake, Calif.— helping date the card firmly to the mid-20th century, when the post office operated out of small wooden lodge-style buildings.
Lining the street are numerous1930s–40s automobiles, parked diagonally in front of the businesses, providing an excellent reference for dating the scene. Towering pines surround the village, highlighting the rustic mountain setting that made Big Bear Lake so appealing to vacationers long before today’s modern ski resorts and recreation areas.
This postcard isunpostedwith aAZO-style blank back, consistent with real photo postcards of this period.
Condition
Front:Excellent contrast and clarity; crisp details typical of a true RPPC
Back:Unused, clean, light toning
Corners/Edges:Minor wear consistent with age
Surface:No major creases or scratches visible
Please review all photographs for the most accurate visual description of condition.
Notes
A wonderful historical view of early Big Bear Lake commerce—perfect for collectors of California mountain towns, RPPC street scenes, vintage cars, and early Safeway or five-and-dime store ephemera.
