Frequently we share a different historical or vintage (or sometimes not so old) image on the Essex on Lake Champlain Facebook page and invite our viewers to play some Vintage Essex Trivia. 

What do you recognize in this photo? Where is this? What has changed? When do you think this photo was taken?

The caption tells us that this is the Glenwood Inn in Westport on Lake Champlain, NY. It also tells us the postcard was created by Moore & Gibson Co. of New York but was printed in Germany. (At least I’m assuming that is why Germany is also listed.)

I’m not sure I recognize the building—does it still stand in Westport today?

It is interesting how they imposed the outline of the deer on the front. I’m not sure if it was meant to be used to write out a message, but that’s what the person who used the postcard did!

Here are some comments from the community as they shared what they knew or guessed about the old photo (one more serious than the other):

Glen Pickles: This is definitely The Old Dock House before the lake level rose to its current height.

Dianne B Lansing: Well, it says on the card that it was the Glenwood Inn in Westport. Dr. Merrihew lived there and had his dental office there. Bruce Ware owns it now. I heard a story that when it burned the waitresses put the silverware in their aprons and slid on their bottoms down the icy hill to save the silverware.

The backside of the postcard is postmarked as May 14, 1907 at 8PM. So that tells us the photo dates to that year or prior. And seems like post offices were open into the late evening once upon a time!

Do you have any other thoughts to share? Please leave a comment below!

Have any vintage images or artifacts of your own that you would like us to share with the community? Email us at editor[at]essexonlakechamplain.com.