Before highway embankments were covered with “crown vetch” or other fast-growing cover foliage, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania planted a variety of ornamental trees and flowering shrubs.
https://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/Env_topics/ecosystems/roadside_use/vegmgmt_rd_pa.aspx
These plants were often native species that were likely to thrive, and plants that had ornamental value.
The plantings protected the highway by preventing soil erosion of the banks, but also afforded a pleasant drive.
Pennsylvania was proud of its highways, and pleased to celebrate their beauty.
We have seen other postcards illustrated with “Pennsylvania Beauty Views” – Fall foliage, scenic overlooks, and Spring blossoms.
The face of this postcard draws attention specifically to roadside plants.
The postcard was not mailed, but we can approximate the date to the late 1930’s or early 1940’s.
On the reverse, the celebratory blurb notes locust trees, rose bushes, winter berry bushes, ferns, laurel, and rhododendron.
Like other examples we have seen, this “Beauty View” was originally published by Walmer of Harrisburg.
The image, printed with the new “linen-style” postcard process, may have been reprinted by the Curt Teich Company of Chicago.
It appears that some postcard collector was also thrilled by the variety and beauty of Pennsylvania flora – and preserved the postcard in excellent condition.
