POSTCARD HISTORY LESSON - A Typical Scene in Venice, California

Here’s a good example of Venice, California at her very early stages.

The postcard, entitled “BOATING ON THE CANALS” was postmarked in 1905, and you can see that much of the area is not yet developed. There’s a nice, solid bridge, and some decent landscaping. In the background are a few of the earlier buildings, and there’s one of the famous gondolas taking passengers while other boaters look on.

By 1907 the Original boathouse was built, just to the right of the bridge.

Of course the canal you're looking at was filled in ages ago, and now serves as a street.