Albuquerque New Mexico Alvarado Hotel Santa Fe Depot Real Photo Postcard
The building depicted is likely a Santa Fe Railway structure, possibly a station or hotel, in a community named Alvarado, California, or perhaps the Alvarado Hotel and Station in Richmond, which was a prominent example of the railway's Mission Revival architecture. The illumination by 3900 incandescent bulbs represents a significant public display of electric lighting, which in the early 20th century was still a modern marvel and a symbol of technological progress and prosperity.
Such elaborate lighting events were often orchestrated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to celebrate grand openings, civic occasions, or local festivals. The Santa Fe Railway played a crucial role in the development of the American West, and its architecturally distinctive depots and hotels often served as focal points for communities, hosting events that showcased both local pride and the advancements brought by the railway and modern amenities like electricity.
Such elaborate lighting events were often orchestrated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to celebrate grand openings, civic occasions, or local festivals. The Santa Fe Railway played a crucial role in the development of the American West, and its architecturally distinctive depots and hotels often served as focal points for communities, hosting events that showcased both local pride and the advancements brought by the railway and modern amenities like electricity.
