This postcard, mailed in July 1914, depicts the steel excursion steamer Columbia cruising the St. Louis River. The best synopsis of the ol’ picnic cruise experience of yesteryear is perhaps the one on the back of the card, where “Aunt Carrie” writes to Miss Virginia Stanbridge of Westminster, Mass. If the message and penmanship seem a little too perfect, take a closer look. It’s a fill-in-the-blank card.

We are enjoying the sights at the Twin Ports, Duluth and Superior. Took a delightful boat ride on the steel excursion steamer Columbia of the Clow & Nicholson Transportation Co. line to old historic Fond du Lac and enjoyed this picturesque boat ride of 36 miles. The fare is only 50 cents for the round trip. I’m going to take in their popular 25 cent ride on old Lake Superior this eve. When you visit the Head of the Lakes, don’t miss these boat rides.

Below is another postcard from the same era with a closer look at the Columbia. Both postcards in this post were published by Duluth Photo Engraving Company.