1930 Kropp Panoramic View of Palm Beach Florida

This is a stunning panoramic view of Palm Beach, Florida published by E. C. Kropp and Company. The view looks southeasterly with what is today has evolved into the Flagler Memorial Bridge crossing the intercoastal waterway in the foreground and the Breakers Palm Beach Resort appearing prominently on the Atlantic side of the island. To the left of the bridge the historic Biltmore Hotel (not Biltmore Condos) is apparent. At the far right, the Whitehall Hotel, formerly Henry Flagler's fabulous mansion, is prominent and helps date the card somewhat, as the 300-room waterfront tower, constructed in 1925, is evident. The center of the island is occupied by the Breakers Ocean Gulf Club - Florida's oldest golf course. Today Palm Beach is one of Florida's most beautiful and desirable communities and remains a popular tourist destination.

The Novel Original Shipper

The map comes with its original shipper. A stiff cardboard sheet into which the view can be rolled, including instructions

For safe transportation in the U.S. Mail, it is suggested that the panoramic picture be rolled to a diameter of about 1 1/2 inches, this mailer being partly rolled with the picture and then completely around it, thus forming a substantial mailing tube.

Clearly the U.S.P.S. in the 1930s took far better care of the mail than we can expect today.

Publication History and Census

This view was published by the E. C. Kropp company. While undated, the presence of the Whitehall Hotel tower, suggests that it must postdate 1925, and from other development (and lack thereof) we have roughly estimated the date at 1930. No other examples known.