Barry’s Pick — The Black Cat Café

A picture is worth a thousand stories, and this gem has plenty to say. It’s bold, it’s cheeky, and it perfectly captures that mid-century mix of kitsch, charm, and adventure. From vibrant colors to its roadside list of northern Arizona's finest sights, this image transports us to a full-sensory time warp of the heyday of American car travel.  

To explore what makes this postcard so compelling, we spoke to Barry Bell, co-founder of Found Image Press and chief nostalgia aficionado, who shares why this vintage café advertisement sparks a special connection with people.  

Q&A: On Cats, Cactus, and Route 66 Magic 

What first drew you to this image? 

There’s a lot to look at in this classic postcard art from the 1950s or 60s. An aggravated black cat on a wooden fence, a yellow full moon, and a deeply saturated contrast of colors that pop off the paper. Holding on to the Halloween spirit, it features a cheeky, bold design style that embodies mid-century Americana. It’s playful and eye-catching, meant to grab travelers' attention through a diner window or roadside display rack.  

What does this image remind you of personally? 

As a child, my family drove to visit our grandparents in southern New Mexico every other summer, and we frequently passed through Flagstaff. It was all about roadside existence – cafés, motels, cacti, diners, desert geology, and of course, one of the most famous of all time, Route 66. This image really transports me back in time.  

What do you think this image says about its time period? 

This image vigorously represents vintage southwestern roadside culture. It reflects the golden age of America, when every small town had its own unique café or other attraction vying for attention with neon signs, bold graphics, and catchy names. The Black Cat Café advertisement is the epitome, even including a guide to local wonders. This represents travel and tourism of this time, when every stop had a lot to discover.  

Why do you think this image still resonates today? 

Even in today’s tech-advanced world, there’s something special about the open road and the charm of roadside culture. This postcard is a reminder of the freedom, spontaneity, and creativity that defined the era.  

If you could give this image a caption or title, what would it be? 

High Altitude, Hair-Raising Adventures at the Black Cat Café

The Black Cat Café postcard is more than a clever illustration. It is an invitation to explore a bygone era of quirky roadside stops and spontaneous adventure. Whether you’re a retro design lover, a road trip nostalgic, or just someone who appreciates a good cat with strong opinions, this image offers something for everyone to love.  

Check out more of Barry’s Picks on The Curated Chronicle and find us on Pinterest to compile your own collection of quirky cards!