Broadway Plaza postcards — Walnut Creek (1950s and 1960s)

Vintage postcards from Broadway Plaza capture the center during its early years as a regional shopping destination. These images reflect its original design, early tenants, and the architectural style that defined its opening era.

Postcard 1 —Broadway Plaza sign and street view

1950s postcard of Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek, featuring the original plaza sign and mid-century storefronts along Broadway with classic cars and pedestrians.

1950s postcard of Broadway Plaza. On the right, Broadway sign at Main Street and Broadway Plaza with JCPenney on the left. On the left, looking north up South Broadway.

The back of the postcard reads: "Broadway Shopping Center. This view shows only a portion of this rapidly expanding business district. The city is situated in the shadow of famed Mt. Diablo and has grown in less than a score of years from a peaceful farming area to a friendly bustling shipping center. Predictions have the county population to half a million by 1960 and over a million by 1990."

Postcard 2 —Walnut Creek aerial

Aerial postcard of Broadway Plaza and downtown Walnut Creek, circa 1965.

The back of the card reads: "Aerial view of one of the many shopping centers of this bustling East Bay area."

Postcards preserved from mid-century private collection.

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