Stone arches frame a sun-dappled colonial corridor at the Hotel Valles in Ciudad Valles, San Luis Potosí — a real-photo postcard of serene architectural beauty that captures the hotel at its mid-century heyday as a favored stopover for travelers on Mexico's newly completed Pan-American Highway. Massive rusticated limestone piers support a series of sweeping arches opening onto a tranquil courtyard with a small fountain, manicured shrubs, and terracotta-tiled floors; a large ceramic olla anchors one corner, wooden chairs and a side table await guests in the cool shade of the portico. Figures can be glimpsed at the far end of the corridor. The Hotel Valles was one of the landmark luxury motor-court inns of its era along the highway. Geo (short for George?) dashed off a simple but enthusiastic note dated June 12 and mailed it to "Mr. G.H. Wem" at 612 Monticello Court, San Antonio, Texas: "June 12th — Wonderful time — Geo." Printed by Kodak Mexicana Ltd., the gold standard for RPPC quality in mid-century Mexico.