T.C Wohlbrück took this 1920s photograph of the Echo Summit Lodge at Johnson’s Pass, El Dorado County. Wohlbrück was not only a photographer but was an entrepreneur as well. He was one of, if not the first person to set up what we would call today, gas station mini-marts. He called them “Cantina’s,” and he had three of them to his name. The first one built at Emigrant Gap, the second he established in 1922 at Echo Summit, and the third at Donner Memorial Park in Truckee.
The spectacular view from the lodge veranda.
In the early days of automobile travel, cars were unreliable and needed regular water, oil, and gas supplies. As more people ventured out exploring the summit areas in their autos, T. C. saw an opportunity to supply travelers with the necessities for their automobiles, food, and souvenirs. This spot, which was historic as the summit of Johnsons' Pass on Meyers Grade, made a great stop to get supplies and admire the spectacular view of Lake Tahoe. Wohlbrück offered food, rooms, cabins, souvenirs, and postcards which featured his photography.
A close up of the proceeding photograph shows the signs attached to a directional device. “Please Register at Lodge” and “Make your postcards from the top of the world, Echo Summit…”
The photograph shows the lodge as approached from the west. Immediately after the lodge, the road drops down a steep and twisting portion of Meyers Grade towards Lake Tahoe. While looking at the photograph through a magnifier, I noticed the sign on the right, which is a Lincoln Highway sign, guiding the traveler along the "highway."
When the State of California built the Highway 50 expressway, it bypassed this historic spot for the current route around Echo Summit. The business soon declined, and in 1952 The Alpine club purchased the lodge and still runs it today. There is a new Lincoln Highway sign, which still stands, attached to the building by the stairs.
A closer view of the Lincoln Highway sign.