Seeing trees and flowers in bloom is one of the highlights of spring. Nowhere is that more evident than Central Washington’s fruit orchards, where blossoming apple, cherry and pear trees add a dash of pretty color to the landscape this time of year.

These classic photos found on the State Digital Archives show what we’re talking about.

The top photo, taken in the 1920, features an orchard in bloom in the Wenatchee Valley. The bottom photo shows blossoming rhododendrons, Washington’s state flower.

Rhododendrons in bloom in 1920s.

The photos are found in a digital collection entitled “Conservation Department, Planning and Development Division, Lantern Slide Shows, 1908-1939.” The collection includes more than 250 glass lantern slides used to promote tourism and immigration in Washington. The images show the construction of Grand Coulee Dam, the Columbia Basin Project, irrigation and water projects, building projects, hotels, dams, fishing and recreational activities, transportation facilities, shipwrecks, and scenic views of forests and rivers. Most of the images were taken by noted photographers Asahel Curtis, Charles A. Libby and Sons, or Delong & Drake.

If you’re in a festive mood after seeing the blossom photos, or if you just want to take a trip to Central Washington, this year’s Washington State Apple Blossom Festival is April 27-May 7 in Wenatchee.

Go check out the other collections in the state’s Digital Archives to see what beauty you can discover!