1908
Maker: Walker / Automobile Club of America
Antique road map of Southern Vermont published by The Automobile Club of America and printed by Walker, 1908. This map also includes the western part of Southern New Hampshire with Keene and Sunapee on the right side and also includes Grafton, Woodstock, Rutland, Bennington, and the Green Mountain National Forest. Indicates good roads, other roads, and state roads and also shows towns, villages, railroads and lakes. Automobiles were quite new at this time and most of the existing roads were for horses and carriages. The bicycle boom of the late 1800s had resulted in the paving of some roads, but most were still dirt and probably rutted from carriage wheels, which is why early road maps usually indicated the better roads. The enthusiasm for automobiles sped up the paving of roads, but maps like this were necessary to identify the best roads to avoid damaging your new vehicle. Fun fact: the state speed limit in MA in 1907 was 12 mph in cities and villages and 20 mph in rural areas. The map was published by George Walker Co. as a folding map, backed on linen. Good to very good antique condition with uneven toning resulting some sheets being slightly darker than others, very mild spots/stains, mild wear along the folds and fabric between sheets is in good condition although with some spots. Measures approx. 31.5 x 40.5 inches to the neatline. This map was issued as part of a set of four- if you would like to purchase the whole set with original cloth case, please contact us for a reduced price.
Genuine Antique Map from 1908
Item Number: CSMT364B