1915
Maker: Walker / Automobile Club of America
Antique road map of Central Massachusetts published by The Automobile Club of America and printed by Walker, copyrighted in 1906 and 1907, edition of 1915. This map covers Worcester County, Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. 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. Very good antique condition with toning, mild wear at the edges and along the folds, and the fabric between sheets is in good condition. Measures approx. 26.5 x 33 inches to the neatline.
Genuine Antique Map from 1915
Item Number: MAS2472