1932 Walter M. Gaffney Map of Cape Cod, Massachusetts

This is an unusual 1932 Walter M. Gaffney pictorial map of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Pictorial symbols, including an airplane, a deer, a windmill, lighthouses, and the Pilgrim Monument at Provincetown, add charm to the piece. Illustrations of the Mayflower, Leif Ericson's ship, and other boats decorate Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic. According to his daughter, Gaffney issued this map to make supplemental money while the architecture business suffered a downturn.

Pictorial Style Map

This is considered a 'pictorial map,' reflecting a style that first began to appear around 1910. As a map, its intention is not so much to provide direction as to illustrate the character, famous places, and historical appeal. Cartographically speaking, this map style most likely draws its inspiration from late 19th century 'tourist maps' and 'railroad maps.' Tourist Maps, common to major cities in Europe (usually Paris or London), included profiles of notable buildings and monuments and were designed to help foreign tourists identify and navigate to the most important sights. 'Railroad Maps' are a related genre more common to the United States. During the latter part of the 19th century railroad boom, railroad companies began issuing decorative route maps extolling the virtues various destinations and their accessibility by rail.

Context

Standing somewhere between these two map styles, our map combines the decorative aspects of both while reducing cartographic value. It may be hard to get from A to B using this map, but its attractive design and decorative flourishes make it an excellent souvenir and memento of a wonderful Cape Cod vacation.

Publication History and Census

This map does appear on the market from time to time.