1941 Albert Richard Pictorial Map of the United States College Football Teams

This is a 1941 Albert Richard pictorial map of the United States highlighting college football. The map is part of a series that appeared as football was increasingly becoming a national pastime. It an era before television, most followed their teams through radio and newspapers. The 'Pigskin Panorama' was a way for sport fans to connect not only with the colors and mascots of their favorite teams, but also to visualize the increasingly complex network of regional and national leagues. The series was updated annually from roughly 1939 to 1950.

A Closer Look

The map depicts the United States a focus on the fanfare associated with college football, a uniquely American past time. 239 different schools are referenced, with an index along the bottom border providing schools' location, nickname, and 1940 win-loss-tie record. Some schools are marked only by their names, while others are highlighted by pennants, seals, or caricatures. The latter include LSU, Kentucky, Auburn, Duke (with the Blue Devil pointing its pitchfork at UNC's pennant), Wisconsin, Wyoming, UCLA, Oregon State, Oregon, and the University of Washington. Conference winners are highlighted by large blue stars bearing the school name and conference affiliation, while All-Americans are recognized with red stars bearing their name, position, and school. Bowl games are also included, marked by small stadiums and the score of the 1940 game. Conference winners dating back to 1896 are listed along both borders. Small infographics on either side of the index along the bottom border include illustrations of official signals on the left side and rivalry trophies on the right.

The verso features advertisements for Albert Richard clothing products with descriptions that read like a J. Peterman catalog:

The Spitfire: Aviation type, Action-Fit capeskin leather jacket. The Talon fastener is placed off-center giving a double breasted effect for protection against wind and weather. It zips to top, closing collar snugly around neck. Plenty of pockets: two lower slash, large map pocket with snap, Talon breast pocket. Belted military back. Adjustable strap cuffs. Colors: tan, nugget or walnut…

It also includes the 1941 schedules for major conference schools.

An example of the 1941 edition belonging to the Library of Congress is described as follows:

This pictorial map demonstrates how popular football had become by the beginning of World War II. With a primary emphasis on the collegiate side of the sport, with team nicknames, 1940 season records, and major conference championships, it also documents the major professional clubs - only ten at the time. The map carries the endorsement of the noted sportswriter Grantland Rice, and reports his selections for the 1940 All-America team. (Virga, Brinkley et al).

Publication History and Census

This map was created by F. E. Cheeseman and published by the Albert Richard Company in 1941. We are aware of only one institutional example: David Rumsey Map Collection at Stanford. Is rare on the private market.