1996 Lambert Pictorial Map of Mount Desert Island, Maine

Acadia National Park!

This is a striking 1996 Beth Greenwell Lambert pictorial and historical map of Mount Desert Island, Maine, home of Acadia National Park and one of the sparkling gems of the state's long scenic coastline. Among other features, it focuses on the island's magnificent wildlife and its surrounding waters.

A Closer Look

The map covers the entirety of Mount Desert Island and surrounding islets, from Thompson Island and the Trenton Bridge in the north to Bass Harbor in the south. Acadia National Park is shaded green to distinguish it from the rest of the island. Dashed lines trace carriage routes and historic Indian trails. Many illustrations throughout refer to both the long history of human habitation on the island - from Native Americans to early European explorers and beyond - to contemporary life. The culture, economy, and recreational activities of Mount Desert Island and nearby islands are emphasized, from hiking, skiing, and horseback riding to fishing and sailing. Several references are made to local idiosyncrasies, including the local accent and local terms for wildlife (just to the right of the key).

Acadia National Park

Mount Desert Island, so named because of its many bald rocky mountaintops, has been a tourist destination since the mid-19th century when it was discovered by outsiders, artists, journalists, Hudson River School artists, and other patrons, known collectively as the 'Rusticators.' Undaunted by crude accommodations and simple food, they sought out local fishermen and farmers for accommodation and guidance. Summer after summer, the rusticators returned to renew friendships with local islanders and, most of all, to savor the fresh salt air, scenery, and relaxed pace. Soon, the villagers' cottages and fishermen's huts were filled to overflowing, and by 1880, 30 hotels competed for vacationers' dollars.

Tourism was becoming the island's primary industry. Drawing the attention of the wealthy and influential, the island was designated as Sieur de Monts National Monument by President Woodrow Wilson in July 1916. In February 1919, the area's status was officially changed from a National Monument to a National Park, making it the first National Park east of the Mississippi River. With the change to a National Park came a name change as well, to Lafayette National Park. It was not until January 1929 that the park was given its current name, Acadia National Park. Acadia is unlike most other National Parks, as its creation was encouraged by numerous private individuals. One, John. D. Rockefeller purchased a summer home in Bass Harbor in 1910. Rockefeller began buying up land on the island with the goal of creating a system of carriage roads to make 'one of the greatest views in the world' accessible to all visitors.

Publication History and Census

This map was drawn by artist Beth Greenwell Lambert, printed by the Knowlton and McLeary Company, and published by Maine Maps Inc. in 1996. We have been unable to find any other information or works by Maine Maps Inc., possibly making this piece the firm's only output. The map is only noted among the holdings of the University of Maine at Orono.

Cartographers

Beth Greenwell Lambert (fl. c. 1986 - present) is an artist and illustrator based in Maine. She studied Studio Art at the University of Texas in Austin and focused on art full-time after raising three children, studying with New England artist Don Stone and participating in several workshops throughout New England to hone her craft. In addition to paintings, Lambert is credited as the illustrator for two children's books by Joan Marie Loreto and has produced at least two pictorial maps, one of Mount Desert Island (1996) and one of Maine overall (2009). Lambert's works are displayed at galleries along the Maine Coast and she is active in the local arts scene, such as the Coastal Fine Arts Alliance.   Further Details...

Knowlton and McLeary Co. (c. 1881 - 1997) was a long-running commercial printing company based in Farmington, Maine. They produced books on a variety of topics, especially religious texts, works relating to education, and local histories like The History of Kensington, New Hampshire and A history of Farmington Maine 1776-1885. The origins on the firm lie with D. H. Knowlton and Co., founded n 1871 in Farmington by David Hunter Knowlton (c. 1845 - 1915), who purchased the Gordon Franklin Job Press and renaming it after himself. In 1881, Knowlton went into business with Frank Edwards McLeary (1859 - 1929) as 'Steam Book and Job Printers,' retaining Knowlton's established specialty on works relating to schools, education, and didactics. McLeary later ventured into several other businesses, being an early automobile salesman in Farmington as well as the Vice President of the First National Bank. Both Knowlton and McLeary were deeply involved in local Masonic Lodges and the Odd Fellows, being grandees of the business community in Farmington.   Further Details...

Condition

Very good. Some light creasing.

References

OCLC 558584776.