1937 Rand McNally and SUNOCO Road Map of Florida

Features a pictorial map of Florida on the verso.

This is a 1937 Rand McNally road map of Florida with a charming pictorial map on the verso. Together, the two maps provide potential visitors with practical information concerning navigating the state and suggestions of places they might like to visit.

A Closer Look

The map depicts Florida from just west of Panama City south to Key West. Cities and towns are labeled throughout, with the largest emphasized by bold red font of varying sizes. The state's road network appears in detail, and paved roads, improved roads, graded roads, and dirt roads are all illustrated. The map even notes that graded and dirt roads are 'usually bad during wet weather' (not uncommon in Florida). Mileage between towns is provided. Rivers and lakes are identified. Tourist attractions, national parks, and other sites are also labeled in red, including Everglades National Park, which was still 'under construction.'

Verso Content: Pictorial Map of Florida

Pictorial vignettes highlight activities, sites, and attractions across Florida. Among these are the Choctawhatchee National Forest, the Florida State Capitol Building, Fort Matanzas National Monument, the Bok Singing Tower, the University of Miami, and the Fort Lauderdale Lion Farm. A scroll in the upper left quadrant draws the viewer's attention to the many historical sites in St. Augustine. People are illustrated hunting, fishing, playing tennis, and sunbathing. A road map of the eastern United States occupies the lower left corner.

Publication History and Census

This map was created and published by Rand McNally for SUNOCO 9in 1937. This is the only known cataloged example.

Cartographer

Rand, McNally and Co. (fl. 1856 - present) is an American publisher of maps, atlases and globes. The company was founded in 1856 when William H. Rand, a native of Quincy, Massachusetts, opened a print shop in Chicago. Rand hired the recent Irish immigrant Andrew McNally to assist in the shop giving him a wage of 9 USD per week. The duo landed several important contracts, including the Tribune's (later renamed the Chicago Tribune) printing operation. In 1872, Rand McNally produced its first map, a railroad guide, using a new cost effective printing technique known as wax process engraving. As Chicago developed as a railway hub, the Rand firm, now incorporated as Rand McNally, began producing a wide array of railroad maps and guides. Over time, the firm expanded into atlases, globes, educational material, and general literature. By embracing the wax engraving process, Rand McNally was able to dominate the map and atlas market, pushing more traditional American lithographic publishers like Colton, Johnson, and Mitchell out of business. Eventually Rand McNally opened an annex office in New York City headed by Caleb S. Hammond, whose name is today synonymous with maps and atlases, and who later started his own map company, C. S. Hammond & Co. Both firms remain in business.   Further Details...

Condition

Very good. Light wear along original fold lines. Repair to a fold separation in margin on left side not effecting printed image. Pictorial map of Florida on verso.