Detail View: David Rumsey Historical Map Collection: Text: Highway map and guide of Iowa.

Mid-West Map Company

1933

Text: Highway map and guide of Iowa.

Mid-West Map Company

Aurora

Text Page

44

56

Verso to Highway map and guide of Iowa, unfolded. Includes an index key to the map on recto. With text: Authorized guide and map stations of Iowa. Printed in blue.

(Text Page to) Highway map and guide of Iowa. Mid-West Map Company, Aurora, Mo.

14416.003

3

Mid-West Map Company

1933

Highway map and guide of Iowa. Mid-West Map Company, Aurora, Mo.

Highway map and guide of Iowa, by the Mid-West Map Company; published in Aurora, Mo., circa 1933. Pocket road map for the state of Iowa. Front cover includes title and imprint, as well as vignettes of tourist scenes. Map shows state boundaries, cities, highways, roads, airports, topography, bodies of water and drainage. Indexed, with key on verso. Printed in blue.

14416.000

Pocket Map

1

22

14

14416003.jp2

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Mid-West Map Company

The work titled "Highway Map and Guide of Iowa" was created by the Mid-West Map Company in 1933. It is a text page from a pocket map measuring 56 cm in width and 44 cm in height, published in Aurora, Missouri. This piece is part of a guide that includes a detailed index and key to the map on the verso, serving as a comprehensive resource for travelers in Iowa at that time.

Composition and Medium:
The map is printed in blue, which was a common choice for clarity and readability in the early 20th century. It is a text-heavy document, indicating its function as both a practical guide and a map, with extensive lists of authorized guide and map stations across Iowa. The text includes detailed descriptions of locations and services available to travelers, enhancing its practicality.

Style and Presentation:
The style is utilitarian and straightforward, focusing on providing as much information as possible to aid travelers. The cover is adorned with decorative elements typical of the period, including borders and vignettes depicting tourist scenes. These artistic touches serve to make the guide visually appealing while maintaining its primary focus on functionality.

Subject Matter:
The guide covers various aspects of travel in Iowa, including highways, roads, cities, and services such as hotels and camps. It provides an index of locations and a list of authorized map stations, which would have been crucial for navigation and planning during the era. The guide also includes features like state boundaries, topography, and bodies of water, offering a comprehensive overview of the state's geography.

Cultural and Historical Context:
Produced in the early 1930s, this guide reflects the era's growing reliance on automobiles and the expanding highway system. It was a time when road travel was becoming increasingly popular, and such guides were essential for navigating the country's vast and developing road networks. The presence of tourist scenes on the cover indicates a burgeoning interest in domestic travel and tourism.

Notable Features:
- Landmarks and Inscriptions: The text includes numerous listings of hotels, camps, and services, highlighting the infrastructure supporting travelers at the time. The inclusion of an index key and detailed listings suggests a high level of organization and attention to detail. - Decorative Elements: The cover features intricate borders and imagery, enhancing its aesthetic appeal while maintaining a focus on utility. - Practical Information: Detailed descriptions of locations and services are provided, indicating the guide's role as a practical tool for travelers. - Pub List No: 14416.000 - List No: 14416.003

This highway map and guide serves as both a practical tool and a cultural artifact, offering insights into the travel infrastructure and societal norms of the early 20th-century Midwest.