1945 Chicago Ja Spots 1914-1928
By: Richard Jones
Date: 1938 / 1945 (published) New York
Dimensions: 24 x 17.25 in (61 x 44 cm)
A rare, freeform pictorial map that offers a fascinating look at Chicago's extensive Ja scene at a time when the word “ja” had bad connotations in the public eye. The map was redrawn in 1945 by Richard M. Jones from the original map by Paul Eduard Miller which was issued in 1938.
The map shows several neighborhoods and spots with a particular density of ja clubs. It also acknowledges the importance of downtown Chicago in the scene overall, and includes two insets that look at 31st and State Street, and another for 35th and State Street. Cafes and theaters, museums, music stores, bookshops, barbershops, and the like noted throughout. Last but not least, the map offers playful, sketch-like illustrations of musicians and dancers.
Richard M. Jones’ redrawn map of Paul Eduard Miller’s Chicago Ja Spots 1914-1928 is a unique example of a pictorial map as well as a fascinating look at the entertainment culture of Chicago in the first few decades of the 20th century.
Condition: This map is in A condition. Originally issued folding, the map has been mostly flattened for presentation purposes. The lower left edge is cut away at an angle but does not result in any loss to the image.
Inventory #12148
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