1931 An Illustrated Map of Chicago, Youthful City of the Big Shoulders – Restless – Ingenious – Wilful – Violent – Proud to be Alive
By: Charles Turzak & Henry Chapman
Date: 1931 (dated) Boston
Dimensions: 22.5 x 37.5 inches (57.15 cm x 95.25 cm)
This is a superb example of Turzak & Chapman’s iconic map of the city of Chicago. Presented with a bird’s eye view or the city from Lake Michigan, this joyous pictorial map is rich in detail, color, and humor. This particular example comes with the original paper case that includes a smaller map focusing on the downtown region of the city.
While Chicago in the 1930s is most notably remembered for being overrun with organized crime, this map illustrates a very different representation of the city. It focuses more on tourist activities, landmarks, professional sports teams, diversity of neighborhoods, and an overall energetic lifestyle of Chicagoans. The map was originally made with the intent of promoting the 1933 World’s Fair, which can be seen along the lake just south of the Field Museum and Soldier’s Field.
Some landmarks worth noting include the site of Fort Dearborn, Chicago Stock Yards, Joliet Prison, Aurora Racetrack, Riverview Amusement Park, and the large number of theatres in the downtown loop district, which are indicated with faces of Comedy and Tragedy. The limits of Chicago are represented in orange, with all parks, boulevards, and surrounding suburbs colored green.
Condition: This map is in B condition with several minor fold separations and edge tears. There is also a small black ink stain in the lower left portion of the map.
Inventory No. 11103
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