A Hysterical Map of the State of Idaho…

Idaho – “It’s got everything, and plenty of it.”

The tongue in cheek title reflects the characteristic humor of it’s creator, Jolly Lindgren. He was the brilliant artist behind many of the ‘Hysterical’ maps created by the Lindgren-Turner Company in Spokane, Washington. The distinctive illustrated style, amusing annotations, and bright color scheme make these pictorial maps, often focused on areas across the American West, highly desirable among collectors.

This particular example is a King Size Mapcard of Idaho, where “every wish of the pleasure seeker is gratified.” Charming vignettes of local landmarks such as the Shoshone Ice Caves, Yellowstone Park, and Blowout Mountain are accompanied by symbols denoting towns, trees, and hills (the latter two makes Jim Dandy hunting & fishing everywhere, according to the legend).

Commentary on the humble potato, Soda Springs (burp), and Mud Lake (a politician’s retreat) all help the map live up to its hysterical title.