AAA Official Tour Book Northeastern

A trip through the northeastern United States during the height of the Roaring 20

This marvelous travel guide to the Northeastern United States (plus a large portion of the Midwest) was published in 1927 by the American Automobile Association. The expansive volume was one of five covering continental America that were regularly reissued by the organization in order to provide the best available service to its growing membership. The 400 pages offer an incredible wealth of details about the covered area, including summaries of towns (large and small), recommended attractions, and interesting historical information. Of course, suggested hotels and restaurants are promoted, but there are also strip maps, city plans, and turn-by-turn directions given for popular itineraries.

There is a large black & white fold-out map at the end of the volume that shows the primary road network across the Northeastern district. (An accompanying caption outlines how it was designed to be used without having to unfold the entire thing). Different styles of lines denote the quality of surface, ranging from paved to dirt (though a number of variants are listed). State highway markers are noted, in addition to the distinctive federal shield noting the U.S. Numbered Highway System that was introduced the year prior to publication. The verso of the sheet offers a comprehensive alphabetical index of cities and towns (requiring complete unfolding).