Grand Traverse Regional Map

“Water Wonderland – 310 fresh spring fed lakes and 71 trout streams are to be found in this beautiful region.”

This is an uncommon 50th-anniversary update, possibly even scarcer than the original 1934 pictorial map, drawn by Irene Young and printed in Grand Rapids by the Michigan Lithographing Co. According to text in the lower right, this example was published by Linn and Geraldine Sheckler in 1984 and notes “the appropriate changes of a half century finds the region as charming and beautiful as when the Indians were it’s only inhabitants – but the more enjoyable because of modern facilities.”

Such facilities are one of the many features represented by attractive vignettes scattered throughout the image, which stays true to the original style. Other elements include recreational opportunities (hunting, fishing, golfing, etc.), historic sites, local industries, and natural beauty. An illustrated border shows numerous scenes that follow similar themes. Decorative elements include a compass rose (lower right), sea monsters, and an elaborate windhead (upper left).

According to Charlevoix Historical Society, the map “was originally drawn in 1934 by Irene Harsha Young, who grew up in the Harsha House (now the Charlevoix Historical Society Museum) and later married famed builder Earl Young. The Grand Traverse Region Map includes Traverse City, Elk Rapids, Torch Lake, Glen Lake, Frankfort, and Interlochen, among other Northern Michigan destinations.”

WorldCat notes only two examples of the original 1934 edition, both at the University of Michigan (OCLC# 35067103). A third has been found at the Charlevoix Historical Society. I’ve been unable to find other examples of the 50th-anniversary edition in online repositories, though a few sales records have been located.

Source: Charlevoix Historical Society