Illinois Central
Timetables of the Illinois Central Railroad during World War II.
Out of stock
Description
Though published innocuously as a standard set of timetables in the late summer of 1944, this brochure of the Illinois Central railroad captures a wealth of contemporary culture and political ideology from midcentury America. A modern audience is immediately confronted with an image of African Americans picking cotton on the front cover. The only other reference to people of color is within an illustration advertising ‘snacks for coach passengers’ that shows a Black porter serving white customers. Wartime propaganda is also present in several ‘patriotic’ advertisements, notably on the inside of the front and back covers.
The brochure includes a centerfold map showing the entire Illinois Central system between Sioux Falls, Chicago, and New Orleans. Additional maps show connecting lines in the southeast (Georgia and Florida), and the IC lines in relationship to the greater United States (back cover).
Maps created by Rand McNally & Company. Brochure printed in Chicago by The Cuneo Press, Inc. in 1944.
Map Details
Publication Date: 1944
Author: Cuneo Press, Inc.
Sheet Width (in): See Description
Sheet Height (in): See Description
Condition: A-
Condition Description: 34 pp. brochure with pages measuring approximately 8" x 9", folded over twice and stapled binding. Colored paper covers are lightly worn, especially along the edges, but overall in good to very good condition. Includes centerfold map.
Out of stock