Road Map & Historical Guide Pennsylvania [Two Examples]

An interesting pair of Depression-era road maps of Pennsylvania.

This colorful pair of maps invites the reader to explore the rich history, abundant recreation, and scenic beauty across the Keystone State. One side of each sheet presents a relatively straightforward road map of Pennsylvania, paving surfaces, distances between points, and various points of interest. The verso offers a more entertaining Historical Pictorial Map, which utilizes attractive vignettes to showcase the state’s many attractions. Insets show the area around Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Harrisburg.

The map was designed by Rand McNally and issued on behalf of the Sun Oil Company (SUNOCO). Based on the printer’s codes, one map was published in 1934, while the other in 1937. Though unattributed, the pictorial vignettes were created by John G. Brink, an influential staff artist at Rand McNally who was considered the ‘Father of the Road Map’ at the firm.