Spokane

Illustrated advertising map for the city of Spokane, Washington.

The text under the title of this map explains its purpose better than any description I can provide – “It is your guidance around the city of Spokane and makes a wonderful souvenir for the newcomer or visitor and a handy directory for the businessman. Tell your advertiser that you saw him on the map.”

Whether or not the map is effective in this capacity remains to be seen – navigational aids are limited and no transportation systems are shown outside of roads. There is no “directory” to be used by people on business, just haphazard illustrations of apparently random businesses throughout the city. Finally, I’m not sure if promotions for tire stores, rental car companies, or factories necessarily make for a wonderful souvenir! All that said, the image does provide a charming mid-60’s look at the Lilac City and reflects on local priorities at the time of publication.