What is your map? (Title, Year, etc.)

Map of Detroit and Vicinity, 1897, Rand McNally & Co.

Where did you acquire your map?

I got this map when I moved back to Detroit from Los Angeles. Every time I’m in a thrift store I have to look at the old maps. I really can’t remember where I got this map, but maybe one of the very early Detroit Urban Craft Fairs.

What made you hang it on your wall? What stood out to you? What details do you enjoy about the map?

It’s history, I love it. The map is before automobiles were in the city, a very different time. I can look at Gratiot Avenue on this map and it’s a horse-pulled trolley route. It’s really fascinating. On this map there is no Delaware Street – I’m not sure why or what changed.

The big parks are fascinating too. They are still there today. The park in Boston Edison really stands out since that was basically the northern border of the city at the time.

In this map, Detroit is an itty bitty town with a Downtown and railroad connections. I can look at Milwaukee Junction and really understand why it was named that – three rail lines intersect right there.

What in your background has drawn you to maps?

My father had an amazing sense of direction. He would take me around the city as a boy on his housecalls. He was a radio TV repairman. He would tell me all the stories about the street names and their meanings.