A Scott-Map of Salem Massachusetts. “The Wealth of the Indies to the Uttermost Gulf.”
No place, but likely Concord, MA: Garfield, Alva Scott. Ca. 1950. 22 ¾ x 29 ½,” including margins. Never folded. Excellent condition save for some crinkling in the lower blank margin. Item #3726
Alva Scott Garfield (1902-1993) created and published five “Scott-Maps” in the 1950s and 1960s, all with New England subjects. This delightful pictorial map of Salem, Massachusetts appears to have been one of the first two in the series, the other being the White Mountains map. Although Rod Barron notes in his informative blog about Garfield and her work that precise dating of the maps is difficult, he speculates that “[t] design style & spiral border decoration of these latter two maps [i.e., Salem and White Mountains] are also very similar, suggesting that they may have been designed and published in close succession to each other in the late 1940s or early 1950s.”
As with her other maps, the Salem map is a colorful, lively, entertaining and informative affair. Many of the vignettes relate to the city’s maritime and trading heritage, including a small portrait of Nathaniel Bowditch at the middle right of the map. Numerous historic sites and events are highlighted including the House of Seven Gables and Gallows Hill, the site of the hanging of 19 witches. (Garfield points out in no uncertain terms: “No witches were burned in Salem!”) And speaking of witches… one of the most whimsical bits on the map is the drawing of a witch in flight on a broomstick with the notation: “Aviation started in Salem.” A thoroughly enjoyable map.
Reference: Rumsey Map Collection: List No: 8781.000.
For a nice overview of Ms. Garfield’s cartographic career, see Rod Barron’s web account: Scott-Maps: the Life and Work of Alva Scott Garfield [1902-1993], 20th Century Female Cartographer. [ICN 7661.].
Price: $395.00