Fine street plan of the city of Pasadena, California in the mid twentieth century.

A product of the Los Angeles based cartographer, John L. Lynde, the earliest issue we can track down of this map was in 1940; however, it was evidently popular as an edition was published as late as 1960. The map was also evidently licensed to corporations for marketing use, as seen on this example which was used by the real estates, insurance and mortgage group, William Wilson Co. Other examples of the map were used to advertise the Union National Bank of Pasadena, the Security National Bank of Pasadena, and the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce among other institutions.

Geographically, the map evolves during its publishing life; on this example, development can be seen in the east, particularly in the region of the Sierra Madre Boulevard. Another development is the sliver of land in the north east, around the Eaton Wash Dam, a project to enhance water quality during heavy rains in the hills above the city. The reverse bears a street index and several adverts for William Wilson Co.’s services.

Image of reverse available on request. Original colour. [USA9980]