Historic collection of 10 Official State of Texas road maps - 1936 through 1987

Description

AMAZING COLLECTION of 10 OFFICIAL TEXAS STATE HIGHWAY MAPS 1936-1987
This is a collection of 10 official Texas state highway maps published in 1936, 1947, 1950, 1953, 1955, 1961, 1964, 1967, 1972 & 1987.
None are pristine (although the 1987 map is close). All have been used, some heavily.
The older maps show a lot of wear.
But it is a fascinating collection that shows the development through five decades of the state’s now wide-ranging and modern highway system.
It certainly wasn’t always modern….   Note:  The Kennedy half-dollar in the images is for scale, not for sale!
The 1936 map --images 1 & 2-- --the Centennial Edition celebrating 100 years of Texas’ independence from Mexico-- is the most fascinating and is in remarkably good shape—some wrinkles and minor staining on some folds, but no major tears and no missing pieces.
On the obverse, in addition to the map revealing the paucity of paved roads in west Texas, the map features B&W photos along Texas highways, photos of the state capitol, historic missions and a suite of photos from the Texas Centennial, plus a song “Texas Over All”.
The reverse features a large photo-montage, incorporating a Lone Star pattern, showing scenes from all over the state.
The 1947 map --image 3-- shows a significant increase in highway density during the previous decade.
If includes inset maps of various cities.
The reverse features numerous photos of Texas scenes, but unlike the 1936 map, these prints are now in full color.
This map has been heavily used;
it is complete, but has given way along several of the folds.
The 1950 map --image 4-- is in excellent condition, especially considering its age.
One interesting feature is that on the reverse it includes a generalized map of Mexico and photos of famous Mexican tourist attractions.
Evidently, Texas was promoting Mexican tourism…and why not?..the tourists would mostly travel through Texas to get to Mexico!
The 1953 map --image 5-- is somewhat soiled and worn and one main seam has almost come completely apart, so care needs to be used in unfolding the map so that the small remaining bit of attachment is not severed.
But the map is complete.
Features a photo Gov. Allan Shivers mounted on a palomino and wearing a Stetson, welcoming visitors to Texas.
The 1955 map --image 6-- is in excellent condition, scarcely used at all.
It features artistic topography representing the mountains of west Texas.
The 1961 map --image 7-- shows a little use, but is really in very good condition, aside from some staining along some of the folds.
The cover shows off some of Texas’ early superhighways.
Price Daniel was the governor.
The 1964 map --image 8-- is complete, but shows some wear and tear.
I guess the most detrimental feature is that someone has marked in red marker a trip across the state from Texarkana to San Antonio and on to El Paso.
The 1967 map --image 9-- is a bit soiled and stained or age-toned along the folds, but really in very good condition.
Nice color photos on the reverse side. “Big John” Connally –he who was in the limo with JFK that fateful 1963 day in Dallas-- was governor when this map was issued.
The 1972 map --image 10-- is in near perfect condition, just minor age-toning, especially along the folds.
The reverse side features small maps of various Texas cities.
The 1987 map --images 11 & 12-- I cannot find a definitive date on this map.
But I interpret the number 028701 (in an area where a publication date might be expected) to mean that this map was published in Feb. of 1987 and is the first printing. This map is in near-pristine condition.
Fewer photographs than earlier maps, but more city inset maps.
And, of course, the continuing development of the highway system is revealed.  Compare the full map image with that of the 1936 map!
Quite a collection all in all, and the 1936 Texas Centennial Map is a real prize, an historic map.