The first map is a very uncommon and detailed photo-lithographic map of Pasadena that was photographed from an elevation of 8,000 feet above the city. This early aerial map shows street names, railroads, electric railways superimposed over the 'satellite' image. Major streets are further called out by line and major complexes are named. The scale is about 12" to a mile. The detail is not up to modern aerial photography standards but is adequate enough for one to make out individual houses and other structures. Early earthwork for the construction of the Rose Bowl ("Stadium Site") can be seen at the left. An aerial view would have been foreign to the average citizen so the legend uses example photographs to show how business and residential sections, orchards and fields appear from the air. Published for the First Bank of Pasadena as a free give-away promotional map of the city. The verso has a panel that indicates the map was made especially for the FIRST BANK by the Photomap Company of Pasadena, plus 10 aerial views of the city as well as promotional and bank information. This must be one of the earliest aerial photography maps that was not produced for military purposes. Printed on news print paper and published by the Western Litho Co., Los Angeles, CAL. Dated 1922.

The second map is a highly detailed plan of the Greater Pasadena area, which makes a good comparison with the aerial map. It is a promotional map for the Lyon Van & Storage Co. that contains several photographs and illustrations promoting the company. The map identifies the Main Automobile Routes, city boundaries, Pacific Electric Railways and the Steam Railroads. The map has an extensive street index and another map detailing the towns of Sierra Madre, Monrovia, and Arcadia, and promoting William Parker Lyon's Pony Express Museum. The maps were drawn by E.F. Hill, circa 1925. Self folds into brochure (3.5" x 7") with vintage moving van on cover.

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Condition:

The first is generally very good with only a little browning to cover and a few fold intersections reinforced. The second is very good.