A. Pictorial Map of Fresno County and Mid-California’s Garden of the Sun, by Schmidt Litho Co., circa 1925 (38.2 x 23.9"). This large and very colorful bird's-eye view shows the entire valley from Bakersfield to Stockton with the coastal range in the foreground and the Sierra Nevada mountains stretching to the horizon. The map extends to include San Francisco and its bay, San Andreas, Sonora, Yosemite, Pine Ridge, Sequoia and Mount Whitney to mention a few. The map contains a large art deco title cartouche and is surrounded by more than 30 vignettes advertising the industry and bounty of the area. Half of the verso is the "Automobile Road Map of Fresno County" printed in orange and black. It extends to include Yosemite, Huntington Lake and Sequoia National Park. The map was published by the California State Automobile Association and shows the "Principle Automobile Roads." The lower half contains information and promotional text on Fresno. Self folds into pictorial covers (5 x 10") with mailer on one side showing postage 2 cents, which helps date this piece since we find no references or past dealer pricing. First class postage in the U.S. was set at 2 cents in 1919 and raised to 3 cents in 1932. An uncommon promotion brochure that was published by the Fresno County Chamber of Commerce. Condition: An attractive example with even light toning and a few tiny splits at fold intersections. (B+)

B. Fresno’s Backyard of Recreation, by A.D. Clary, circa 1966 (14.5 x 10.7"). This playful map of the Fresno region extends from Highway 99 west to Yosemite and Mount Whitney. It is absolutely filled with humorous illustrations highlighting the varied recreational activities in the region including fishing, skiing, wineries, golf, and much more. Includes additional photo illustrations and small map of Greater Fresno on verso. Published by the Fresno Convention Bureau. Condition: Fine, issued folding. (A+)

References: Rumsey #8069; Hornsby (Picturing America) p. 9.

Condition:

See description above.