This lot contains four innovative Dallas street directories published by Mapsco:

A. MAPSCO Dallas 1952, dated 1952, black & white (7.3 x 9.2"). This 94-page guide includes a double-page index map, 53 full-page maps, and an extensive directory of buildings, churches, clubs, and more. The company claims, “So far as we know this is the only map in the U.S.A. that has the streets numbered…the key to our copyrighted Routing and Delivery System.” The directory lists “colored” churches and schools and one night club “colored only.” The MAPSCO Service and Delivery System is described on the last two pages. First edition. Spiral bound. Condition: Contents are very clean and bright with a former owner’s signature at the top of the first page. Covers have minor wear. (A)

B. MAPSCO Dallas 1953, dated 1953, black & white (4.3 x 7.4"). This second edition contains 125 pages and is mostly maps. Index map is divided into 110 areas, but those sections noted as "undeveloped" do not have area maps. Condition: Contents are lightly toned. Covers are worn with punched hole at top left. (B)

C. MAPSCO Dallas 1955 - A Routing and Delivery System Combined with City of Dallas Maps and Guide to Streets, dated 1955, printed color (5.3 x 7.8"). 169 total pages with numerous maps. No separate listing of “colored” churches is provided but schools for “Negroes” are noted. Condition: Contents are clean and bright. Covers have minor wear with punched hole at top left. (A)

D. MAPSCO - A Routing and Delivery System Combined with City of Dallas Maps and Guide to Streets, dated 1956, printed color (5.3 x 7.6"). 82 pages with maps and extensive unnumbered street index. This is the first edition intended for commercial sale. Spiral bound. Condition: Contents are near fine. Rear cover has some surface damage. (A)

For a history of the origin of this series of map guides in a florist shop, click here, which describes the evolving guide formats demonstrated in this collection.

References:

Condition:

See description above.