Norman Garbush

Norman Lawrence Garbush (1897–1972) was an American cartographer renowned for his detailed urban maps, particularly of New York City and Los Angeles. Born on March 7, 1897, in Stillwater Township, Washington, Minnesota, he was the son of Oscar August Garbush.

Garbush gained prominence for his “Norman’s Simplified Maps,” which provided comprehensive guides to major cities. His 1955 “Map of Mid-Town Manhattan” is a notable example, offering an information-packed depiction of the area from Madison Square Park to Central Park, highlighting major businesses and navigational aids.

In the 1960s, Garbush expanded his cartographic endeavors to the West Coast, producing maps of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. His detailed folding map of Los Angeles, distributed by the Western Publishing and Novelty Company, extended from Chatsworth to Long Beach and east to Mt. Wilson Observatory and Whittier, identifying various road types and points of interest.

Garbush’s work is characterized by its clarity and utility, serving as valuable resources for both residents and visitors navigating complex urban landscapes.