New Grapho-Politico Map of the State of California, Compiled from the latest and most authentic official and special surveys.

$7,500

Cartographer(s): Whitaker & Ray Co.
Date: 1902
Place: San Francisco
Dimensions: 63.75 x 67.25 inches
Condition Rating: VG

In stock

SKU: NL-02126 Category:

Whitaker & Ray’s monumental physiographic wall map of California with eight thematic insets.

Details

A large and remarkable wall map from 1902, produced by the San Francisco-based publisher and educational supply company Whitaker & Ray. The map is housed in an unusual spring-powered wooden case at the top with a wooden roller at the bottom.

The impressive composition consists of a central color relief map of California surrounded by eight thematic inset maps. The central map is graphically striking and highly informative. In the lower-left corner are tables detailing altitudes and recent census demographics, as well as two inset maps showing the location of historic missions and the state’s congressional districts.

A series of more complex, data-driven inset maps is found on the right side of the main map. These include explanatory texts and cover a variety of datasets, including yields like agriculture and timber, climate zones, geological and mineral profiles, and the extent of petroleum wells and deposits in the state. The map even provides an early overview of California’s emergent viticulture industry. A scroll with printed information on the state’s history sits alongside the insets. 

 

Census

OCLC (No. 21840144) lists just one copy each for 1903 and 1907, both held at the University of California Berkeley, but no copies of this 1902 edition.

The Whitaker & Ray Company also produced a dedicated map of the Bay Area in 1907 (Grapho-Relief Map of the Bay Counties). It appears more regularly on the market and has long been sought by collectors for its incredible and vibrant detail.

Cartographer(s):

Whitaker & Ray Co.

Whitaker & Ray Company was a prominent educational supply house and publishing company in San Francisco from approximately 1895 to around 1915. The company was originally established in 1869 by Andrew Whitaker and Don Ray as an agricultural brokerage in Galt, California. The firm underwent significant changes after Whitaker’s passing in April 1894. His son, James Whitaker, took over his father’s share of the company, but most of the decision-making fell to Don Ray and his son John Ray. Under their leadership, the company shifted to publishing and educational supplies. 

In 1895, the firm incorporated and expanded its operations by acquiring the educational supply division of the Bancroft Company. With it came the expertise of C. C. Adams and Charles M. Wiggin, who previously managed the educational department at Bancroft. Wiggin joined Whitaker and Ray permanently and contributed significantly to its growth. 

Whitaker & Ray Company’s publishing endeavors began in 1896, with output growing significantly between 1899 and 1906. However, the 1906 earthquake and fire caused substantial damage to their premises at 723 Market Street. Despite this setback, by 1909, the company had relocated to a more central location at 779-760 Mission Street. Following Don Ray’s passing around 1910, the company’s name evolved to Whitaker and Ray-Wiggin Company, reflecting the enormous influence that Charles Wiggin had on the company’s later success. The company remained active until at least 1915.

Condition Description

The wooden case has minor damage. The map has some minor creasing and wear. Tear at left side, entering the Petroleum text.

References

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