Map+Update

**Progress report: May 20th - from Linda**
After speaking with several map dealers in our region and beyond, communicating via email with four, and viewing potential maps online, I think I found 'the' right map in our price range. It inlcudes Somers and the surrounding areas; i t was published by E. Belcher Hyde in 1908. The map is rare compared with the Beers map of Somers. The dealer is form Stamford; I met with him last night, and he's holding the map for us. Price is $375. And here it is! [Note: This picture is from the original Atlas. In our map the colors are brighter, there is some browning on the edges, and the brown 'tab' marks at bottom right and left are more pronounced -- all of which add to its character. All in all, it's in excellent condition, and there's a lot to look at in this map.]



Linda - I think this is absolutely beautiful - what amazing detective work to locate a map with this detail - and a focus on Somers! Thank you! Julie

Progress Report: April 28th - from Linda
 * Hi everyone:

Following is a summary of my research to date and some questions that I think we need to answer before I can proceed further. We can use the "discussion' tab at the top of this page to share our thoughts.**

I started with a search of antique/historic maps of Somers. I found that there is only one antique map of Somers -- published in **1867** in the **"Atlas of New York (NY) and Vicinity" by Beers, Ellis & Soule.** I found a dealer who claims to have an authentic map in good condition from the original book. The price is $150. But there is a potential problem. The Beer's maps are popular and copies are now available from multiple sources at prices ranging from $10. to $99. And when I saw the map I realized that I've seen copies of it (in Dr. Brodow's office and SIS).


 * So my first two question are:**
 * Do we want to consider buying Joanne a map that is fairly commmon? Do we want to consider antique maps of other areas that are meaningful to Joanne?** (e.g., Costa Rica, New York City, Chelsea, New York State, Florence, or the world)??

To get an idea of what might be available I explored the **International Antiquarian Mapsellers Association's** website. The IAMA includes reputable antiquarian map dealers; their web site includes a searchable database of the holdings of its member dealers. To get a sense of what was out there and what things cost, I started with Costa Rica and found two maps in the under $1,500. price range.


 * The first, below, dates from 1775.** Title is "Part of the Provinces of Costa Rica and Nicaragua with the Lagunas. By Thomas Jefferys, Geographer to His Magisty." The imprint is Robert Sayeers, London.

The imprint is **London, 1775, by Robert Sayer**. It's "Hand Colored in Outline, Excellent, Size is 19.625 x 25.375 inches. Price (which may be negotiable, is $1250.)

The map below is by **Johannes Jansson, 1647,** "Terra Firmaet Novum Regnum Granatense et Popayan," 385 x 495mm. Original colour. Price: $550. (approx)


 * So: Do I contine to reseach other possibilities? And if so, what is our price range?**

Once we answer those questions, I'm thinking that I will visit the two local members of the International Antiquarian Mapsellers Association in hopes of learning more.

Please let me know thoughts.... Linda

Progress Report: May 6th (Linda): Here are some possibilities: 1867 original Beers map, Cost is approximately $150.

The most common 1868 map by Beers.


 * New York 1823 by Tanner $495.**

Engraved map, outline hand-color, 11 1/2 x 8 3/4 inches on sheet size13 3/4 x 10 1/4 inches. Faint scattered foxing, otherwise very good condition. An unusual and particularly attractive antique map of the North and South American continents featuring a vignette illustration "Cascade of Regla, near Mexico" at lower left corner. The map is undated, but depicts North America and the United States prior to the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. The formation of the Northwest coast of America reflects the discoveries of Captain James Cook's Third Voyage of the late 1770s, but inland "New Albion" and "New Navarra" show no significant features reported by late 18th century explorations: there is, for example, no Columbia River. The dates of James Wyld the Elder, 1790-1836, suggest that the map was published no earlier than some time after the Louisiana Purchase, reflecting the not uncommon delay in disseminating geographical knowledge, as new information took time to reach British mapmakers and publishers and be reflected in the maps produced. The map is marked plate XXXVII at upper right.
 * Of possible interest (I've written for more info and an image) :** NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA) Wyld (drawn by). Hewitt (engraver)America. Imprint: Edinburgh., John Thomson & Co., No date. Ca.1810.