Vintage Florida Highway Map, 1920s

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Antique Florida Highway Map 1924 – Conners Highway, Lake Okeechobee Roads This rare early automobile-era map, titled “Conners Highway Map … Read more Antique Florida Highway Map 1924 – Conners Highway, Lake Okeechobee Roads This rare early automobile-era map, titled “Conners Highway Map of Main Highways of Florida Showing Surfacing of Roads and Mileage Between Cities,” was issued circa 1924 and offers a fascinating snapshot of Florida at a pivotal moment in its modern development. Produced by The Samuel Frommer Company of Indianapolis, the map documents the state’s evolving road network just as long-distance motoring and land development were reshaping Florida’s economy and landscape. The map is printed in color and clearly distinguishes four categories of roads—hard surfaced, semi-hard surfaced, graded, and unimproved—making it both visually engaging and historically informative. Towns, mileage distances, waterways, and coastal outlines are crisply rendered, with particular emphasis on the growing importance of automobile travel across the peninsula. Of special historical interest is the prominent depiction of Conners Highway along the eastern side of Lake Okeechobee. This ambitious 52-mile toll road was privately built through the Everglades by Buffalo businessman William J. Conners, linking West Palm Beach with Okeechobee City. At the time, it was considered a remarkable engineering achievement, cutting through difficult terrain and accelerating settlement and agricultural development in south and central Florida. Despite its importance, the tolls proved costly for travelers, and following Conners’ death the State of Florida purchased the road in 1930, integrating it into the public highway system. The map was issued as a promotional piece and is self-folding, originally intended for practical use by motorists. The verso features period illustrations of Florida attractions and enthusiastic promotional text extolling Conners Highway and Conners’ real estate interests in Okeechobee City, which was optimistically described as “destined to become the Chicago of Southern Florida.” When folded, the exterior shows an attractive illustration of a motorcar traveling the new highway—an evocative image of 1920s optimism and mobility. The map is offered unframed, enabling custom framing to personal or interior preferences. Both a decorative and documentary object, this map appeals to collectors of Florida history, early road maps, transportation history, and automobilia, as well as interior designers seeking an authentic vintage American travel image with strong graphic presence. Condition report: Self-folding example with expected light toning and wear from original use. Fold lines visible as issued. Overall condition good and visually appealing. A couple of tiny splits at the fold junctions. Framing tips: The map is offered unframed, enabling custom framing to personal or interior preferences. This map presents beautifully floated or with folds flattened in a light mat. A neutral cream or soft sand mat paired with a natural wood or dark walnut frame complements the warm tones and reinforces its 1920s character. Technique: Printed color map Maker: The Samuel Frommer Company, Indianapolis, circa 1924 See less