Pictorial Map of Michigan by Ruth Taylor White, 1935: Detroit, Great Lakes, Lumber, Autos, Orchards, Recreation

Step into the vibrant world of 1930s America with "Michigan," a captivating pictorial map originally crafted by Ruth Taylor White in 1935. This map, drawn at the height of the Great Depression, is a visual celebration of Michigan’s spirit, rendered in a whimsical and colorful style that both entertains and informs. Its original title, simply "Michigan," reflects the artist’s focus on capturing the unique character and culture of the state as it stood nearly a century ago. With each brushstroke, White invites viewers to experience the richness of Michigan’s landscapes and the bustling life of its communities, making this map a delightful historical artifact for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Ruth Taylor White was renowned for her imaginative approach to cartography, transforming traditional maps into lively works of art. Her collaboration with publisher Frank J. Taylor resulted in a series of pictorial atlases that remain beloved for their charm and historical insight. In this map, White’s artistry shines through her playful illustrations, which encapsulate the economic, cultural, and natural highlights of Michigan. The vibrant scenes are not merely decorative; they offer a window into the social context of the era, revealing how Michigan was perceived and celebrated during the 1930s.

The map’s design is a masterclass in thematic cartography, blending humor with historical narrative. The Great Lakes—Michigan, Superior, Huron, and Erie—are depicted with a flourish, emphasizing the state’s unique peninsular geography. The absence of the Mackinac Bridge, which would not be built until decades later, subtly situates the map in its historical moment. Across the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, viewers will find detailed illustrations of Michigan’s iconic industries: dense forests allude to the thriving lumber trade, while mining and logging scenes dominate the rugged north. Agricultural vignettes, such as fruit orchards and farmsteads, highlight the state’s fertile lands and hardworking communities.

White’s map is equally attentive to Michigan’s recreational and natural wonders. Playful depictions of fishing, boating, and hunting evoke the state’s reputation as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Wildlife, including fish and deer, are woven into the landscape, underscoring Michigan’s rich natural resources. The inclusion of the burgeoning automobile industry—a nod to Detroit’s global influence—anchors the map firmly in its era, reflecting the economic dynamism that defined Michigan in the early twentieth century. These artistic choices not only inform but also delight, offering a multi-layered exploration of place and time.

The map’s cities and towns are carefully labeled, providing a fascinating glimpse into Michigan’s urban and rural life during the 1930s. From the industrial powerhouse of Detroit to the cultural centers of Grand Rapids, Flint, and Ann Arbor, each settlement is depicted with a sense of personality and place. Smaller communities such as Marquette, Escanaba, and Sault Ste. Marie are also featured, emphasizing the diversity and interconnectedness of Michigan’s regions. Through its lively illustrations and thoughtful design, "Michigan" by Ruth Taylor White endures as both a work of art and a historical document, offering a unique and engaging perspective on the state’s past.

Cities and towns on this map

• Detroit
• Grand Rapids
• Flint
• Lansing
• Ann Arbor
• Dearborn
• Saginaw
• Kalamazoo
• Muskegon
• Bay City
• Jackson
• Battle Creek
• Marquette
• Escanaba
• Sault Ste. Marie

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The Great Lakes (Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie) are prominently illustrated and labeled.
• The Straits of Mackinac are shown.
• Pictorial representations of Michigan's forests and lumber industry.
• Illustrations of agricultural activity, such as fruit orchards and farming scenes.
• Depictions of recreational activities, such as fishing and boating.
• Images of wildlife, including fish and deer, highlighting Michigan's natural resources.
• Visual references to the automobile industry, a key economic driver in Michigan.
• The Upper Peninsula is illustrated with mining and logging activities.
• The state is shown surrounded by water, emphasizing Michigan's peninsular geography.
• The map includes playful, cartoon-like characters and scenes, adding to its whimsical tone.

Historical and design context

• Created by Ruth Taylor White in 1935.
• Publisher: Frank J. Taylor (noted as the publisher/editor for the atlas series).
• Whimsical, vibrant, and colorful pictorial/cartoon style, characteristic of Ruth Taylor White's work in the 1930s.
• Designed to entertain and engage viewers with lively illustrations and humorous depictions of local life.
• Offers a snapshot of Michigan's identity and culture during the Great Depression era.
• Reflects the creative and humorous spirit of early 20th-century pictorial cartography, blending artistry with social commentary.
• Provides insight into the perceptions and values of the 1930s, as well as the evolution of map-making as both an informative and entertaining medium.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.