Catalog Archive
Auction 150, Lot 252

"Haverhill, Mass. The Largest Boot and Shoe Town of the World", Bailey, O. H. & Co.

Subject: Haverhill, Massachusetts

Period: 1893 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Printed Color

Size:
35 x 24.2 inches
88.9 x 61.5 cm
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This attractive bird's-eye view depicts the city of Haverhill, situated on the banks of the Merrimac River. It shows the city at a time of economic boom, driven primarily by its shoe industry. Surrounding the image are 64 vignettes of public institutions, important factories and businesses, and a few prominent residences. A key at bottom identifies 26 public buildings which are numbered in the image. Folds into black pebbled cloth boards with gilt title "Compliments of Board of Trade Haverhill, Mass." Urban renewal during the 1950s-60s razed many of the downtown buildings along the Main, Merrimack and River streets, making this map a wonderful visual record of Haverhill prior to its post-Depression decline.

The view was created by Oakley Hoopes Bailey who produced about 375 views during his career, spanning 56 years. After settling in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1875, Bailey focused his work on towns in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Bailey's views are celebrated for their careful drawings and detailed indices offering a wealth of information on architectural and business information.

References:

Condition: B

Light toning along a few folds primarily where the view touches the boards along with numerous short splits at fold junctions. Three fold separations at left in the business listings just touch the neatline, and a 3" edge tear at bottom is confined to the index. Covers are very good. The map would benefit from professional mounting.

Estimate: $500 - $650

Sold for: $375

Closed on 9/17/2014

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