ARTIST: Julius William Walters
MEDIUM: Lithographed on paper backed with linen.
DATE: 1909
EDITION SIZE: Overall image size 13 1/2 x 60” (40.3 x 152.5 cm). Box, 8 1/2 x 17 1/2 x 2” (21.5 x 44.3 x 6.4 cm)
DESCRIPTION: Unusual custom-made map of Lake George.<br><br> This map is in its original handmade wooden frame on two hand operated rollers. According to the map's legend, the chart was intended for "power boat users whose craft had a draft of 4' or less." A table of names of islands and shoals in the narrows is provided. The map notes railroad tracks, roads, county lines, steamer landings, channel lines, mountain contours, types of shoreline (e.g. deep water, shelving rock, mud), and boating hazards such as sunken boats, submerged reefs, sunken logs and other hazards to navigation. The map also shows the width of the lake at various points. In the side margins are advertisements for local businesses, such as boat builders and suppliers, and real estate agencies. A note under the cartouche states that the maker, "J.W. Walters, M.E.," of Glens Falls, New York, had 25 years experience as a "marine and mechanical designer." According to the Library of Congress records, the copyright for the map was registered in December of 1906. The map is numbered 109 in the lower margin.<br><br> Retains original green linen box with original label. "Chart of Lake George. Showing Fairways and Channels from Caldwell to Ticonderoga for boats of not more than four feet draft. Hydrography Compiled and Drawn by Capt. J. W. Walters, - Glens Falls, N.Y.". Manuscript name of former owner, Joe Streeter, Hague, N.Y.<br><br> Julius William Walters, later 19th, first quarter of the 20th century. Walters was a mechanical engineer, marine and mechanical designer and inventor living in Port Richmond, New York, and later in Glens Falls. In addition to designing the Chart of Lake George, he was also an inventor, holding several patents for automobile, motorcycle and boat parts such as boilers, propellers and wheels.<br><br>
ADDITIONAL INFO:
CONDITION: Overall in very good condition. Some wear on box. and box label. Map and wooden frame very good.
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