Description
Service Men’s Map of Washington from the War Hospitality Committee, being a guide for military personnel visiting Washington DC during World War II.
Folded color map, measures 4″ x 7.5″ folded and 16.25″ x 14.75″ fully opened. Contains printed text identifying various points of interest in the Washington DC area with a corresponding color-coded map on verso. Stated “correct as of May 15, 1944” along bottom edge. Near fine with some mild overall toning and light wear along folds. A scarce work, with only two similar maps located in OCLC (Stanford University with a 1944 printing and the Library of Congress with an earlier 1943 printing). A nice piece of WWII home front history.
This map of 1940s Washington DC provided travel information specific to the needs of visiting members of the armed forces. Included are places of lodging, sightseeing, entertainment and religious worship. Some facilities listed in the text are highlighted as “Service Women Welcome.” Still others, particularly USO clubs, YMCAs and churches, are marked “Negro,” illustrating the segregation that existed at the time.
