Reproduced from a vintage 1930s map promoting “Pennsylvania’s Picturesque Vacationland,” this hand-drawn map features dozens of “Resorts, Sports and Amusements” of the time period. Both artistic and informative, it captures the early era of tourism in the greater Lake Wallenpaupack region.
Among the attractions dotting the shoreline of the lake are Duffy’s Landing, depicted as a “Camper’s Paradise;” Killam’s, whose farmhouse is described as “Modernly Equipped;” and White Beauty View, “The Most Popular Spot on the Lake.” Phrases like “Fully Equipped,” “Modern Conveniences” and “Modernly Equipped” implied electricity, indoor plumbing, and a telephone on the premises, which other more rustic cabins and campsites did not have. Many of the boardinghouses and restaurants mention wholesome home cooking prepared from their own farm products.
Aquaplaning, a precursor of water skiing, is one of the water sports featured, and for winter fun a “thrilling toboggan slide” is shown on the hillside above the East Shore, where riders could race down a wooden chute and out onto the frozen lake. Service stations are marked, important information for families who would be traveling in their own automobiles rather than by train. Helpful hints for city-dwellers are sprinkled among the points of interest, “Abundant Laurel,” “Good Deer Hunting,” “Very Scenic,” and “Leave Cubs and Fawns Alone.”
Vacationland encompasses the communities of Greeley, Hawley, Newfoundland, Baoba, Tafton, Indian Orchard, Kimbles, Paupack, Blooming Grove, Lackawaxen, Peck’s Lake, Fairview Lake, Ledgedale, Lake Ariel, and Rowlands.
The map was designed by William J. Bumbala, a New York writer and artist who produced pictorial maps illustrated with scenes typical of the picturesque countryside in Pike and Wayne Counties. Although it offers no date of publication, it was likely published shortly after Lake Wallenpaupack opened in 1926. Resorts and businesses were established around and near the lake to attract “vacationists,” and the newly-formed Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce began promoting local attractions and destinations. Their beautiful Vacationland map was undoubtedly a helpful guide for first-time visitors to the area.
Picturesque Vacationland Map, 18″ x 24″, Color, $16.98.
