Original 1944 “Hysterical Map of Lake Pend Oreille – Where the Navy Goes to See!”
Stan Gelling • Ross Hall Studio • Sandpoint, Idaho • WWII Era
Offered is an original 1944 “Hysterical Map of Lake Pend Oreille – Where the Navy Goes to See!”, a scarce and highly collectible WWII-era pictorial map illustrated by Stan Gelling and published by The Ross Hall Studio of Sandpoint, Idaho.
Created during the height of World War II, this whimsical illustrated map celebrates the communities, landmarks, wildlife, logging industry, mining camps, and outdoor culture surrounding beautiful Lake Pend Oreille while paying tribute to the thousands of U.S. Navy personnel stationed nearby at the historic Farragut Naval Training Station, one of the largest naval training centers in the United States during WWII.
Filled with humorous cartoons, regional jokes, and local references, this map captures a unique moment in Inland Northwest history and remains one of the most desirable pictorial maps produced in Idaho during the war years.
Features
* Original 1944 printing
* Copyright dated 1944
* Illustrated by Stan Gelling
* Published by The Ross Hall Studio
* Sandpoint, Idaho
* Titled:
“Hysterical Map of Lake Pend Oreille – Where the Navy Goes to See!”
* Original vintage frame included
* Approximate framed size: 16” x 18” (see photos for exact measurements)
Historical Significance
Lake Pend Oreille played a surprisingly important role during World War II. Just south of the lake, the U.S. Navy established Farragut Naval Training Station, which trained nearly 300,000 sailors between 1942 and 1946. The title “Where the Navy Goes to See!” is a humorous reference to the thousands of sailors stationed in northern Idaho during the war.
Rather than serving as an ordinary road map, this pictorial map was designed as an entertaining souvenir filled with regional humor, depicting dozens of local towns, mountains, lakes, logging camps, mining operations, wildlife, fishing, hunting, Native American references, and memorable landmarks. Every corner offers humorous illustrations and hidden details that reward close inspection.
Original wartime examples are seldom encountered and are sought after by collectors of:
* Idaho history
* WWII memorabilia
* Farragut Naval Training Station
* Lake Pend Oreille history
* Pictorial maps
* Western Americana
* Pacific Northwest collectibles
* Vintage travel and tourism memorabilia
Condition
Overall, this piece displays very well and retains outstanding visual appeal.
Please note the following:
* Vintage original condition
* Framed under glass
* Frame shows normal light wear from age
* Print exhibits age-related wear consistent with decades of display
* Please review all photographs carefully, as they are considered part of the description and accurately represent the condition of the item.
The frame is included with the sale and appears to have protected the map for many years.
Collector Information
Original 1944 examples of this map are significantly scarcer than later souvenir reproductions. Its combination of WWII history, regional Idaho heritage, humorous artwork, and association with Farragut Naval Training Station makes it one of the most desirable pictorial maps produced in the Inland Northwest during the war years.
Whether displayed in a home, cabin, office, or military collection, this is a conversation piece with outstanding historical character.
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Seller Notes
This item is being sold exactly as acquired. It has not been professionally restored or authenticated and is offered in its original vintage condition. Please examine all photographs carefully and use them to evaluate condition, originality, and overall suitability before purchasing.
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