DESCRIPTION: SOLD
Extra-large old nautical chart of Cape Cod, Massachusetts Bay, and the Massachusetts coast from Chatham north past Boston. Created by George Washington Eldridge (d. 1914) and published by Eldridge's widow, Sydna Eldridge a decade after George's passing. Coverage includes the coastal margins near the towns of Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, Brewster, Yarmouth, Plymouth, Scituate, Cohasset, Marblehead, Salem, Gloucester, and the town and harbor of Boston, Massachusetts.
Printed on thin, rolled paper, this nautical chart was probably destined to be backed with linen which would have provided the strength needed to withstand rigors of day to day use at sea. This chart is a survivor, perhaps one of the last copies of a chart whose origins extends back at least 30 years.
G.W. Eldridge was the son of well-known cartographer and hydrographer George Eldridge, whose first charts were of the area off Chatham, Mass. including Pollock Rip and the sandbars from Stone Horse to Handkerchief Shoals1. This chart carries a warning notation at the Chatham Bar: "Chatham Bars are rapidly extending seaward and should be approached with caution at night."
Copyright Sydna Eldridge, Vineyard Haven, 1924. Published by Wilfrid O. White, Boston Massachusetts in 1924. Drawing by A.N. Houghton, Boston, Mass.
1 (Nickerson, Joseph A. and Geraldine Nickerson, "Chatham Sea Captains in the Age of Sail". Google Books. 2008.)
George Washington Eldridge (1845-1914)
George Washington Eldridge (1845-1914) was an American cartographer, publisher, and sailor. He was born on October 23, 1845, in Chatham, Massachusetts, United States, and was the son of the famous cartographer and hydrographer George Eldridge (1821-1900). The Eldridges are among the best known private publishers of nautical charts during the 19th century, they published their own charts in competition with the U.S. Coast Survey.
Eldridge grew up in a family of sailors and was trained by his father in cartography and navigation. In 1866, at the age of 21, he started working for his father's chart-making and publishing business, which was based in Chatham. Later, he took over the business and expanded it, adding new products such as sailing guides, tide tables, and nautical almanacs.
Eldridge's most famous publication was the "Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book," which he first published in 1875. The book became an essential resource for sailors and navigators along the East Coast of the United States and remains in publication to this day. He also created charts and maps for the U.S. Navy during the Spanish-American War.
In addition to his work as a cartographer and publisher, Eldridge was an accomplished sailor who participated in several yacht races and regattas. G.W. was also a member of the Boston Yacht Club and served as its commodore from 1898 to 1900. One of Eldridge's most significant accomplishments was the construction of a new clubhouse for the Boston Yacht Club. Eldridge led the effort to raise funds and oversee the construction of the new facility, which was located on the waterfront in Marblehead, Massachusetts.
Source: Guthorn, Peter. United State Coastal Charts: 1783 - 1861. Exton, Pennsylvania. 1984. p. 12.
PUBLICATION DATE: 1924
GEOGRAPHIC AREA: United States
BODY OF WATER: Massachusetts Bay
CONDITION: Very good.
Photo-lithograph on thin paper. Verso has been reinforced at top and bottom edges with archival tape. Rolled, with no folds. Two small repaired tears at bottom, otherwise no condition issues whatsoever.
COLORING: None
ENGRAVER:
SIZE: 29
" x
58 "
ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION: 0
PRICE: $
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