Recently I came across an unusual map of Seattle–Frank McCaffrey’s New Dogwood Map of Seattle, published in 1931. The map is a cartoon-style with curious depictions of monuments and locations in the city. Plus, east is at the top of the map. I am guessing that McCaffrey wanted to create a horizontal map but was dealing with a vertical, or at least north-south trending, city.
Frank McCaffrey was long time publisher/printer in Seattle, who owned Dogwood Press. His obituary in the Seattle Times (May 15, 1985) noted, “‘Business has too long been hamstrung by stupid politicians and their mismanagement of the people’s interests,’ McCaffrey asserted in a campaign attack against politicians during his unsuccessful 1936 mayoral bid. But he was undaunted by his loss at the polls. He again ran an unsuccessful campaign for mayor in 1946, and failed to win a county commissioner’s seat in 1944 and City Council seats in 1948 and 1961.”
If you are interested in seeing the entire map, copies are available at the University of Washington’s Special Collections and in the Seattle Room at the downtown branch of Seattle Public Library.
Thank you for picking out weird stuff from map archives! I see that the cows of Ballard are commemorated on Frank McCaffrey’s wonderfully odd depiction of the city. It is true that cows were historical! http://www.seattle.gov/cityarchives/exhibits-and-education/online-exhibits/annexed-cities/ballard
Yes Valarie, quite historical and hysterical!
I have a book published by Dogwood Press in 1948. It is called Librarians as Readers of books by Lawrence Clark Powell. I am interested in info on the Dogwood Press logo. A 6, some o’s and some question marks. Any idea what this represents?
Thanks, Robert Lowing
robertphiliplowing@gmail.com
Well what fun it is to see this map. I can tell you that Uncle Frank was quite the well spoken man and a formidable curmudgeon despite his whimsy and delicate artistry.
I love that people can see his work and can guarantee he would be delighted to see his work shared and appreciated. How lovely. Thanks for remembering him.
Kelly Lindsey
Thanks for your note. It is a wonderful map.