With an Eye for Detail: The Wilber T. Wilson Map Collection
By David Cardillo, Digital Collections and Preservation
The Wilbur T. Wilson map collection showcases the work of prominent Newark, Delaware, engineer and surveyor Wilbur T. Wilson (1856-1942). Dating from the late 1880s to 1941, the collection spans four linear feet of notebooks and files, and includes approximately 500 maps. These works range from maps, plans and cross-sections to blue prints, Van Dykes, and graphite and ink on linen, paper, and tracing paper. The collection is divided into four main series: I. Maps, II. Survey notebooks, III. Newark Residence and Property Directory and IV. Ledgers and Narrative Drafts. More information about this collection can be found here.
One such example of Wilson’s cartography skills is this map of Main Street, Newark.
Image MSS0377_OVZ_F016_M0485 – Map of Main Street, Newark.
Those familiar with downtown Newark and the University of Delaware campus can already see familiar streets and pathways. As this is a rather high-quality scan of an oversize map, one can zoom in to see more detail.
Given that these maps were created before 1940 without the technological tools of today, the detail is nothing short of astounding. There is also history involved in a “simple” map. For example, Depot Road is now South College Avenue.
The Baltimore and Philadelphia Railroad track, now CSX, still intersects with New London Road and the continuation of Main Street. Locals also know that the Deer Park Tavern is located to the right of Main Street at that intersection. Creek Road is now North College Avenue.
The east end of Main Street looks a little more familiar, with Academy Street, Choate Street, and Chapel Street. The way Choate is drawn suggests it was either still in the planning stages or more of a secondary or tertiary road. Apparently, Haines Street did not yet exist.
If so much can be learned from this one map, imagine how much history can be gleaned from the rest of this collection!
This collection, among others, was digitized thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Library!