VINTAGE PARK MAPS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Hysterical Map of Yellowstone. Circa 1936

The Famous Hysterical Map of Yellowstone Park with Apologies to the Park Including a few minor ? Changes.  Smilage Guaranteed. 

A cheerful 1936 pictorial map of Yellowstone Park, hatched and scratched by the American printer and humorist Jolly Elmer Lindgren. The map depicts the whole of Yellowstone Park with a richly humorous array of vignettes and annotations. Major roadways through the park are marked in red with important locations, topography, and more. As the title suggests, smilage is guaranteed to the viewer. Some of the amusing annotations include:

  • Brimstone Basin (Hell for Certain)
  • Gibbons Falls (Are ya Hurt?)
  • Grand Canyon (Don’t Think it Ain’t)
  • Wahb Springs (Just a Little Cold in the Head)

A topical comment seen on the map stands out. In the upper right a giant mosquito with a speech bubble states, Looks like a New Deal for the Park a reference to to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. Although the country as a whole was suffering from the Great Depression, the national parks, as part of the New Deal program received unprecedented support. Many of the most popular New Deal programs, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps, were focused on National Parks. Yellowstone alone saw more infrastructure construction because of the New Deal than in the entire history of the park up to that time. It has been debated that the bright colors and humorous nature of this and the other Hysterical Maps are intended to inspire good spirits against the backdrop of national social and economic depression – this might also be said of the entire genre of cartoon pictorial maps which were experiencing a golden age at that time.

This map was part of a series of maps drawn by Jolly Elmer Lindgren. This series – Hysterical Maps – are differentiated by their humorous style and intention versus the more common Historical Maps.

An original Hysterical Map of Yellowstone hangs in the Buffalo River library and has been archivally scanned and enhanced. We offer this Museum Quality Giclée Reproduction Print.

$75.00
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Heritage Prints FAQ

Heritage Prints preserves America's visual history through museum-quality reproductions of rare historical prints. We carefully restore and reproduce prints from the historic Buffalo River Library collection and other prestigious institutions, maintaining their authentic character while making them accessible to contemporary homes.

Each print carries forward its own journey - not a mass-produced replica but a faithful representation of American moments captured in time. From sporting life to rural traditions, these prints connect today's homes to authentic American experiences.

Our Heritage Prints honor the time-worn character that only decades can create. We preserve the yellowed paper patina, subtle corner creases, and marks and thumbtack holes where these pieces once hung - all elements that give historical prints their authentic voice.

Unlike typical reproductions that sanitize imperfections, we deliberately maintain these marks of time. The subtle aging, texture variations, and authentic patina make each Heritage Print a window to America's past rather than just a picture on your wall.

Each Heritage Print is made to order, ensuring exceptional detail and lasting beauty. Your museum-quality Giclée print arrives with a certificate of authenticity and origin story, connecting you to its unique heritage.

We use Hahnemühle fine art paper, an ultra premium 310gsm German Etching – 100% α-cellulose paper with a distinct textured surface. Its premium matt inkjet coating meets the highest industry standards for density, color gamut, and image sharpness while preserving the feel of genuine art paper.

Our premium water-based inks produce colors independently verified to last 100+ years when displayed properly.

Art that doesn't cost the earth. We believe heritage should be preserved in ways that
protect our future as well as our past. Our commitment includes:

  • Water-based inks with no harmful solvents
  • Premium papers from sustainable managed forests
  • Recycled packaging materials
  • Partnerships with local, family-owned businesses who share our values

We begin with authentic historical prints from our Buffalo River Library and collaborate with museums and prestigious institutions to obtain archival scans. Our careful restoration maintains each piece's essence - enhancing visibility while preserving the authentic aged character that makes these prints special.

Our Heritage Prints look and feel like discovering an original in a vintage store - with time-earned patina that can't be manufactured. We print the entire image as it was created many years ago, preserving the artwork's character, imperfections, and signs of its journey through time.

Our framed prints feature sustainably sourced frames made from 100% solid Ash wood by a family-owned Vermont business. They handle everything from local log sourcing to custom frame production.

Frame specifications:

  • 0.75-inch face
  • 1.5-inch depth
  • Acrylic conservation glazing
  • Acid-free backing paper
  • 100% archival matboard
  • Hanging wire installed

Our acrylic conservation glazing offers advantages over glass:

  • Optical clarity
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  • Lightweight design
  • Safe for all environments

Note: This information applies only to Framed Prints.

Our eCommerce for Good Heritage Print Collection turns stories into action with 50% of each print's purchase price going directly to worthy causes. When you bring one of these prints home, you're connecting to American heritage while supporting community causes that matter.

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Depending on the print size, we ship in:

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We accept returns of unframed prints within 30 days of purchase

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Returns without authorization may not be accepted

If your order arrives damaged, email info@buffaloriver.co with photos for a
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