#Airmail arrows map series

So one foggy morning, I explained my puzzlement to the boys. I noticed an odd thing on these maps: the Newton, KS airport was on the other side of the city from its present location, sometimes even several miles outside the city. So I started collecting old maps: a Contract Airmail Route #34 (CAM 34) map from 1927, aviation sectionals from 19, etc. Maybe IвЂ™d spot a few old arrows and such. I got the idea that it would be fun to replicate a journey along the old routes. And as one of the early air mail routes went through Kansas, every so often people find these arrows around here. Entire websites exist to tracking and locating the remnants of these arrows.

Even Snopes has had to verify their authenticity (verdict: true). These were part of a primitive air navigation system that led to the first transcontinental airmail service.Д®very so often, people stumble upon these abandoned arrows and there is a big discussion online.

#Airmail arrows map series

Nearly a century ago, the US government installed a series of arrows on the ground in Kansas. And they were super excited about it, somewhat to the astonishment of the research librarian, who I am sure is more used to children jostling for position over the DVDs in the youth section than poring over maps in the non-circulating historical archives!ДЄll this started with giant concrete arrows in the middle of nowhere. Jacob and Oliver were in a library, trying to see a 98-year-old map of the property owners in Township 23, range 1 East, Harvey County, Kansas.

But what, you may wonder, are they trying to see? A TV? Video game? This is pretty typical for siblings this age. ThereвЂ™s a little pushing and shoving to get the best view. Two children, ages 7 and 10, are jostling for position.