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Description

"Seattle Character Map," a vivid and comprehensive pictorial bird's-eye view map encapsulates the distinctive character of Seattle, Washington in 1980. Produced by Marketing Concepts Unlimited and created by artist Sharon Schumacher, this map offers a lively and unique perspective on the city's urban landscape.

Akin to a time capsule, this map captures Seattle at the dawn of the 1980s. It goes beyond the simple geographical representation, featuring numerous businesses and points of interest, each labeled and pictorially depicted. This detail allows the map to reflect the commercial and cultural vibrancy of the city, providing a snapshot of Seattle's thriving urban life during this period.

Charles Royer, Seattle's mayor at the time, provides a note on the map, welcoming visitors to Seattle and expressing hopes that the "Seattle Character Map" would serve as an enjoyable guide to the city's attractions. The inclusion of this note, held by an illustrated Royer, adds a personal touch to the map and suggests a strong sense of civic pride and community spirit.

An intriguing feature of the map is the inset in the upper right corner, highlighting the eruption of Mount St. Helens in May 1980, which is located 90 miles south of Seattle. This annotation is a stark reminder of the city's proximity to one of the most dramatic natural events in U.S. history.

Ultimately, the "Seattle Character Map" serves as both a piece of art and a historical document. It brings together geography, history, and culture in a visually appealing format, providing an enchanting perspective on Seattle's past.