|
||
|
|
|
|
Mississippi Gulf Coast: Year A Round Vacationland, a pictorial map published in November 1956, offers a vibrant depiction of the coastal region between Pearlington and Pascagoula. Emanating from an era when the Mississippi Gulf Coast was being promoted as a year-round vacation destination, this map is replete with colorful illustrations and highlights, emphasizing the leisurely attractions and the burgeoning tourism of the area.
The 1950s in America were characterized by a post-war economic boom, increased mobility due to the widespread use of automobiles, and a growing middle class with both the means and desire to travel. Mississippi's Gulf Coast, with its serene beaches, warm climate, and southern hospitality, emerged as an enticing vacation spot during this decade. Its portrayal as "Year A Round Vacationland" on this map underscores the appeal of its temperate weather, drawing tourists not just during traditional summer months but throughout the year.
The inclusion of a menu for the Friendship House, described as "The Home of Southern Hospitality," situates the map in a cultural context that emphasized traditional values, community, and hospitality. Located "midway between Biloxi and Gulfport," and notably positioned on the highly trafficked Highway 90, the establishment anchored itself as a symbol of the region's welcoming spirit, while also capitalizing on the rising automobile tourism of the era.
Moreover, the map's illustrations play a significant role in capturing the essence of the era and the locale. These visual elements not only detail the geographical scope of the coast but also echo the cultural, recreational, and social activities that likely beckoned to visitors. Whether it was the allure of the sun-drenched beaches, the appeal of local eateries like the Friendship House, or the charm of coastal towns, this map serves as a testament to the region's multifaceted attractions.
In sum, Mississippi Gulf Coast: Year A Round Vacationland is more than a cartographic representation; it is a window into mid-20th-century American tourism, capturing the allure of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the broader sociocultural zeitgeist of the era.
