The Compass System Map of Jefferson county, NY, published & copyrighted 1939 by Rural Directories, Inc., 147 East State Street, Ithaca, NY. It could be purchased, along with the index, for $2.00. WSYR, "the friend of the farmer, 570 on your dial" supported it with advertising. Similar maps were made for other rural counties whose citizens were urged to "Be modern, be practical, know the "compass system"." The Naples News, Naples, NY, Wednesday, February 9, 1938, page 4, contained an add offering a Naples map and index for $1.00.
The package contained two parts, a booklet of 40 pages and a large map, folded and placed in a pocket on the inside back cover. We are very fortunate to have clear scans of both parts, thanks to the efforts of Nancy Dixon. Index of names is split between the booklet and the back of the map. Abbott - Horton in the booklet and Hoselton - Zukowski on the back of the map.
Click on the image below to access the Booklet
Instructions for the "compass system" are in the upper right, row 1, column 4, section of the map and Page 2 of the booklet. The map is divided into 4 rows and columns. Click on the area of interest to see the corresponding section of the whole map. This map mesures 3 feet by 3 feet so the sections are quite large.
The back of the map is covered with columns of names and radial addresses. It has been divided into 4 parts of 3 columns each with the first and last name in each part indicated.
Copyright 2016 Jefferson County NYGenWeb — a member of the NYGenWeb Project
If you have any questions or comments about this page, please contact,
County Co-Coordinator Nancy Dixon or
Co-Coordinator Bruce Coyne.