On The Map

An appreciation of hyperlocal publications

One thing I love to look for when I’m visiting a new place is the local publications. The small newspapers, magazines, classified ad lists, maps, and other things you see.

When I was fishing with a friend in Hampton, Virginia a couple years ago, I picked up a little fishing magazine printed on newsprint. It was full of fishing news, fishing ads, commentary and letters to the editor about Chesapeake Bay preservation, fishing regulations, records and tournaments. It was like being transported briefly into a different world, where I could get a sense of how deeply involved you can get in something that for me was just a light, occasional pastime. A reminder that the things that take up the space in your head are not the same as the great big world out there.

On our last visit to Philadelphia, I picked up this pamphlet:

Is “take and use” a play on “take and eat”?

Inside, on a randomly selected page, I found an add for “Holy Rollers Professional Painting”:

It’s a mini yellow pages of Christian and Christian-owned businesses. At the top of every page is a Bible verse. It’s a little kitschy, but it’s such a distinct thing that a small group of real people obviously made. Look for this sort of thing, and you’ll see it.