What’s this symbol on historic map?

[xpauliber]

I’m researching areas to detect using old DOT maps and I keep seeing a symbol that isn’t on the map legend. Does anyone know what this means? Ive noticed them at different intersections of roads.

Here’s a link to the original map: https://gis.penndot.gov/BPR_PDF_FILES/MAPS/Type_10_GHS_Historical_Scans/Huntingdon_1941.pdf

 

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[jeff of pa]

OK I Don't see A Tower Today Just a Home on Site




October 11, 1938 Aerial
shows Nothing Obvious



June 7, 1958



Can't Zoom in on the 52 Aerial without Blur,
Must be something only Airplanes Could take note of at the time

 

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[jeff of pa]

Oooohhhh I love this game, can I play?

I have two examples that I've been wondering about:
1. the "S H" is easy on this, it's a School House. But what is the "W S"? I can't figure that out.

View attachment 1906333

2. And this is the one I REALLY am interested in getting help with:
- The "GM" on the left side is a Grist Mill, I think.
- The "B.S.Shop" is a Black Smith Shop, I think.
- But what is "COAL BANK" with that upside-down "U" symbol? I am guessing that it's a surface coal mine (and not a bank as in the financial institution), but is it possible it's actually a "Bank" with money?

View attachment 1906337

Weigh Station ? Would be my guess.


My guess The Symbol under Coal bank Means "the Bank is Here" It actually Looks like a bank of coal

 

[Brian93436]

Many open pit mines/quarries/sediment mines use weigh stations on roads exiting the mines, so... "WS" may indicate a weigh station? My second guess and preference would be... Whiskey Saloon!

 

[brianc053]

Many open pit mines/quarries/sediment mines use weigh stations on roads exiting the mines, so... "WS" may indicate a weigh station? My second guess and preference would be... Whiskey Saloon!

Thanks all.

I managed to confirm from an official source (a National Registry of Historic Places filing) that the WS was a Wagon Shop.
I also may have permission to metal detector there later this month (homeowner asked me to check back after they finish some renovations).

I’ll let you know how that goes.

- Brian.

 

[TNglen]

I’m researching areas to detect using old DOT maps and I keep seeing a symbol that isn’t on the map legend. Does anyone know what this means? Ive noticed them at different intersections of roads.

Here’s a link to the original map: https://gis.penndot.gov/BPR_PDF_FILES/MAPS/Type_10_GHS_Historical_Scans/Huntingdon_1941.pdf

View attachment 1906305

 

[Electrician819]

Oooohhhh I love this game, can I play?

I have two examples that I've been wondering about:
1. the "S H" is easy on this, it's a School House. But what is the "W S"? I can't figure that out.

View attachment 1906333

2. And this is the one I REALLY am interested in getting help with:
- The "GM" on the left side is a Grist Mill, I think.
- The "B.S.Shop" is a Black Smith Shop, I think.
- But what is "COAL BANK" with that upside-down "U" symbol? I am guessing that it's a surface coal mine (and not a bank as in the financial institution), but is it possible it's actually a "Bank" with money?

View attachment 1906337

I think that WS stands for Water Supply or Water Source

 

[49er12]

You’re welcome, and very interesting Brian. In case it’s of any use to anyone, these are the tables in full from “Conventional Symbols for Mine Maps” by Lester C Uren in ‘Mining & Scientific Press’ [16 August 1919]:

View attachment 1906426 View attachment 1906427

Redcoat great information, can I ask you is there a book or internet information that lists all symbols on these old maps. Thanks

 

[Red-Coat]

Redcoat great information, can I ask you is there a book or internet information that lists all symbols on these old maps. Thanks

I wish there was! Generally, there doesn't seem to have been a universally agreed 'standardisation', with various map-makers using their own terminology and symbology. Once you know who produced the map and its approximate age, you then have to search for publications from the same source that include a reference table in my experience.