Log Books

Log Books – Early automobile maps for navigation form city to city

Log books such as these helped drivers navigate old roads with directions instead of just maps. Directions are in terms of landmarks. The numerical values preceding the landmarks indicate its odometer reading since the start of the trip or the last indicated odometer reset. These log books also include period ads for car parts, hotels, and other businesses.

These log books are located at The Texas Collection at Baylor University.  This is a very fascinating library, the collection has many remarkably rare books and rare maps, especially early Texas maps.  The people at the library are very  helpful and interested in old documents.  If you are passing through Waco, Texas on I-35, it is well worth a stop to see the library and campus. The Texas Collection at Baylor University web site is: www.baylor.edu/lib/texas/

PDF files of log books:

Bexar County Highway League’s Official Log Book for Texas 1914-1915

San Antonio Automobile Club Log Book 1911