New Rockford business restores hand-drawn maps of city and adds a creative twist

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – At Vintage Routes, a map is more than just a map, it is an authentic piece of history.

Owner Chuck Meyers started the business after a surprise discovery turned into a passion project.

“We came across maps that were made here locally in Rockford and we took about 7 years to restore them,” says Meyers. “These hand drawn maps from the 30’s and 40’s have a lot of detail in them and people like to remember where they came from… We have over 400 city maps from Byron to Rockford to Denver, Colorado to Dallas, Texas.”

The locally owned business restores and produces reproductions of authentic hand-drawn city and lake maps found in Rockford. Bringing life back to towns, lakes, and stories gone by.

“I think these families really enjoy seeing that the maps and the history keep going,” says Meyers. “They don’t end up in the barn getting rained on or fall apart, we keep them going.”

You can buy the maps as a print or on a pint glass, an option that has taken off in the forest city.

“It’s just really awesome seeing Rockford businesses and surrounding community businesses putting their logos on the glass and their employees can talk about their companies rich history over a cold one,” says Meyers.

One of those businesses is Ernie’s Midtown Pub. Owner Andrew Vowles was one of the first to order the custom glassware are says they have been flying off the shelves.

“The first thing customers do when they get their beer is just kind of stare at it, look at it, adore it,” says Vowles. “Its interesting to see people not just get their beer and start drinking it but its a conversation piece for people too.”

When local organizations order glasses or a print, Meyers makes sure to make the delivery an experience like no other. Dressing up as a fictional beer glass salesman named Rhett all to bring a smile to customers faces.

“People are just looking for something to reminder them of some old times and he’s definitely old times.”

Meyers says Vintage Routes is truly a community effort. With creatives from Catalyst Design and Photography, Lightwave Creative, City Stage Studios, Studio 22, Inc. and film maker Luis Hermosillo being instrumental in helping get the business up and going.

If you want to see their collectable creations in person, you can find them at the following local businesses:

• Ernie’s Midtown Pub
• Kegel’s Bicycle Store
• Mary’s Place
• Toad Hall Books & Records
• Prairie Street Brewing Company
• The Music Box

Copyright 2024 WIFR. All rights reserved.