1906 The Pheil's Universal Time Indicator

By: Isaac F. Pheil

Date of Original: 1906 (dated) Toledo, Ohio

Original Size: 30 x 22 inches (76 x 56 cm)

This is a fine print reproduction of a 1906 map, created by The Toledo Blade newspaper, showcases an innovative depiction of global time zones using a polar projection centered on the North Pole.?

The design features radiating longitudinal lines, with countries and regions labeled along the edges, and a rotating volvelle at its center. This clock-like mechanism, marked with AM and PM designations, allows users to easily determine local time in any part of the world, emphasizing the Earth's rotation and the relationship between time zones and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Developed in an era of rapid advancements in transportation and communication, the map reflects the adoption of standardized time zones, a system formalized at the 1884 International Meridian Conference. It highlights the global synchronization of timekeeping, including the International Date Line, which regulates calendar changes across the Pacific. The detailed depiction of U.S. time zones underscores the map¡¯s practical use for travelers and businesses navigating the interconnected world.

Pheil¡¯s map exemplifies the technological optimism of the early 20th century, representing a world increasingly unified by shared systems and innovations. While modern technology has simplified global timekeeping, this artifact serves as a historical reminder of the challenges and achievements in managing time across a globalized society.

Inventory #12875