Trade and Post Office Directories.....

[Vscheipel]

Hello

Would anyone be able to tell me what sort of information is provided in both the TRADE and POST OFFICE directories?

For example: If I already know my ancestor was a master baker or a copperplate printer, will the TRADE directory give me any additional information beyond this?

What exactly was the purpose of a POST OFFICE directory? Is this similar to a city directory (ie. listing street address and who lived there)?

I am trying to determine whether this is an avenue of research I should consider next.

Veronica

[LesleyB]

Hi Veronica

If I already know my ancestor was a master baker or a copperplate printer, will the TRADE directory give me any additional information beyond this?

The trade directories I've seen usually give the person's name, trade and address - sometimes both a business address and a home address. In a lot of cases they may just confirm what you know already, but in some cases if you are trying to find out when someone died or moved away, an entry (or not) in the trade directories can give some indication of when this event may have happened.

What exactly was the purpose of a POST OFFICE directory?

As far as I'm aware they were a bit like the "yellow pages" we now have in the UK - a publication which you had to pay to be included in and which listed tradesmen and services etc. Post Office Directories often also contain a Street Index, which lists streets alphabetically with residents' names as well so can be used with name or address information as a starting point. This is just based on those I've seen - someone else may be able to add more background info.

Best wishes
Lesley

[Falkyrn]

If you have a look at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com ... x-glas.htm this will give you an idea of the information available in these sources.

This link is to the Glasgow 1927 Directory placed online by Jim Bundy

[LesleyB]

Hi Falkyrn
Great site - thanks for that! Just found two of mine in there - brilliant link
Best wishes
Lesley