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Kelly Directories

Started by: david dunlop (133)

Has any one had any experience using one of these old directory publications for research purposes?

I am wondering how easy it might be to use one to try and find an individual person? I suspect it might be designed as a street, and/or business index, for looking up who or what was at a specific address, otherwise a lot of page turning would be required to track any one person down by name only.

I may need to resort to a Kelly Directory to trace the possible lead for a long lost relative, and would like to know how intensive a search of this kind might become. Particularly since Kelly Directories for 1929, 1930 and 1931 might be involved.

David
Winnipeg, Canada

Started: 24th May 2020 at 20:40

Posted by: threlfallia (180)

I've found them useful from time to time, more often for confirming the dates/years people were working from. There are other directories, too. On sites such as "Ancestry" they are somewhat searchable.
There are many really good experts on here, I've had real help and almost psychic guidance (!) , all of which I've later managed to confirm as correct. If you put a message on "people" with the info. you are seeking, I know someone or other will quite quickly pop up to help you.

Replied: 19th Jun 2020 at 15:31

Posted by: langbard (4)

David,

Some directories (not just Kelly's) are limited to businesses so you might find the names of the owners, for pubs you can often see the names of the landlords. Some of the larger directories (e.g. those that have specific entries for towns) will often have a list of residents by street as well as business details - these are very useful. Bear in mind that the information can be a couple of years out of date, for example finding someone listed in 1930 doesn't guarantee that they were actually alive in the year.

Replied: 4th Jul 2020 at 13:16

Posted by: Perkin Warbeck (1460)

David, There's quite a few directories on wiganlocalhistory website
Link

Replied: 27th Oct 2020 at 13:10

 

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