dir 9 Directory of Staffordshire 1900

Staffordshire Directory 1912

This comprehensive directory lists all the towns within Staffordshire firstly with a brief history of the place. This ten follows the usual pattern of listing the Authorities, Religious Institutions, Schools followed by details of both commercial listings and well as notable individuals and their address. Very comprehensive. All seperate jpeg pages.

These two collections first cover the period of 1888/9 and 1900. They are both publications of the district of Stoke-upon-Trent giving a full outline of the town and who is who and a summary of the events during the years mentioned.
The 1900 directory is the only account of the proposed new theatre in the town under the name of The Gordon Theatre. This gives full details of the design decoration size and the facilities that it provides to attract the well-to-do of the town in an attempt to provide entertainment at Stoke rather than its inhabitants having to travel to the town of Hanley. Makes a good read.

1867 Keates Potteries Directory

Trade directories were originally produced to help promote and facilitate trade and commerce. A directory would include a general description of the town or area as well as details on local transportation, churches, schools, government offices and officials, shops, and businesses. Sometimes information on specific people, such as businessmen, traders, shopkeepers, was included as well.

Later directories began to include sections on private residents. At first this mainly consisted of the wealthier and more prominent individuals. Eventually the directories became more comprehensive and more residents, especially householders, were included regardless of social status.