City Directories

[sacesta]

I wasn't quite sure where to post these questions as they have to do with information found in City Directories. In this case, I'm particularly interested in the various directories for Brooklyn, NY for the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

These directories seem useful in pinpointing addresses for ancestors in the years between censuses. They also provide information about an individual's occupation and marital status.

I don't always find my ancestors listed in these directories and I'm wondering why. Did the individuals listed have to pay a fee to appear in the directory? Are only working individuals listed?

Here's a link:
https://archive.org/details/brooklynpub ... &sort=date

Steve

[sacesta]

Having just read the preface to the directory I answered at least the first of my questions. Yes, there was a nominal fee required to have one's name included in the directory. This explains why names appear rather sporadically.

[erudita74]

Steve
In addition to the Brooklyn directory being useful for addresses and occupations, in the case of my one great grandfather, it was also useful in narrowing down what year the spelling of his surname changed.
Erudita

[sacesta]

Good point!