Kelly's Directory Of Birmingham & Smethwick 1939

Kelly's Directory of Birmingham & Smethwick 1939

A Time Capsule from the Eve of War

Imagine the bustling streets of Birmingham and Smethwick in the final months of peace. The trams rattle along their routes, the factories of the "Workshop of the World" are at full tilt, and families go about their daily lives, blissfully unaware of the seismic changes about to sweep the globe.

This is the world captured in the Kelly's Directory for 1939. More than just a list of names and addresses, this is a comprehensive and fascinating snapshot of a community on the brink of a new era. It is an indispensable key to unlocking the social, commercial, and personal history of the area in this pivotal year.

Within its pages, you will discover:

A Complete Street Directory: Walk down every road and find out who lived at each house, often with their occupation listed. Perfect for tracing the history of your own home or finding where your ancestors lived.
A Commercial & Trade Directory: Explore the industrial heart of the region. Find everything from engineers and metalworkers to bakers and drapers. Discover the fate of a family business or research the commercial landscape of pre-war Britain.
A Court & Private Residents Section: An alphabetical listing of the area's prominent citizens, gentry, and professionals, providing a unique insight into the social structure of the time.
Official Information: A detailed guide to local councils, officials, public services, hospitals, churches, and schools.
Authentic Advertisements: Original period ads for products, services, and local businesses, bringing the flavour and style of 1939 to life.
Why the 1939 Edition is So Special:

This isn't just any directory; it's a historical document of immense significance. It preserves a record of the streets, people, and businesses of Birmingham and Smethwick just before they were irrevocably shaped by the Second World War. It is the last great snapshot of a world that was about to disappear forever.

An invaluable resource for:

Genealogists tracing their family history in the Midlands.
Local and Social Historians researching the fabric of the community.
Householders uncovering the story of their property.
Anyone with a love for nostalgia and the heritage of Birmingham and Smethwick.
Add this essential piece of history to your collection and step back into 1939.