The Post Office Directory Of Aberdeen 1970-1971

The Post Office Directory of Aberdeen 1970-1971 – Digital Download or CD Archive

Product Description:

Step back into the "Granite City" at the dawn of a new era. This comprehensive digital archive of the Post Office Directory of Aberdeen 1970-1971 is an essential resource for genealogists, local historians, and anyone researching family trees in North-East Scotland.

This fascinating directory captures Aberdeen on the brink of transformation. While the city remained a centre for fishing, shipbuilding, and paper manufacturing, 1970 marked the early days of the North Sea Oil boom that would forever change the region’s economy and demographics.

Product Format & Navigation

Please note that this directory is a facsimile reproduction of the original book, presented as high-resolution scanned images (PDF format). Because the text is part of the image, it is not "digitally" searchable in the traditional sense (i.e., you cannot press CTRL+F to find a word instantly).

However, navigation is straightforward:

1. Alphabetical Order: The directory is organized alphabetically by surname, making it incredibly easy to scroll to the section you need.
2. Modern Technology: Most modern PDF readers (including Adobe Acrobat and web browsers) now feature OCR on-the-fly. This means the software can read the text from the images, allowing you to use the search function in many cases, or simply copy/paste text into your notes.

Why this Directory is Essential for Genealogists

Bridging the Census Gap: The UK Census is taken every 10 years. The 1961 census is closed, and the 1971 census will not be released to the public until 2072. This directory serves as a vital "census substitute," providing a snapshot of who lived where in Aberdeen between these two dates. It allows you to confirm an ancestor's residence, occupation, and trade status during this specific window.

Contents of the Directory

This extensive volume is divided into clear, easy-to-use sections:

• Street Directory: A comprehensive list of streets in Aberdeen and the immediate surrounding suburbs, showing the head of household or business at each address. Perfect for tracing the history of a specific house.
• Commercial & Trades Directory: A classified list of businesses and tradesmen. Find out if your ancestor was a baker, a fish curer, or an engineer, and see the rapid growth of service industries supporting the oil sector.
• Alphabetical Directory (Private Residents): The core of the book for family historians. Lists private residents alphabetically by name, usually including their occupation and full street address.
• Official & Municipal Directory: Listings for local government offices, the Corporation, public officials, churches, schools, and medical professionals.

Historical Context & Interesting Facts

Researching in this era offers a unique glimpse into Aberdeen life:

• The Oil Boom Begins: 1970 was a pivotal year. The discovery of the Forties oil field was confirmed, and the first oil was piped ashore. While the full boom was yet to hit, this directory captures the city just as international oil companies were beginning to establish offices, and local engineering firms were pivoting to support offshore work.
• Sporting Heroes: Aberdeen Football Club (The Dons) were a major presence in the city. During this era, players such as Joe Harper (a legendary club striker) and Martin Buchan (who would later captain Manchester United) were key figures living in the area. You may find players or club officials listed in the residential sections.
• Famous Residents: Look out for Annie Lennox. The future Eurythmics star was born in Aberdeen in 1954. In 1970-1971, she would have been a teenager attending school (Aberdeen High School for Girls). While she would not yet be famous, she may be listed with her parents at their home address.
• Industry: Beyond the emerging oil sector, Aberdeen was still the hub of the British herring fleet and home to major paper mills and granite quarries. The trades section offers a detailed look at these traditional industries before they declined.

Important Disclaimer regarding Maps

Please be aware that this directory is reproduced from an original source that was sometimes missing supplementary materials. It is possible that the original street map sections were removed or lost from the physical book before scanning. We cannot guarantee the inclusion of fold-out maps, though all textual directory sections are complete.

Formats Available:

• Digital Download: Instant access via email link (High-speed internet recommended due to file size).
• CD-ROM: Mailed to your address (Includes PDF files readable on any computer).

Unlock the secrets of your Aberdeen ancestors today!