Higgie & Co's Directory Of Bute 1911-1912

The Higgie & Co's Directory Of Bute 1911-1912: The Definitive Guide to a Lost World

Before the Great War reshaped the world, the Isle of Bute thrived in the elegant twilight of the Edwardian age. It was a world of steamers docking at Rothesay Bay, of grand villas overlooking the Firth of Clyde, and of close-knit communities where everyone knew their neighbour. Now, you can walk those streets again.

This is a meticulous, page-for-page reproduction of the original Higgie & Co's Directory for 1911-1912. To hold this volume is to hold a living document, a census in print that captures the very essence of island life at a pivotal moment in history. It is the ultimate key for unlocking the secrets of Bute's past, serving as an essential tool for the serious genealogist, the local historian, and anyone who feels the pull of ancestral shores.

Why This Directory is an Invaluable Treasure:

For the Genealogist: Move beyond names and dates. Place your ancestors in their community. Discover their neighbours, their trades, and their social standing. Find the church where they married, the school their children attended, and the shops where they bought their daily bread.
For the Local Historian: Map the commercial and civic landscape of Edwardian Bute. Trace the rise and fall of local industries, understand the structure of local government, and see the intricate web of services that supported the island's population.
For the Homeowner: Research the history of your property. Who lived in your house in 1911? What was their profession? What did the street look like? The directory provides a tangible link to the stories embedded within the walls of your home.
For the Descendant: For anyone whose family story begins on Bute, this directory is a powerful and emotional connection to your heritage. See the names, the streets, and the businesses that formed the backdrop to your ancestors' lives.
Within its pages, you will find the rich detail that brings history to life: the official listing of the town's provost and bailies; the directory of farmers from Kingarth to Ardberg; the classified trades section revealing dozens of butchers, bakers, and dressmakers; and the charming, often elaborate, advertisements that offer a glimpse into the aspirations and aesthetics of the time.

This is more than a reference book; it is an invitation to explore. Open its covers and let the Higgie & Co's Directory be your guide to the Isle of Bute, 1911-1912.