The Post Office Directory Of Glasgow 1938-1939

The Post Office Directory of Glasgow 1938-1939: A Pre-War Snapshot of the Second City of the Empire

Product Description

Step back into the bustling streets of pre-war Glasgow with this complete facsimile of the Post Office Directory of Glasgow 1938-1939.

This invaluable resource serves as a critical census substitute. With the 1931 Census destroyed during the war and the 1941 Census cancelled due to WWII, this directory provides one of the last comprehensive snapshots of Glasgow’s population and industry before the global conflict changed the city forever.

Whether you are tracing your family tree, researching house history, or exploring the industrial heritage of Scotland, this directory offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of your ancestors on the eve of World War II.

Format & Navigation

Please note that this directory is a high-quality scan of the original book pages, presented as a PDF. While the text itself is not embedded (meaning it is not electronically searchable), the directory is formatted alphabetically, making navigation intuitive and straightforward for researchers.

• Digital Download or CD: Choose your preferred format.
• Modern Compatibility: While the file is an image scan, many modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat and browser-based viewers) now perform "OCR on the fly." This often allows you to use the Ctrl+F (Find) function to search for names, though this depends on your specific software and the clarity of the original print.

What’s Inside the Directory?

This comprehensive volume is divided into clear sections to help you locate exactly what you need:

1. Street Directory: An alphabetical list of streets within Glasgow (including suburbs like Partick, Govan, and Maryhill). It lists the head of the household or business at each specific address—perfect for tracking who lived in your ancestors' home.
2. Commercial & Trades Directory: A classified list of businesses and tradesmen. Find out who ran the local bakeries, shipyards, and grocers. This section is arranged by trade, then alphabetically by business name.
3. Official & Institutional Directory: Contact details and names of officials for:
   • Municipal and Corporation departments (The Corporation of the City of Glasgow).
   • Churches, Ministers, and Religious bodies.
   • Schools, Colleges, and Universities.
   • Hospitals, Asylums, and Charitable institutions.
   • Courts, Law enforcement, and Magistrates.
4. Private Residents Directory: An alphabetical list of private citizens, usually the "head of house," along with their addresses. This is the primary section for genealogists tracing names.

Historical Context & Interesting Facts (1938-1939)

• The Empire Exhibition: 1938 was a massive year for Glasgow, hosting the Empire Exhibition at Bellahouston Park. This directory captures the city at its absolute peak of confidence and industry, attracting millions of visitors.
• Industrial Powerhouse: Known as the "Second City of the Empire," Glasgow was still a global leader in shipbuilding and engineering. The listings are heavy with marine engineers, ironmongers, and steel workers, reflecting the city's economic heartbeat.
• Football Legends: This was a golden era for Glasgow football.
  • Rangers F.C.: They were in the midst of a dominating period, winning the league title in 1938-39 with a record-breaking points tally.
  • Celtic F.C.: The legendary Jimmy McGrory was the manager during this period, having recently retired as a player.
  • Third Lanark A.C. and Partick Thistle also feature prominently in the sporting social fabric of the time.
• Famous Residents: The directory lists the city's elite. Sir Patrick Dollan, a prominent political figure and former Lord Provost of Glasgow (a role he held leading up to and during these years), is likely listed among the official residents. The city was also home to John Logie Baird (though his movements were varied, his family connections remained strong in the area) and countless architects who designed the Victorian tenements still standing today.

Important Disclaimer Regarding Maps

Please be aware that, in the original binding of this directory, certain map pages were often issued separately or have been lost to time. While this reproduction contains all textual directory listings, the original street map pages may be missing or incomplete.

Unlock the secrets of your Glasgow heritage today!