Washington, Postmaster Indexes, Prior to 1965

What is in This Collection?

This collection of indexes includes records prior to 1965. Directories are published books that are usually updated every year or so. This collection of directories consists of postal and shipping guides to Washington counties. They are usually arranged alphabetically.

The first directories were simple groupings of residents by street within large cities. The businesses that compiled the directories usually combined the listings with their own business or professional information and address. Information on other professionals and businesses quickly began to be included on the lists. Then the directories began dividing the names by function, and eventually there were multiple types of directories, such as city, telephone, county and regional business, professional, organizational, religious, and post office and street directories.

Directories were created to form a readily accessible record with current residence or contact information. They were created primarily by businesses for advertising and sales purposes. The information in directories is fairly reliable because it was usually provided by the business people and residents themselves.

Additional records and/or images may be added to this collection in the future.

To Browse This Collection

What Can These Records Tell Me?

The following information may be found in these records:

• Name of head of household or business
• Name of spouse
• Street address
• Other contact information such as telephone number
• Occupation or business enterprise

Collection Content

Sample Image

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  1964-77 Postmaster Index