Historic R. L. Polk City Directories
March 28, 2011 12:40 PM Subscribe
What does a starred or asterisked listing in old (1915-1925) R. L. Polk City Directories indicate?
I am in the midst of some research on a large southern US city, and have been using Polk's City Directories (also called city guides) as a resource. I noticed that many of the listings are preceded by a star or asterisk (*). I suspect that these are African-American individuals or businesses, but can't find confirmation anywhere within the directory itself. Can anyone confirm this or point me to a useful source?
Thanks!
I am in the midst of some research on a large southern US city, and have been using Polk's City Directories (also called city guides) as a resource. I noticed that many of the listings are preceded by a star or asterisk (*). I suspect that these are African-American individuals or businesses, but can't find confirmation anywhere within the directory itself. Can anyone confirm this or point me to a useful source?
Thanks!
Another possibility seems to be that it indicates telephone subscribers.
posted by Perplexity at 12:53 PM on March 28, 2011
posted by Perplexity at 12:53 PM on March 28, 2011
IIRC, the star denotes a new resident at a given address, but that's post-1970 experience talking.
posted by wierdo at 11:43 PM on March 28, 2011
posted by wierdo at 11:43 PM on March 28, 2011
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posted by empath at 12:50 PM on March 28, 2011