Postal Forwarding Directories...... An Unique Resource for YOU?

EWGS has had in its collection in the downtown Spokane Public Library a most unique collection of books. Called Postal Forwarding Directories, they would remind you of a city directory. But they were created to help postmen deliver the mail. On the printed pages, name and addresses are listed.

What makes these volumes so unique is that every few pages there are some blank pages inserted where the postman could write in the new/forwarding address of a family on his route. 

Our collection spanned about 1903 to 1940 for Spokane but EWGS figures that other cities had such too. (Doing a Google search, I could find nothing pertinent to this topic.) EWGS has wanted for years to have these unique resources to be digitized and finally that time came and the digitization is in progress under the direction of Becky Menzel. Even with the 2-year hiatus before we get a new library, Becky will have an office at Gonzaga and (I'm told) will continue working on the project. 

Now what does this mean to YOUR genealogy? Well, imagine this: you know where your family was in 1905 and again in 1930 but where were they in between? Was there a Postal Forwarding Directory in that 1905 town that would hold a clue? The only way to know is to contact the public library, genealogy society and/or historical society in that place.

I thank Jeanne Coe for information on this project; she's been on the digitizing crew. 

I just read a list from the Spokane Directory 1886-1887  which listed so many and varied occupations pursued by Spokane citizens. I was amazed because so many exist today.  I found:

Plumber  --  Register of Land  --  Attorney  --  Furniture  --  Blacksmith  --  Saloon  --  Groceries  --  Hides and Furs  --  Restaurant  --  Butcher  --  Music Teacher  --  Dry Goods  --  Clergyman  --  Milliner  --  Physician  --  Proprietor  --  Banker  --  Catholic Priest  --  Dressmaking  --  Carriage Maker  --  Grain & Hay  --  Undertaker  --  Publisher  --  Livery Stable  --  Druggist  --  Hotel  --  Notions  --  Shoes & Boots  --  Japanese Goods  --  Gasfitter  --  Barber Shop  --  Drayman  --  Seedsman  --  Mining Broker  --  Photographer  --  Cigars & Tobacco  --  Dentist  --  Sporting Goods  --  Boarding House  --  Insurance Broker  --  Judge  --  Jeweler  --  Book Seller  --  Hardware  --  Gunsmith  --  Painter  --  Brewery  --  Tailor  --  Military Telegrapher  --  Bill Poster  --  Baker  --  NP Railroad Agent  --  Books & Stationery

Ever given much thought to your ancestor's occupation? What documentation do you have for that fact? 

Indexing Project for Washington State City Directories

Charles mentioned this earlier, and then I received the following information from Terri Huntley, Historical Records Project Coordinator for the Washington State Digital Archives:

The Historical Records Project is designed for people to work from home using their computer/internet to transcribe or proofread selected documents (census, military, directories, birth, death, naturalization, and other materials). It isn't necessary to commit to specific hours since you work from your home donating your time at your convenience. The indexing efforts are posted online at the Washington State Digital Archives site: www.digitalarchives.wa.gov

Currently, many of the volunteers are transcribing many of the early Polk Directories that have been scanned at the Washington State Library. (We're working on early Seattle directories right now).

If you’re interested in volunteering, I need to know your spreadsheet preference: Works or Excel and your mailing address. Once we decide on a project to start on, I email a template and mail out paper copies along with postage paid return envelope. Once you have completed the project, you email the file back and return the paper copies in the envelope.

If you’re interested in volunteering, email Terri Huntley at: thuntley@secstate.wa.gov