TELEPHONE BOOKS

Years ago, the best way to find someone was to look them up in the phone book. To be more accurate, the WHITE PAGES. And depending on where you lived, the book could be very small or very large. 

Now, I know that this is not exciting for some of you, but for us aging dinosaurs, getting the phone book was big news. It only came once a year and would give you updates like new families, change of address and phone number. (Remember, we did not have internet or computers, and not all people had phones or television. I know, blows your mind, right.)

In the early 1930's phone prefixes where used, like DR3-1234 (Drexel), and WA1-2345 (Walnut). So, when you looked for relatives you would see letters listed first then the numbers. Phone books usually gave the males last name, first name and wife would be listed in parentheses, address, and sometime the job they had. For single females the same would apply. The last name is the key, so all person with that surname would be listed, you would just need to know the first name or initial. So, if you were looking for a Smith every Smith in the area would be listed. If you did not want your number to be listed, no number would be next to you name.

Some libraries still have old telephone books that you can access. You need to know the city of the family member you are looking for.