This exceptionally rare first city directory of Houston is a legendary artifact of Houston and Texas history. It serves as a valuable source of primary historical data, including listings of residents in the burgeoning Texas city. Noteworthy elements include numerous advertisements, such as an especially charming illustrated ad from a Texas boot-seller, as well as listings of local businesses, churches, and the Houston Synagogue. The directory also features essays on various topics, including Houston's history, its role during the Civil War, local railroads, newspapers, and education.
In the preface by Leonard, which outlines the publication's history:
This directory is the first of its kind ever published in Houston, and we take pride in the enthusiastic support it received. In November, a prospectus was issued to gauge the viability of the project. The publication was contingent upon securing subscriptions for 500 copies from the city's business community. This was considered a sufficient foundation for the endeavor. The response exceeded expectations, with more subscriptions than required, resulting in an edition of 1,500 copies.
The variety of businesses advertised in this directory from Houston and Galveston is truly impressive. Below is a brief selection of the businesses, shopkeepers, and schools from the period that chose to feature their advertisements in this directory:
- Gray, Strickland & Co., Printers and Bookbinders
- Blessing's Photographic Gallery, Photographs, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes and the latest Porcelain Pictures
- Houston & Texas Central Railway Company. With list of stations and rates.
- G. A. Forsgard. Boots and Shoes.
- Baylor University. Independence, Texas. President, Rev. Wm. Carey Crane, D.D.
- Bryant's Newspaper & Periodical Depot
- J. Miller & Co. Guns, Rifles, Revolvers, Pistols, Ammunition, etc.
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Soule University. Chappell Hill, Texas. J.M. Follansbee, President
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Galveston Photographic Company. Photographs, Ambrotypes, Ferotypes, Ivory Types. Albatypes or Porcelain Pictures.
This directory comes with a custom made protective casing clamshell style box and in complete condition.
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