1915 Columbus Ohio Telephone Directory Central Union Bell System Antique RARE For Sale

More than simply a list of telephone numbers, this directory provides a fascinating snapshot of Columbus in 1915, preserving the names, addresses, businesses, professions, and telephone numbers of local residents and establishments from over 110 years ago.

The interior pages are packed with period advertising alongside the alphabetical listings. Visible advertisements include local Columbus businesses such as Edward E. Fisher Co., Morehouse Transfer and Storage Co., Franklin Park Floral Co., United Woolen Mills Company, Burnam’s Auto Service, and others. The advertisements themselves provide excellent material for research into early Columbus commerce and everyday life.

The front cover features the early Central Union Telephone Company / Bell System bell emblem with “Local and Long Distance Telephone.” The rear cover carries a large period advertisement for The United Woolen Mills Company, then located at the corner of High and Gay Streets.

Condition:
This is a genuine working directory from 1915 and shows substantial age and use. The paper covers have heavy overall wear, creasing, wrinkling, edge and corner losses, small tears, and general fragility. The rear cover has a larger torn/damaged area along the right side with what appears to be old tape or repair material. Interior pages show toning, edge wear, occasional creasing and other age-related wear. It is currently housed in a protective plastic sleeve.

Despite its condition, the surviving directory retains a tremendous amount of local historical and genealogical information and is an unusual piece of early Columbus telecommunications history.

Please examine all photographs carefully for the exact condition and contents. The photographs are considered part of the description.

Your item will be carefully packaged to ensure it arrives safely.