A resource containing listings of telephone subscribers within a specific geographic area in southwestern Indiana. Historically, this compilation was printed and distributed to residents and businesses, providing names, addresses, and telephone numbers for convenient contact within the community.
Such a compendium facilitated communication and connection within the defined locality. Its historical value extends to genealogical research, allowing individuals to trace family histories and understand past residential patterns. It also served as a vital tool for local commerce, enabling businesses to reach potential customers directly. The evolution of these listings reflects changes in population, infrastructure, and communication technologies.
This article will examine the historical formats of such reference materials, explore their contemporary digital counterparts, and consider their continuing relevance in the age of online search and social media.
1. Listings
The core constituent of such directories is the aggregation of “Listings.” Each entry provided essential information, including a subscriber’s name, address, and telephone number. The completeness and accuracy of these “Listings” directly impacted the functionality and reliability of the resource. For instance, an outdated or incomplete “Listing” could prevent a user from contacting an individual or business, diminishing the directory’s overall utility. Therefore, the meticulous compilation and maintenance of these entries were paramount.
Furthermore, the structure of “Listings” within a directory allowed for efficient information retrieval. Typically organized alphabetically by last name, or categorically by business type, these arrangements enabled users to quickly locate specific contacts. Consider a scenario where a resident needed to contact a local plumber; the “Listings” organized under “Plumbers” provided a readily accessible list of service providers, facilitating efficient problem resolution. Changes in “Listings” also charted the demographic shifts within Evansville, Indiana, revealing business openings, closures, and residential movements.
In summary, the effectiveness of the directory was fundamentally dependent on the comprehensiveness, accuracy, and organization of its “Listings.” While technology has shifted the format from print to digital, the core principle of providing reliable and easily accessible contact information remains central to the purpose, and its role in the evolution of directories serves as an illustrative case study in the shift from print to digital media and the challenges associated with maintaining accurate and up-to-date contact information in a rapidly changing world.
2. Contact information
The provision of “Contact information” constitutes the defining purpose of such directories. Without accurate and accessible “Contact information,” the directory would be rendered useless. The fundamental objective was to facilitate communication between individuals and businesses. Cause-and-effect is readily apparent: the inclusion of reliable “Contact information” directly resulted in successful connections, while inaccuracies led to failures in communication. For example, a correct telephone number enabled residents to schedule appointments, place orders, or seek assistance, directly impacting the local economy and quality of life. Conversely, an incorrect listing could cause missed opportunities and frustration.
The arrangement of “Contact information” within the directory played a crucial role in its practicality. Alphabetical organization, coupled with clear delineation between residential and business listings, enhanced the user experience. Updates to “Contact information” reflected the dynamic nature of the community, indicating new residents, business relocations, or telephone number changes. The systematic collection and presentation of this data allowed the directory to serve as a temporal snapshot of community demographics and commercial activity. This information was utilized by businesses for marketing, by emergency services for rapid response, and by residents for everyday tasks.
In summary, the integration of current “Contact information” was the bedrock upon which its function rested. Accuracy and accessibility were paramount, directly influencing communication efficacy and community cohesion. While digital platforms have supplanted physical directories, the principle of providing reliable “Contact information” remains a critical element in communication and connectivity. The challenges inherent in maintaining up-to-date “Contact information” across a diverse and evolving population also endure, irrespective of the delivery medium.
3. Residential details
The inclusion of “Residential details” within an Evansville, Indiana, directory served to contextualize and authenticate individual listings. Beyond mere contact information, these details painted a more complete picture of the community and facilitated more accurate identification. The type and extent of “Residential details” offered provided a snapshot of available resources, reflecting both societal norms and technological constraints of the time.
-
Address Verification
The primary function of including street addresses was to verify residency at a particular location. This served to differentiate individuals with similar names and to provide a physical location for mail delivery and service provision. An address offered an additional layer of authentication beyond just a name and phone number, reducing the likelihood of misidentification or fraudulent activity. This verification aspect was particularly crucial in a densely populated area like Evansville, where multiple individuals might share the same surname.
-
Neighborhood Context
Street addresses offered neighborhood context, allowing users to understand the geographical distribution of residents and businesses within Evansville. The directory, therefore, became a crude map of the city’s social and economic landscape. By observing patterns in residential addresses, one could infer information about socioeconomic segregation, the concentration of specific industries, and the overall urban development trends of Evansville.
-
Historical Demographics
Over time, changes in “Residential details” documented in successive editions of the directory charted demographic shifts. The appearance of new streets and subdivisions, coupled with changes in resident names at specific addresses, revealed population growth, migration patterns, and urban expansion within Evansville. Genealogical researchers often consulted these directories to trace family histories and reconstruct residential patterns over generations.
-
Emergency Services
Accurate “Residential details” were crucial for emergency services, enabling rapid response to incidents requiring police, fire, or medical assistance. The ability to quickly locate a residence based on the listed address was essential for minimizing response times and maximizing the effectiveness of emergency interventions. A directory with current and precise “Residential details” contributed to the overall safety and security of the Evansville community.
The incorporation of “Residential details” within an Evansville directory extended its functionality beyond simple contact listing. It provided essential verification, neighborhood context, and historical insights, while also facilitating emergency services. While modern digital databases offer more sophisticated methods for accessing and analyzing residential data, the fundamental principle of accurately documenting and utilizing such information remains vital for effective communication, community planning, and public safety. These components illustrate how the seemingly simple inclusion of “Residential details” substantially increased the utility of the resource.
4. Business inclusion
The scope of a telephone directory extended beyond residential listings to encompass the commercial sector of Evansville, Indiana. “Business inclusion” served as a critical component, transforming the directory into a valuable tool for economic activity and community development. The efficacy of a local phone directory was inherently linked to the completeness and accuracy of its business listings.
-
Enhanced Local Commerce
“Business inclusion” directly facilitated connections between consumers and local enterprises. By providing readily accessible contact information, the directory empowered residents to discover and patronize businesses within Evansville. This stimulated local commerce, supported job creation, and contributed to the overall economic health of the community. The directory served as a low-cost marketing platform for businesses, particularly smaller enterprises that lacked extensive advertising budgets.
-
Industry Sector Organization
Directories typically categorized businesses by industry sector, enabling users to quickly locate specific types of services or products. This systematic organization enhanced the directory’s utility, simplifying the process of finding relevant businesses. For example, a resident seeking a local electrician could easily identify and contact multiple providers through the directory’s categorized listings. Such organization provided a comprehensive overview of the commercial landscape within Evansville.
-
Competitive Landscape Insights
The inclusion of businesses in the directory provided insights into the competitive landscape within specific industries. By comparing the number of listings for different types of businesses, one could gauge the level of competition and identify emerging market trends. This information was valuable for both established businesses seeking to refine their strategies and entrepreneurs considering entering the market.
-
Historical Record of Business Development
Successive editions of the directory serve as a historical record of business development within Evansville. The appearance of new businesses, relocations, and closures reflected the evolving economic fortunes of the community. Researchers could analyze these records to understand long-term trends in business activity, identify periods of economic growth or decline, and assess the impact of major events on the local commercial sector.
The incorporation of “Business inclusion” amplified the directory’s significance, transforming it from a simple list of phone numbers into a valuable resource for economic activity and community development. By facilitating connections between consumers and businesses, organizing industry sectors, providing competitive landscape insights, and preserving a historical record of business development, it served as an important indicator of the local economic climate. Its presence supported the vitality of the Evansville, Indiana commercial sector.
5. Geographic scope
The “Geographic scope” defines the boundaries within which a directory aims to provide comprehensive listings. In the context of an “evansville indiana phone directory,” this scope determines which residents and businesses are included. A narrowly defined scope limits coverage to the city proper, while a broader scope might encompass surrounding towns and unincorporated areas within Vanderburgh County or even adjacent counties. The effectiveness of the directory is directly tied to how well it aligns its “Geographic scope” with the needs and expectations of its users. For instance, if a resident in Evansville regularly conducts business in nearby Newburgh, Indiana, a directory that excludes Newburgh listings would be of limited utility.
The selection of an appropriate “Geographic scope” involves considering several factors, including population density, economic interdependence, and historical patterns of communication. A directory intended primarily for residential use within Evansville might focus on a smaller “Geographic scope” than one designed for businesses seeking to reach a broader customer base. Furthermore, changes in transportation infrastructure and communication technology can influence the optimal “Geographic scope.” As the Evansville metropolitan area expanded, the need for a directory encompassing a larger region increased. The absence of a well-defined or accurately implemented “Geographic scope” can lead to user frustration and a perception of the directory as incomplete or unreliable. Consider a scenario where a user searches for a specific service provider, only to discover that businesses located just outside the defined area are excluded, thus limiting the user’s choices.
In summary, the “Geographic scope” is a crucial parameter defining the utility and relevance of an “evansville indiana phone directory.” A well-considered and consistently applied “Geographic scope” ensures that the directory provides comprehensive and accessible information to its target audience, facilitating communication and commerce within the defined area. The “Geographic scope” influences its usage by its intended audience. The value of this resource diminishes as inaccuracies increase.
6. Historical record
An “evansville indiana phone directory” functions as a tangible “Historical record,” capturing a specific moment in time. Each edition provides a snapshot of the community’s residents, businesses, and infrastructure. This compilation offers invaluable data for genealogical research, urban planning, and socio-economic studies. The directory’s contents chronicle demographic shifts, business expansions and contractions, and the evolution of communication networks. Examining successive editions reveals patterns of migration, industrial development, and changes in social structures. The inclusion of addresses and phone numbers allows researchers to trace individuals and organizations across time, reconstructing family histories and business trajectories. Its value extends to legal and historical inquiries, providing evidence of residency or business presence at a particular date. The accuracy and comprehensiveness of each edition directly impact its utility as a reliable “Historical record.”
The practical application of understanding the directory as a “Historical record” extends to diverse fields. Genealogists utilize it to locate ancestors and track their movements within the region. Urban planners analyze past directories to understand patterns of urban growth and identify areas of past industrial activity. Historians use the listings to understand the social and economic composition of the community at specific points in time. Businesses may consult older editions to research the history of their own operations or to identify potential market opportunities. Legal professionals might utilize these records to verify past addresses or business affiliations. The preservation of these directories ensures future access to a rich source of information about Evansville’s past. Furthermore, this record provides critical insights into societal adaptations to technological advancements, illustrated by the evolving prominence of mobile versus landline communications over time.
In conclusion, the “evansville indiana phone directory” is more than a mere list of names and numbers; it serves as a significant “Historical record” offering a unique window into the past. Its value as a research tool spans multiple disciplines, providing insights into genealogy, urban development, socio-economic trends, and business history. Challenges in maintaining and digitizing these records persist, yet the potential benefits for historical understanding and community knowledge preservation justify the effort. Recognizing its importance as a historical artifact is crucial for ensuring its continued availability and utilization by future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Evansville Indiana Phone Directory
This section addresses common inquiries and clarifies key aspects regarding historical telephone listings for the Evansville, Indiana, area.
Question 1: What information did a typical Evansville, Indiana, phone directory contain?
A standard edition included residential listings with names, addresses, and telephone numbers. Business listings contained similar data, often categorized by type of service or product offered. Some directories also featured community information, such as government listings, emergency numbers, and local maps.
Question 2: How often were these directories published?
The publication frequency varied. Historically, many directories were produced annually. However, some publishers might have issued them bi-annually or on a less regular schedule, depending on factors such as population growth and market demand.
Question 3: Are historical Evansville, Indiana, phone directories still available?
Physical copies may be found in local libraries, historical societies, and genealogical archives. Digitized versions of some directories might be accessible through online databases or institutional websites. Availability depends on preservation efforts and digitization initiatives.
Question 4: Why are historical phone directories useful for genealogical research?
These directories provide a snapshot of residents at a particular time, enabling researchers to trace family histories, confirm addresses, and identify potential relatives. They can also help track migration patterns and changes in family names.
Question 5: How did businesses utilize phone directories for marketing purposes?
Businesses used directories to reach potential customers within a defined geographic area. Listings served as a form of advertising, promoting brand awareness and providing contact information for inquiries and orders. Display advertisements were also commonly placed within the directory.
Question 6: What are the limitations of using a phone directory as a historical resource?
Directories primarily include listed telephone subscribers, excluding individuals without landline service or those who chose not to be listed. The accuracy of the information depended on subscriber updates, and errors could occur. The directory reflects only a specific point in time and does not capture subsequent changes.
The information presented here serves to clarify the purpose, contents, and uses of these resources. Understanding their limitations is as crucial as recognizing their benefits.
The subsequent section will explore the evolution of these listings in the digital age.
Navigating the Evansville Indiana Phone Directory
Effective utilization of telephone listings, whether historical or contemporary, requires strategic approaches to maximize information retrieval and accuracy.
Tip 1: Confirm the Publication Date: Establish the currency of the edition. Outdated data can lead to inaccurate contact information.
Tip 2: Utilize Cross-Referencing: Compare information across multiple editions to track changes in residency or business locations over time.
Tip 3: Verify Spelling Variations: Account for potential misspellings or variations in name listings. Alternative spellings can yield unexpected results.
Tip 4: Understand Geographic Boundaries: Ascertain the precise geographic scope covered. Listings may exclude areas outside the defined region.
Tip 5: Consult Business Category Listings: Employ the categorized business sections for efficient identification of service providers within specific industries.
Tip 6: Consider Unlisted Numbers: Recognize that the directory does not include individuals or businesses with unlisted telephone numbers. Complementary search methods may be necessary.
Tip 7: Validate Address Accuracy: Corroborate address information with other sources to ensure accuracy, particularly for older editions where street names or numbering systems may have changed.
Following these guidelines enhances the effectiveness of data searches. Recognizing the limitations and employing complementary strategies expands the utility of these resources.
The subsequent section will address the enduring significance of these listings and their digital evolution.
Evansville Indiana Phone Directory
This exploration has demonstrated that the “evansville indiana phone directory,” irrespective of its format, represents a valuable tool for communication, historical research, and community understanding. From its role in facilitating local commerce to its function as a genealogical resource, the directory provides a unique perspective on the evolution of a specific geographic area. Its contents serve as a historical record, documenting demographic shifts, business development, and the progression of communication technologies. Despite the emergence of digital alternatives, the fundamental principles of accurate and accessible contact information remain paramount.
While digital databases have largely supplanted the printed directory, the enduring value of the information it contained persists. Recognizing its historical significance and striving to preserve and digitize these records ensures that future generations can access and utilize this wealth of community knowledge. Continued engagement with this resource, whether in its original form or its digital counterparts, fosters a deeper understanding of Evansville’s past and its connection to the present.
