What is the city directory dataset?
The Polk City Directories roots date back to 1870 as a family-owned business under Ralph Lane (R.L.) Polk. Enumerators went door-to-door collecting U.S. Census data. Then, R.L. Polk turned the information into books to sell to local businesses. Now, the directories are available in print hardcopy and digital formats. With the support of our partners at the Michigan Tech Archives the Keweenaw Time Traveler has directory data from Calumet & Laurium, Houghton & Hancock, Dollar Bay, Hubble, and Lake Linden for various years between 1888 and 1939.
What can I discover using this data?
The directories provide insight into each household, resident age, presence of children, and other critical information. The business directories were helped to increase traffic and sales for local businesses.
Other Resources
For more information on these directories contact the Michigan Tech Archives.
