City directories are one of my favorite resources, especially the directories from Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa County, Michigan. I have so many ancestors that lived in this city. This makes it an adventure to search the directories.
My maternal grandparents, Alfred Joseph Royer and Grace Elizabeth Anne (Brock) Royer lived in Sault Ste. Marie for most of their lives.
I was able to find my grandparents in five city directories starting in 1952 and ending in 1960. It appears that the city directory was published every two years.
The first year that I found Alfred and Grace was 1952. They had been married about 4 years by this time and had three children living at home; Gloria, Albert, and Joe.
The family was living at 616 W. Spruce Street in Sault Ste. Marie. Alfred was working as a driver for Bert Sangster.
Two years later in 1954, Alfred and Grace have moved. They are now living at 707 Peck St. in Sault Ste. Marie. By this time they have four children, their youngest Donna being born in 1954. Alfred listed is occupation as a farmer.
By 1956, the family had moved once again to 229 Pine St, still living in Sault Ste. Marie. By this time there were five children in the household, Vera having been born in 1956. Alfred is working as a laundryman at the Hotel Ojibway.
The website for the Hotel Ojibway, now named the Ramada Plaza Ojibway Hotel, claims that it is the oldest and only full-service hotel in Sault Ste. Marie, having opened in 1927.
By 1958, the Royer family had once again moved. They are now living at 429 Gros Cap Ave. in Sault Ste. Marie. There are now six children in the family. Thomas was born in 1957. The city directory does not list an occupation for Alfred.
It appears that the residence that once was located at 429 Gros Cap Ave. no longer exists and is now an empty lot adjacent to a commercial building.
In 1960, the family is still living at 429 Gros Cap Ave. By this time there are seven children in the household. Royce was born in December of 1960.
Alfred's occupation is listed as a porter (similar to a janitor or maintenance man). He is working at Kresges, which was a five and dime store.
City directories can provide a wonderful source for genealogical research. They were often published every one to two years and can be very helpful to fill in the gaps between census years.
City directories also provide valuable information about our ancestors' lives. Such as marriages, residences, and occupations. If you are lucky enough to be able to locate a photo of your ancestor's residence, it can help you feel just a little bit closer to your family members.
I was never able to meet my grandfather Alfred Joseph Royer. However, through family stories and researching, I feel like I can get to know him a little better.
Genealogy isn't just about names and dates, it is about making connections to the people who came before you.
