Does anyone know when telephone numbers changed from 4 digits to 5? I have 2 business cards from my gt grandfathers business in Campo Lane, one has 4 digit number. The earliest phone book on ancestry is from 1929 when the business is listed with a 5 digit number. I’m just curious to know how old this business card is!
All through the 1950s to 1980s I remember the telephone numbers were 4 digits preceded by a 3 letter code. I understand that in 1929 a decision was made to change the numbers from 5 digits to 4 digits.
So your 4 digit card is later than your 5 digit card
Dave
I’ve looked in my 1923 Kelly’s. Some telephone numbers had 4 digits and others had 3.
What was the name of the business on Campo Lane?
Heths
F Barratt clothiers, 60 - 64 campo lane, tel Central 2753. Actually just noticed on the earlier card it says ‘established 35 yrs’. The other card says established 1883, which would date it the earlier card around 1918
Alphabetical section:
Fred Barratt, wholesale clothier, 60-62 Campo Lane and 721 Chesterfield Rd, home address 40 Sheldon Rd N.E.
Street section:
721 Chesterfield Rd, Barratt Fred, outfitter
Campo Lane (number not given) Barratt Fred, warehouseman (New Buildings)
40 Sheldon Rd, Barratt Fred, clothier.
He was also listed in the trades section under Clothiers and Outfitters. None of the entries gave a telephone number though.
I have looked at our transcription of Directories which is over to the left.....
BARRATT, Fred (~, Wholesale Clothier).
Address: 60 to 62 Campo Lane h. 40 Sheldon Road, Nether Edge, ~ in 1925.
Recorded in: Sheffield & Rotherham Kelly?s Directory.