Towns > Dundee > 1809-1912 - Dundee directory > 1910-1911

18 REVIEW OF A CENTURY.
information is imparted. The Directory, which was compiled by
Alexander Abbot, consisted of 191 pages, and registered some 1300
names.
As stated, the appearance of Directories in those days was fitful,
- and it was not till 1824-25 that Mr Colville, under the designation of
Messrs Alexander Colville & Co., again entered the field, A radical
change was effected in the style of the new Directory, which was
published from the Vault. Technically it was superior to any yet
put before the public, the typography and letterpress being entirely
modernised. The old-fashioned letters were discarded, and the nev/
types, though smaller in size, gave a clear, sharp, and distinct
impression. The Directory was dedicated to Alexander Reid, Esq.,
of Pittendreich, President of the Forfarshire Chamber of Commerce
and Manufactures. In size it v/as crown 8vo, and the pages
numbered 148. Two of Slezer's uiiique views of the old burgh and
engravings of High Street and Town Churches are given as illustra-
tions. The High Street at this date niust have presented a bustling
aspect. The arrival and departure of mail coaches, arranged
for stated hours, kept the thoroughfare in a state of turmoil
and excitement, and this was accentuated by the number of
caravans which frequented the central area. The erection of
piers at Tay Fex-ries and the introduction of steam vessels are
specially noticed. Social conditions and political unrest dis-
turbed the burghal equilibrium, and much privation existed
amongst the poor. In 1824 tlie new Police Act was adopted, with
the best results. Mr Alexander Downie was the first superintendent,
and the police establishment was situated behind the Town House.
Trade continued to develop slowly, and there was a slight
increase in the tonnage of the port. The population was now about
35,000.
Mr James Chalmers, printer and publisher. Castle Street, and
latterly of Thorns' Close, High Street, opposite Castle Street,
succeeded Mr Alexander Colville. To Mr Chalmers we owe the com-
prehensive and well-arranged Directory of 1829-30. One of its main
features is the carefully-prepared list of residenters, and the
classification to the number of 130 of the leading inhabitants of
Broughty Ferry. The Directory is sub-divided, the latter pai't being
cast on the lines of the "Register," and therefore, in a measure, it can
only be regarded as a business guide. The industrial, professional,
and educational outlook, though rendered unstable by the ileform
Bill agitation, was iiopefuL Arrangements at this time were made
for the opening up of north side of High Street to make way for
Reform Street. The usual list of companies is recorded, and the
Gas Light Company and Newtyle Railway Company anticipated
their respective undertakings. The population was reckoned at
45,000.
In 1834-5 the Directory fell into other liands. In that year it
was published by Mr Alexander Allardice, bookseller and stationer,
Trades' Hall, and printed 3.t the Chronicle Office, Gray's Close, north
side of High Street, near New Inn Entry. The compilation v.-as
entrusted to Thomas Keith, v/ho, in addition, presented a well-