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Research in Other Countries => Other Countries => Topic started by: dutch missmarple on Friday 09 February 18 14:29 GMT (UK)

Title: House in Colombo Sri Lanka
Post by: dutch missmarple on Friday 09 February 18 14:29 GMT (UK)
Hi all,

My grandmother was born in Sri Lanka. I have a small damaged photo of her and her family (from about 1901. The photo was taken by AW Andree from Hopetoun Studio Colombo. On the house there is a sign with the name of the house: The Dell.
Is there a possibility to find out if this house still excists ? And where exactly it was/is situated ? Not sure if my gr-grandparents lived there. Or was it common to take photos in front of houses where one didn't live ?

thnk you for your time
Dutch MissMarple
Title: Re: House in Colombo Sri Lanka
Post by: ShaunJ on Friday 09 February 18 15:46 GMT (UK)
There was a tea estate called The Dell. See

http://www.historyofceylontea.com/tea-estates/estates-registry/bambrakelly-and-the-dell--3125.html

https://goo.gl/RTre7z

There are historic  Ceylon directories here http://www.historyofceylontea.com/ceylon-publications/fergusons-directory/
Title: Re: House in Colombo Sri Lanka
Post by: dutch missmarple on Friday 09 February 18 16:03 GMT (UK)
Thank you Shaun. I forgot to say that my gr-grandfather (Albert T. Wison) was working at the railways (as he did in England before moving to Sri Lanka).
Title: Re: House in Colombo Sri Lanka
Post by: ShaunJ on Friday 09 February 18 16:05 GMT (UK)
Yes I see that now
Title: Re: House in Colombo Sri Lanka
Post by: dutch missmarple on Friday 09 February 18 16:13 GMT (UK)
Shaun where did you find that ? What year ?
Does this mean that he (or him and his new family) lived and worked at the tea estate ?
and what does cgr mean ?
Title: Re: House in Colombo Sri Lanka
Post by: ShaunJ on Friday 09 February 18 16:18 GMT (UK)
That's from Ferguson's 1904 Directory. I haven't looked in any others yet.

"CGR" is Ceylon Government Railway. He was a railway guard. I was hoping to find an address but no luck with that.
Title: Re: House in Colombo Sri Lanka
Post by: ShaunJ on Friday 09 February 18 16:34 GMT (UK)
He was in Avondale Road, Maradana in 1909. Now a Head Guard with the CGR.
Title: Re: House in Colombo Sri Lanka
Post by: dutch missmarple on Friday 09 February 18 17:27 GMT (UK)
Shaun on what page did you find the 1909 entry.
The family returned to England in 1909. Sadly my gr-grandmother died the following year.

Thank you !
Title: Re: House in Colombo Sri Lanka
Post by: ShaunJ on Friday 09 February 18 19:11 GMT (UK)
The 1909 listing is on image 1467, page 1525

This page http://www.historyofceylontea.com/ceylon-publications/publication-resources/pages/all-publications/fergusons/1909-fergusons-ceylon-directory/1467.gif