A Case of Misspelling
Dr. Royal A. Gove files suit against the Sunset Telephone Company for losing him business after they misspelled his name in the directory.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Because his name was not correctly spelled in the directory of the Sunset Telephone Company, Dr. Royal A. Gove has brought suit against the company. The name was spelled 'G-o-u-e' and placed in the 'G-o-u' classification. Plaintiff alleges that he asked the company to correct the error and offered to pay part of the expense, but the company refused to make the change. He claims loss of business as a result of placing the name in the wrong classification and asks the company to pay $1,000.
“He claims loss of business as a result of placing the name in the wrong classification.”
Before the internet, directory listings were the primary way to reach a professional. This dispute over clerical accuracy and business damages highlights the immense power utility companies held over local commerce.
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