Arlene;

Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and probably dozens of other countries had city directories, some dating back way, way long ago. Many rural communities also had farm or farmer's directories.

For Chatham, per the Ontario GenWeb for Kent County, they are "Available at Chatham-Kent Public Library, Chatham directories are available for the years 1876-77, 1882, 1885-86, 1892 and 1900-present. There are also County Directories available."

The Web site also has a transcribed (no images) Farmer's Directory, online, for 1899 at:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~essexandkentcountytranscripts/kentdir/1899chatdir.html

In general, city directories existed for the larger cities in the U.S. and Canada, and rural directories for many remote areas.

Good luck in your search.

- Lisa B. Lee
Owner, GotGenealogy.com
Oakland, CA