Demonstrating how to obtain information and organize it into a lively narrative history, this practical guide helps curious homeowners chronicle the stories of their homes. Previous owners, architects, community newspapers, and local and state agencies are some of the valuable sources discussed. With these tools, homeowners can inexpensively and easily create a legacy that will enhance the emotional and financial value of their property for family and future owners. A state-by-state guide to resources is also included.
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Most homeowners probably haven't given much thought to who owned their homes two or three generations ago, or what color they were, or whether they once had different street addresses. House historian Green, on the other hand, believes that every older home should have a complete and detailed record of its previous owners, architectural modifications, and history. If you're keen to become an architectural detective, this intriguing book will get you started. Useful tips abound: if, for instance, you're looking for old photographs of your home, and you live on a main thoroughfare, check out photos of parades that might have passed by; if you're looking for information on previous owners, make sure to check for variant spellings of their surname in the relevant documents. In addition, the author steers us toward the right government offices and the appropriate library resources. There's no doubt that this is a special-interest book with a limited audience, but wouldn't it be nice to have a copy on your shelves the next time a would-be house detective asks for help? David Pitt
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
"If you're keen to become an architectural detective, this intriguing book will get you started. Useful tips abound." -- Booklist
"Offers a wealth of small strategies for homeowners to discover an array of historical nuggets about their homesteads." -- Newsday
"Offers a wealth of small strategies for homeowners to discover an array of historical nuggets about their homesteads." -- Newsday
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Detective Manual for Domestic Mysteries,
By
This review is from: Discovering the History of Your House: And Your Neighborhood (Paperback)
Everyone can find interest in researching the history of past inhabitants of their house. This book gives step-by-step instructions to identify the names of past inhabitants, how to locate them or their relatives, and learn facts about their lives as well as obtain old photos showing your house in previous incarnations. One can learn about hidden mysteries ranging from hidden rooms to why in the world did they choose THAT interior decoration, etc.
For inspiration I recommend reading "If These Walls Had Ears," written by James Morgan. It is what you might write when you complete research like this.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very useful,
By Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE) (TOP 100 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Discovering the History of Your House: And Your Neighborhood (Paperback)
Many people are familiar with the idea of tracing your family roots, and learning what history surrounds you. But, this book tells you how you can trace the history of the house you live in! Providing a great deal of suggestions and courses of action, this book tells you how you can find out all sorts of wonderful information on your house. If you are interested in the history of small things, then I highly recommend that your get this very useful book!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
User-friendly guide,
By Grace A. Dumelle (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Discovering the History of Your House: And Your Neighborhood (Paperback)
If you've wondered how old your home is, what it used to look like, if those stories you heard are true, this is the book for you. Start with any chapter that piques your interest -- you're sure to find useful tips and things you never thought of, like using a metal detector in your yard. I found many good strategies and I've been researching homes since 1995. Green explains sources of information and how to access them, nationwide. Her glossary explains in simple language the legal terms you're likely to encounter. An excellent general introduction to the topic.
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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