Research trail
Where a house’s story is written down.
Seven places to look, from the papers that prove things to the clues that only point the way. Work down the list, and put each find in your book with its mark and its source.
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01
The county’s property record RECORD
Start with the parcel. Cuyahoga County’s MyPlace property search shows a parcel’s details as the county holds them, often including a year built and recent transfers. Treat the county’s “year built” as a strong lead, not proof: older houses were often given an estimated year.
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02
Recorded deeds RECORD
Every sale should leave a deed. The Fiscal Officer’s Recorded Documents search covers documents filed with the county recorder from 1810 to the present. Walk the chain backward, one deed at a time: each names the seller, who was the buyer in the deed before.
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03
The censuses, 1900 to 1950 RECORD
Census pages list every person in a household with ages and often jobs and birthplaces. Use the place name the town had that year (see the Census Window). The 1950 census is free on the National Archives’ site; earlier ones are free through the Archives and on genealogy sites.
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04
The library RECORD
Old city directories, newspapers and maps can put a family at an address between censuses. The Cuyahoga County Public Library has a Garfield Heights branch, and libraries often offer genealogy databases to card holders. Ask a librarian what they hold for your street.
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05
The city’s building files RECORD
Additions, garages and porches may have needed a permit. Ask the City’s building department whether it keeps old permit cards for your address and how to request them. (Gablebook does not know what any office keeps.)
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06
The house itself GUESS
Dates pencilled on framing, stamps on the back of a sink or tub, newspapers used as insulation, the style of the windows. Photograph what you find and note where. A clue is a GUESS until a paper backs it up.
Look, don’t open. Search only what is already exposed. Houses built before 1978 may have lead paint, and loose, pebble-like vermiculite insulation may contain asbestos: the EPA advises leaving it undisturbed. Ask a licensed professional before you open a wall, pull up flooring or move insulation.
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07
People who remember TOLD
Former owners, long-time neighbors, the family you bought from. Write down who said it and when. A story is TOLD, and it is often the best lead to the record that proves it.