How can I obtain company records from businesses that have long since vanished ???

Question

There were a few companies or businesses in my town from the late 1800's and early 1900's that went out of business long ago. I know for a fact that one of the businesses was an old sand mining operation. I searched google and came up with nothing at all. Where do I go to find records of these businesses ??? Even an acknowledgement that they existed once, would be satisfaction enough for me. Thank you.

Answer 1

Perhaps if you were to go to a library and look at those old newspapers on microfiche... if they even have those anymore.

Unfortunately, the Internet has caused a lot of that really old stuff disappear, and the information is gone forever as a lot of that kind of info was never transfered into modern electronic form.

I doubt you would be able to find any real records.

Answer 2

Try contacting the local genealogists in the county where the businesses existed. They usually know alot about the history of the area and can tell you where to go. Also try searching for city directories, deeds, and any other types of documents that any business would have to file with the county where they did business. Try looking in newspapers to see if they took out ads. Find out who owned the business and see if they left it to soneone in a will when they died.

These are just a few ideas... good luck!

Answer 3

Your local or county or even state historical society probably has records of businesses from that era.   Your library may have data too.  Ask the reference librarian.  There may also be old newspaper records on microfilm or bound, the county tax offrice may have useful info too.   Another way that works especially in a smaller town area would be to write a letter to the editor of a newspaper and ask ppl to share memories of relatives and ppl they remember about who worked for some of these places.