The history of my home? Please help.?

Question

We just moved into a home in a historic area. I know the home was built in 1921, but I would like to know a lot more about the history of the house. Unfortunately, at the moment, we're just renting it, so I really don't have deeds or any further information except for its location. We live in a former German farming area, so I'm pretty sure the street name isn't what it was originally, either. How do I go about finding information about this house? Any advice is appreciated (unless you're rude).

Answer 1

This caught my eye because we just bought a house and found out it was an old schoolhouse built in 1935 and renovated.  Well, I mention it to people I meet around the small town and some are checking their pictures at home for one of the original schoolhouse.  Also a lady who does a "oldie" column for the newspaper may have some info for me.  Also I was told to go to the local next big town's museum and they will give me access to their record archives in their library to look for info.  And as stated, the city hall can help find old records/past owners.  Good luck.  

Answer 2

"German Farming area" can be in the USA, Germany, Argentina or Canada. It helps when you give a country.

In the USA, the library should have old city directories; if they do, they may have a reverse address section, where you look up people by their address instead of by their name. That will tell you who lived there over the years. It isn't much, but it is something.

In general, unless a general / presdient / author / duke lived in it, most houses don't have written histories. The county tax records and building permits tell a skimpy story.

Answer 3

Go to city hall and check with the recorder.  All transfers of ownership and associated reports about the state of the property should be on record.  

These records should list any builders or contractors that improved the property.  They may still be in business and able to provide more information about the house and neighborhood.

You can perform similar checks on neighbors residences, and look up people to get personal stories.

Finally, check to see if there's a house preservation, neighborhood or historical society that can give you info.

Answer 4

Start at local library and ask for former street see if the librian has a history of your town ect. they should be able to help alot more even if net is easier sometimes leg work is best .