So, you've got a question for the library...

One of our most popular research requests involves property questions. But, did you know? You can get a great start on answering these types of questions on your own. All you need is a phone or computer and the Internet.

Say you'd like to know more about who owned your home. Well, let's start with your address and head over to the McHenry County Recorder's Office online free public records search database (https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/departments/county-recorder/public-records-search-options). While this isn't the best way to search, your address is a good starting point.

Let's try an example. Let's enter 220 E South Street, Woodstock, IL 60098. Some of you may recognize this address. Any guesses? It's the Bundling Board Inn near the Woodstock Square!

So, if you've followed along, then you realize that searching by address didn't bring up any results for us. So what now? Now, if you know the name of a current or past owner, you can try a second search using the name. However, say we don't have that information.

Well, next we try the McHenry County Property Tax Inquiry. Why? Because your taxes are searchable by your address. Even better, though... Your tax records have your property's legal description and parcel Number. So, what are a legal description and a parcel number?

The legal description is the precise location and measurement of real property. You use your legal description when transferring the title because it is more accurate than your address. The Parcel Number is your Property Identification Number (PIN). In our example, the legal description is "DOC 2022R0003579 W PT LT 1 /EX W 4FT/ BLK 1 STRODES ADDN" and the parcel number is 13-08-129-032. 

Now let's put this information to use. Let's return to the Recorder's Office site and search by parcel number. This provides us with several more records for the property, including ownership records. As for the legal description. Well, here's where we come in!

Here at the research library, our collection includes atlases dating back to the 1800s. Using the legal description, we can locate the property on these atlases. Many, especially older (less populated) ones, will include the names of those who owned the property. Filling in the blanks in the Recorder's records.

Returning to our example, we'll use McHenry County Atlases, search by town (Woodstock), and for Lot 1, Block 1 of Strodes Addition. Town centers rarely have names listed, though, so no luck identifying owners in our 1892, 1908, or other atlases. But, if there is a name, structure, orchard, barn, etc. to be found, that is where we'll find it for you!

Welcome to the Stacks!

The Stacks... Sounds ominous, doesn't it? No worries. The Stacks refer to our shelves containing physical materials in our collection.

Our stacks are closed, unlike public libraries. Despite this, they are still accessible to the public. Our library volunteers retrieve books and other materials for patrons upon request. It is also necessary to schedule an appointment to view materials in person. 

Now for the fun stuff. Our collection includes local histories of McHenry County, ranging from books to magazines to newspapers, photos to maps, obituaries to tax records. Ever wondered what your high school's past graduations and reunions were like? Our School Files contain pre-1900 materials, including programs and photos. Ever wondered what Marengo High School looked like in 1908? Well, we have a newspaper clipping with an image of the school that year!

Or...

How about peeking inside an old contractor's business ledger? What about seeing E. D. Patrick's blueprints? 

Having realized that we have many fascinating pieces of history in our stacks, you may be curious to know what else we do with those pieces. We are working hard to make more material available digitally. Our Research Library page has links to newspapers, obituaries, Heritage Farms, and our "Life Before" series. And, while we can't make everything available online for the public, we are adding to our online file index. This way, you can determine what information we likely have before making an appointment or requesting a search.

(MCHS & Museum)

Published by: Rachel Seidner, Research Librarian