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. 84- 39 NATIONAL REGISTER . BULLETIN Technical information on comprehensive planning, survey of cultural resources, and registration in the National Register of Historic Places. U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Interagency Resources Division Researching a Historic Property GEORGIA JUL t LIZRARIES DEPOSITORY Mission: As the Nation's principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally-owned public lands and natural and cultural resources. This includes fostering wise use ofour land and water resources, protecting our fish and wildlife, preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places, and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. The Department also promotes the goals of the Take Pride in America campaign by encouraging stewardship and citizen responsibility for the public lands and promoting citizen participation in their care. The Department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and tor people who live in Island Territories under U.S. Administration. U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Cultural Resources 1991 Coverphotos, clockwisefrom top left: Houseat 2437 Fifteenth Street, N.W. The houseat 2437 Fifteenth Street, N.W. in Washington, DC is significantfor its architectural design of 1927, a product ofthe prominent Washington architect ofthe early 20th century, George Oakley Totten, Jr. In addition, the house is significantfor its role in the development ofthe thoroughfarealong and parallel to 16th Street north ofthe White House with large, elegant embassies and private homes. Documentary/ sourcesfor this property include building permits, deeds, and interviews. (Gary Griffin, Washington, DC) Garden Homes Historic District This historical view ofthe Garden Homes development in Milwaukee, Wisconsin shows the early years ofwhat is considered to be the nation's first municipally-sponsored, community- owned housing project. Constructed between 1921 and 1923, it was based on the "garden city" model ofLetchworth, England. The collection ofsimple, two-story cottages was documented through daily newspapers, periodicals, building permits, and city directories. (Milwaukee Public Library) Dr. Samuel D. Risley House Located in Media, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, the 1877 Dr. Samuel D. Risley House combines elements ofthe Gothic Revival and the Norman styles. The house is significantfor its architecture, described as "a strikingly impressive eclectic house, combining themes from several popular 19th century picturesque styles." The house was documented through local histories, local daily newspapers, family genealogies and Philadelphia city directories. (Leslie B. Potter. Glen Mills, PA) Ritzville Historic Distrut This commercial street m Ritzville, Adams County, Washington represents the period in the community's history when it was the world's greatest wheat entrepot. Developed during the late 19th/early 20th century, Ritzville was a booming agricultural trade center in the heart ot a fertile wheat growing belt. The surviving commercial thoroughfare, a coherent group of buildings from that specific era in history, forms the National Register-listed Ritzville Historic District. The documentary sources for this nomination include county Intones, local magazines and local daily newspapers, and insurance maps. (Leonard Garfield, Officeof Archaeology and Historic Preservation, State of Washington) TABLE OF CONTENTS RESEARCH AND THE NATIONAL REGISTER FORM 1 RESEARCH HINTS 3 GENERAL GUIDE TO SOURCES 4 ADDITIONAL SOURCES 10 ARCHITECTURAL RECORDS 10 ARCHITECTURAL STYLE GUIDES AND DICTIONARIES 10 BIBLIOGRAPHIES 10 INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSES 10 MAPS 11 GENERAL SOURCES 11 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 11 Q Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from LYRASIS Members and Sloan Foundation http://archive.org/details/researchinghistoOOodon Researching a Historic Property Eleanor O'Donnell Architectural Historian The purpose of this bulletin is to State will provide you with the ap- your property is located is a Certi- introduce the beginner to some basic propriate forms, instructions, and fied Local Government (CLG). Local sources and techniques for the col- guidance about the State's proce- governments frequently collect infor- lection of data for nominating a his- dures for nominating properties to mation about landmark properties, toric property to the National the National Register. The SHPO historic districts, and archeological Register of Historic Places. This will also provide a copy of the State's sites. If the property being re- guide is to be used in conjunction inventory documentation, if the searched is owned by the US Gov- with National Register Bulletin 16: property has already been surveyed. ernment, the Federal Preservation Guidelinesfor Completing the National The SHPO is an important source of Officer (FPO) should be contacted RegisterofHistoric Places Forms, which information about significant historic for information as well. The SHPO explains terminology, and how the contexts and documentation that can refer you to the relevant FPO for information gathered through re- may be useful to you for researching the agency involved. search is incorporated in a National your historic property. Finally, that Register nomination. While the Na- office will also be able to tell you if RESEARCH AND THE tional Register lists buildings, sites, your community has a preservation NATIONAL REGISTER districts, structures, and objects, this official or office that you should con- FORM bulletin focuses on individual build- tact. A complete list of these State ings. It may be applicable to other Historic Preservation Offices is lo- resource types—especially structures cated in the Appendix of National Researching a historic property for —and districts composed mainly of Register Bulletin 16A: How to Complete National Register nomination differs buildings. the National Register Registration Form. from researching a property for Before you begin your research, Additional information may be other purposes. Information col- contact the State Historic Preserva- available from local landmarks and lected must be directed at deter- tion Officer (SHPO) of the State in historic district commissions, partic- mining the property's historical which the property is located. The ularly if the community in which significance. When evaluating a .i^&ssa Hyde ParkHistoric District This view ofthe Hyde Park Historic District illustratesa street scenefrom oneofthe earliest suburban subdivisions in Austin, Travis County, Texas. Established in 1891, the subdivision developed well into thefirst decades ofthe 20th century with bungalow houses. Thebungalow reflected theprogressiveaspirations ofthe middle class and theavailability ofpattern books and mail-orderhouseplans. This National Register historic district was documented through Sanborn Maps, city real estate records, and estate records. (Daniel Hardy, Austin, Texas) property against National Register criteria, significance is defined as the importance of a property to the history, architecture, archeology, engineering, or culture of a community, a State, or the nation. Significance may be based on association with historical events (Criterion A); association with a significant person (Criterion B); distinctive physical characteristics of design, construction, or form (Criterion C); and potential to yield important information (Criterion D). Every National Register nomination must place a property in its historic context to support that property's significance. Historic context means information about the period, the place, and the events that cre- ated, influenced, or formed the backdrop to the historic resources. The discussion of historic context should describe the history of the Panhorst Feed Store community where the property is ltohceaptreodpaesrtiyt.relates to the history of iTshseigPnainfhicoarnsttaFsee"demSbtloermeaitnicSto.fCalatiyrp,eForfanckolnisntrCucotuinotny,coMmismsoonuraimwoansgcsomnasltlrutcotwends19in17t-h1e8.19Itth and early 20th century." This vernacularcommercial building developed in thecommunity, Two other considerations affect eval- whoseeconomy was based on mining, lumber, andagriculture. It was documented through uations of significance: association local neivspapers and personal interviews. (James Evans, Department ofNatural Resources, and period of significance. Associa- StateofMissouri) tion refers to a direct connection between the property and the area of significance for which it is nominated. be eligible for the National Register. • When was the property con- For a property to be significant under Historic integrity is the composite of structed and when did it attain historic events (Criterion A), the phys- itchaelrsettrouc"twuirtenmesuss"ttahcetueavlelynthaorvesebreieesn staiennvdge,namsaqstuoaeclriiiatatiliesos,n:.wloocraktmioann,shdeispi,gnf,eesleitn-g, • iWtshacutrraernettfhoerpmr?operty's historic of events; they must actually have The National Register nomination characteristics? occurred on the nominated property. form records the property at the time • What changes have been made For a property to be significant for an oflisting and justifies how the prop- over time and when? How have association with an individual (Crite- erty qualifies for National Register these affected its historic integrity? rliivoend,B)w,otrhkeedi,ndiovribdeuaelnsohnoutlhdehpraev-e listing. In addition, the form contains • What is the current condition of other data elements that should be the property, including the exte- mises during the period in which the person accomplished the activities for Trehveiyewiendclbuedfeorteherelosceaatricohn,issiiznei,tiaatnedd. riinotre,rigorro?unds, setting, and wsihginicfhictahnte.iPnedirviiodduaolf issigcnoinfsiicdaenrceed boundaries of the property; category • How was the property used refers to the span of time during and numbers of contributing re- during its period of significance, wochciucrhresdi.gnEivfeincatnstaenvedntasssaocnidataicotnivsities stioounrsc;esa;rchhiistteocrtiucraalncdlacsusrirfeicnattifounnca-nd • Wanhdohoocwcuipsiietdusoredusteoddatyh?e prop- materials; area and period of signifi- with historic properties are finite; cance, and bibliography. erty historically? Did they indi- mabolLsaetstplpeyrr,oipoaedrptorifoepsseirhgtnaiyvfeiiscaaencvclaeel.auraltyeddeffoirn-its rgeasOtehnaeerrceohdfietsnhkeonumogowhsitnmagcthewarhlilaelen.ngyYioonguuthaarasevkes of vctiohdneutcarulirlbryuetmnitoankosewtnoaenrhyi?sitmopryo?rtWahnto is integrity: the authenticity of physical ready to complete the National Regis- • Was it associated with important cohbatraaicntetrhiesitricssigfnriofimcawnhcie.chWhpreonperptrioeps- ter nomination form when the follow- events, activities, or persons? ing questions can be answered: • Which of the National Register erties retain historic material and fasosromc,iatthieoynawriethabelveentotsc,opnevoepylet,heairnd • Wthheattiwmeasittwhaesparsospoecritaytecdalwlietdhatthe wcrhiatetriaaraepasployfthoistthoeryprisoptehretyp?roIpn- erty significant? designs from the past. All buildings important events or persons, or change over time. Changes do not took on its important physical • How does the property relate to necessarily mean that a building is not character that gave it importance? the history of the community eligible; but, if it has had radical • How many buildings, structures, where it is located? changes, it may no longer retain and other resources make up the • How does the property illustrate enough historic fabric, and may not property? any themes or trends important 2 to the history of its community, mation as you gather the specific facts Identify and follow any special State, or the nation? about your property. rules and requirements for using a • How large is the property, where Contact all organizations and insti- collection beforehand, e.g., no pho- is it located, or what are its tutions holding source materials well tographs, no photocopying, no tape boundaries? in advance of the time of your visit. recording, note-taking with a soft Organize and write down the ques- pencil only, photocopying costs, • Would this property more appro- tions you want to ask before you what you may or may not be al- priately be nominated as part of make your initial contact. Keep notes lowed to bring, hours for special a historic district? of all conversations. Explain exactly staff, etc. RESEARCH HINTS what you wish to accomplish. Deter- Examine information thoroughly mine the hours and procedures for before reading it. Review table of using special collections, archives, contents, indices, and any accompa- Organize research tasks in an effi- and other records. Make arrange- nying research guides or "finding cient and logical fashion. Decide ments with the person most knowl- aids" prepared by staff. Do you need what you need to know and where edgeable about the collection you to go through every piece of paper? you can find it. Make a list of the wish to use, so that you do not ar- Can you skip some sections of the questions you must answer. Make a rive at the facility and discover that book? Is this publication really what lyiostuonfesepdecitfoicgot,astkos,whnootmingyowuhenreeed tunhaevpaielrasbolne.you need to see is yquoeusttehdouigt?htDiitdwyaosuwghetenevyeroyuthrei-ng to speak, what you expect to find, Explain to the research facility you requested? Learn how to use the and the order in which you intend to personnel exactly when you wish to directories, guides, indices, files, proceed. Determine your possibili- arrive, how long you will be able to catalogs, and publications lists for ties and limitations. You can save stay, and exactly what you wish to various collections. Explore general yourself time and effort by defining see. In this way, the material will be guides to archival materials, manu- the parameters of your project in ready for you. In addition, you may script collections, dissertations, and advance. You can alter, discard, or be pleasantly surprised to discover photographic collections for addi- add questions or tasks as you pro- that the material you need to see can tional sources that may help you in ceed. Once you know exactly what be sent on interlibrary loan to your your research. you need to find, and have a good local library. Talk to the staff, espe- Record consistently the documen- idea of where to find it, you are well cially reference people, archivists, tation and sources of information on your way to accomplishing your and librarians. They may have fresh from your research. Use a standard goal. ideas or leads to suggest, and may bibliographical style such as that Remember that the property itself be able to resolve confusion. Bear in found in A Manual ofStyle or A Man- is a primary source of information. mind that they will guide your ef- ualfor Writers by Kate L. Turabian, Walk through the property and forts but they will not do your re- both published by the University of gather information that describes it, search for you. Chicago Press. noting distinctive features and obvi- ous alterations and changes. Exam- ine all buildings and structures, inside as well as out. Examine the grounds, noting any signs of pre- vious buildings or activities (founda- tions, wells, etc.), and roadways, paths, vegetation, fences, and other features. Identify what historic information is readily available, perhaps in the collections of the owners, a neighbor, or the community. As early as possible, establish the construction date for the property. This date may help establish an earliest beginning date for your period of significance. In addition, try to discover the names of the persons who owned or lived in the property, or for a business or institution, the names by which the property has been known through its history. With this information, you are less likely to overlook information under an unfa- Kehlbeck Farmstead miliar name. Examine your property in relation to the historic events and The Kehlbeck Farmstead in rural Cass County, Nebraska represents a raresurvivingclusterof domesticand agriadtural buildings and structures associated with thefarming historyof wdhevieclhoiptmiesnatpoafrtthteo cdeotmemrumniinteythoef sroaruethaelalesetoNfepbrruanskeadocfedtahretlraeteesttBhtahtlefaorrlmy 2pa0rtthocfentthueryd.ecoItrsatdiovmeesatnidcfcuhnacrtaicotnearlilsaenndhsacanpciendgboyfa context in which it is significant. thehomestead. This property was documented largely through collegeand university research Gather and record this general infor- papers. (]oni Gilkerson, Nebraska State Historical Society) GENERAL GUIDE TO SOURCES When researching a property, both primary (original and archival) and secondary sources should be used. The following list includes both primary and secondary sources: Material Sources Potential Information Possible Application to Yielded National Register Nomination ABSTRACT OFTITLE • Owner • Summary of relevant • Possible establishment of • Office of attorney who did deeds, mortgages, wills, "association" with title search litigation, tax sales significant individuals • Title company files • Names of owners • Establishment of built • Dates when property dates and alterations changed hands • Boundary descriptions • Descriptions of legal • Historic names of boundaries properties ARCHITECTURAL/ • Owners • Architect/builder • Appearance of original CONSTRUCTION • Architectural/engineering • Plans building and any major DRAWINGS firm or successor firm • Materials additions • Headquarters of • Built dates and alterations • Integrity of property organization or firm that • General construction • Period of significance and built the structure information significant dates if • Recent tax assessor's nominated under Criterion C records • Newspaper references ARCHITECTURAL • Specialized fine arts • Architectural articles from • Architectural description JOURNALS libraries historic period • Statement of significance • Original architectural • Architectural biographies publications • Architectural drawings and photographs BUILDING PERMITS • Municipal building • Architect • Information for Criterion inspector • Existence of architectural C: significant style or type • City/county records office drawings of design • City/county/State archives • Client • Identification of the • Contractor architect and/or builder • Cost and date of work • Material for description • Alterations • Establishment of integrity • Built dates CEMETERY RECORDS • Cemetery administrators • Family relationships • Biographical details of • Cemetery offices • Birth and death dates individuals associated with • Churches, rectories, and property diocesan offices • City hall and courthouse Material Sources Potential Information Possible Application to Yielded National Register Nomination CENSUS RECORDS* • State archives • Residents of property for • Names of family members • Population • Federal Records Center, years census taken. • Proven association of MD • Agricultural Suitland, • Property ownership individual with property • Manufacturing • Acreage, crops, and • Occupations livestock • Under agricultural and • Types and locations of manufacturing data, manufacturers potential documentation • Ethnic background of and justification for Criteria residents, ages, and A andD education levels • Historic context CHURCH RECORDS • Parish churches • Birth • Biographical details of • Diocesan offices • Death individuals associated with • Baptism property • Marriages CITY COUNCIL OR • City clerk • Ordinances of resolutions • Information pertaining to COUNTY MINUTES, • Clerk of superior court or affecting a property, area of significance, e.g., ORDINANCES, ETC. county courthouse subdivision, etc. community planning and • Dates development • Descriptions COMMERCIAL HISTORIES • Head offices of companies • Histories of local industries • Information pertaining to • Local or regional libraries and businesses area of significance, e.g., • Historical societies commerce, economics, and • Corporate records industry • Justification for significance of industrial and commercial properties and downtown historic districts *Note: Federalcensus recordsgenerallyare released to thepublicseventy-five yearsafter thecensus is taken. However, ifreleaseofthe 1920 Federalcensus follows precedent, it willbe madeavailable to thepublic in 1992. • Theearliest Federalcensusavailable is 1790. • Most Federalcensus records prior to 1880do not contain houseaddresses. • The regular 1890 census was destroyed byfire. However,somespecial census schedules arcavailable, including information on surviving Union veteransoftheCivil Warforcertain states. • Check theavailabilityof Statecensuses. More recentanddetaileddata areavailableforsomestates. Material Sources Potential Information Possible Application to Yielded National Register Nomination COMMUNITY/COUNTY • Local/regional libraries • Information about • Information about events, HISTORIES • Historical societies structures, people, and activities, and individuals • Fraternal organizations events: pertinent dates, for Criteria A, B, and C locations, activities, • Association: information biographical sketches, etc. that may tie events and activities directly to property • Leads to other sources of information • Historic context CORPORATE/BUSINESS • Corporate/business • Nature and source of items • Information pertaining to RECORDS archives sold area of significance, e.g., • Ledger books • Specialized libraries • Economic base of commerce, economics, and • Client files • Present corporation/ community industry • Advertisements business COURT DOCUMENTS • Courthouses • Civil and criminal indices: • Biographical details of • State archives civil and criminal court individuals associated with actions, divorces, property property suits, etc. • Voting rolls (may be more easily obtained in smaller communities) • Probate records DEEDS* • Clerk of superior court, • Ownership or title • Proven association of county courthouse • Property value (noticeable individual with property • State archives change in value could • Dates of original indicate construction, construction and any additions, change in make- additions up of neighborhood, and change in fortunes of community) *Note: Onecaution about deed information: when thedeedgoes back to the L 00s orearly 1800s, you cannotautomaticallyassume that the structureyou are investigating is thesameone referred to in theearliest deed. Theoriginal structure mayhave been destroyed,mid you maybe invt stigatingn replacement built from u Interdate.