There are many sources that can be used to document the history of a building. With the exception of a few well-known homes in Lindsay, most do not have a ready-made history to consult. Instead, you will need to construct a history using the available resources. Be prepared to spend some time on this project as it can take a great deal of time and effort, but the results are often very rewarding!
Reference Services at the Lindsay library branch has a range of potentially useful sources with which one can research a house. These sources include:
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Telephone Directories |
| These telephone directories show names, addresses, and telephone numbers for the Lindsay and area. We don't have a complete collection, please call ahead of time if you need items marked archives. |
| City Directories |
| Researchers and genealogists use city directories to trace individuals, families and businesses. They usually include an alphabetical listing of adult residents, with their occupation and address. We have directories dating back to 1851 up to 2001. Some dates are missing and not all areas of Kawartha Lakes (Victoria County) are covered. Find the digitized directories online. |
| Assessment Records |
| Tax assessment records help in accurately dating the construction of a building as well as disclosing the original owner and a list of occupants. There are early assessment rolls on microfilm at the library. |
| Land Registry Records |
| These records detail the chain of ownership of a property by means of plan and lot number. The land registry office for Kawartha Lakes (formerly Victoria County) is located at 322 Kent St. W. To use these records efficiently you must have the Plan and Lot Number of the property. |
| Pre-Patent Land Records |
| These records cover the years from about 1780 -1920, and lists settlers who were petitioning the Crown for land. The index is on microfiche and is accessible in Reference Services. The index is organized alphabetically by surname of locatee (person issued the lot) and by township/town/city. Township papers can provide more information regarding patents. They are available on microfilm are accessible in Reference Services. |
| Maps |
| Reference Services has a collection of local and area maps, including fire insurance plans and early surveyor maps. These maps are available to consult in Reference Services. Many maps are also now available online from: McGill University County Atlases, University of Toronto Ontario Historical County Maps, and Archives of Ontario - Ontario Districts. |
| Newspapers |
| Newspapers can provide information about what was going on in a community at a particular time in history. Reference Services has a collection of full-run newspapers in microform, Bobcaygeon library branch has the Bobcaygeon Independent on microfilm, and Fenelon Falls library branch has the Fenelon Falls Gazette on microfilm. Access digitized early newspapers online. |
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