Aerial photographs are often overlooked in historic home research in favor of more commonly consulted sources such as deeds, maps, and newspapers. However, they are extremely valuable and can reveal a wide range of information about a historic property and its surrounding landscape. Aerials are especially useful for rural properties, where visual documentation is often far more limited than it is for properties located within towns or city limits. Aerials exist in two primary

After publishing a blog post based on a property history report I completed for a client living on the north edge of Garfield Park, a resident on the south side reached out, wanting to know more about their home. I was excited to dive into the history of their neighborhood—it offered another opportunity to explore a seemingly ordinary place. These are the places I’m drawn to most. Their stories are often scattered or forgotten, and I find a deep sense of purpose in bringing t

This post picks up where the first left off. If you haven’t already, you may want to start with Part 1 before reading on. Last time, we ended with William Irwin, who built the house in 1880 with his wife, Sarah Sandusky. William sold the property in 1899. By then, Sarah and their daughter, Susan, were estranged from him and living in Danville. The McDaniel family William and his third wife, Mary Denny, sold the house and forty acres of farmland to Sarah’s cousin, Christopher

I’m passionate about researching and preserving old homes that belonged to regular people. These are the houses we pass by on our daily drives, the places where ordinary lives unfolded minute by minute, year by year. Often, the most relatable and interesting histories come from these familiar dwellings. The home of a recent client—featured in the blog below—is a perfect example. -Mark Belloni Research Consulting Tucked near the bottom of page 11 in the April 4, 1929, issue o