Learn how to research your home’s history
From basements to attics and kitchens, there could even be secrets sealed in your floor boards

[October 13, 2014]  LINCOLN - Have you ever wondered when your house was built and who lived in it before you? The Lincoln Historic Preservation Commission is presenting a home history workshop that will help answer these questions.

Chairperson of the LHPC April Doolin has announced a workshop called “If only these walls could talk” to be held at the Lincoln Public Library on Saturday, October 25 at 10:00 a.m. Richard Sumrall, director of the Lincoln Public Library, and Diane Osborn, a noted researcher of Lincoln history, will be the presenters.

Richard Sumrall will speak about the resources and personnel at the Lincoln Public Library that are available for those wishing to do a home history review. “The library should be the first place to check for the history of a home before going to outside sources,” said Sumrall.

Sumrall will discuss each of the relevant library resources and how to use them.

After the seminar, participants can stay and actually do individual research under the guidance of the very knowledgeable library staff.
 

Diane Osborn will discuss her extensive knowledge of available local resources that she has used in her research. Osborn is currently compiling information on interesting Lincoln homes that will eventually be included in her book “Neighborhoods Lincoln Illinois.” Her search for unusual and historic homes started in the Postville area and is spreading to the rest of Lincoln. This seminal work has required extensive use of information available in Lincoln.

Diane Osborn will share her experiences using multiple sources, showing where they are located, and how to gain access to them.

One of the most surprising finds during Osborn’s search for unusual houses in Lincoln, has been at least three older residences that have servant call buttons on the dining room floor. The owner could step on the button, and a bell would ring in the kitchen that would summon the wait staff. The presence of the call button indicates that the original house was designed to have a staff of servants. “I have heard of other houses that have these amenities, but have not confirmed those yet,” she said.

“This workshop is being presented to encourage community pride, and show that a house is much more than the materials that were used to construct it. When it was built, who has lived in it, even who designed and built it, all contribute to each home’s unique personality,” said Doolin.

“If only these walls could talk” is being held in the Pegram Room at the Lincoln Public Library on Saturday, October 25 from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Pre-registration is requested. Those wishing to participate should contact the Lincoln City Zoning Office at 217-732-6318 to enroll. The workshop is free and is available to anyone, whether a homeowner or not.

Whether you have a house that dates from the 19th century, and there are several beautiful examples in Lincoln, or one from the 20th century, join in the fun of learning how to research your home’s genealogy.

The Lincoln Historic Preservation Commission is a division of Lincoln city government that is dedicated to preserving the unique and historic features of our town. It meets monthly on the third Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. in the Lincoln City Council chambers at City Hall.

[Curt Fox]