House History
Getting to know the history of your house can be a fun and fascinating process. You can find information about the people who used to live there. You can learn what architectural style your house represents and try to find out who the architect was, if there was one, and the builder. Your research could uncover information about important people and/or events associated with your home. Above all, researching your house will give you a sense of appreciation for its history and lend insight into the customs and lifestyles of your predecessors.
Spokane Public Library staff in the Northwest Room are happy to assist you as you conduct your research. Many of the research materials you will need are available at the library.
Getting Started
If your home is in the City of Spokane, a first step would be to visit Property Development, Permit Department, Third Floor, City Hall,808 West Spokane Falls Blvd. Ask to see the microfiche on your address. There are usually permits on file here that show water connections, sewer connections, permits for remodeling and, if the home was constructed after 1912, there will be a Building Permit. County residents can see their building permits dating back to 1930 at the County Building Department Public Works Building, 811 North Jefferson. Ask to see the Assessor’s workbook that will show any additions or remodeling done to your home.
These permits give names and dates and this information is invaluable when doing further research.
Trace the Owners of Your Home
This is called getting a Chain of Title and this can be accomplished with a visit to a Title Insurance Company. This information provides you with a list of owners of your property and any transactions pertaining to your property. There are several Title companies in Spokane. They may charge a fee for this service and you will need the legal description of your property to do this.
Find the Legal Description of Your House
You can find the legal description of your house by consulting your property tax records. The description is shown in the upper left hand corner, (Example: HEATH'S L5 B6, meaning Heath's Addition, Lot 5, Block 6). If your tax records aren't available, a computer printout of them can be obtained at the Assessor's Office, Spokane County Courthouse, 1116 W. Broadway.
Trace the History of the Owners of Your Home
When you have obtained names of owners of your property, you can put together a history by using the R. L. Polk Spokane City directories. These books, dating back to 1883, list the names and occupations of Spokane residents. Beginning in 1929, directories were cross-referenced so that you can look up information by both address and names. It is important to note that prior to 1891 the streets in Spokane used the river to divide north and south and Howard Street to divide east and west. After 1891, the major dividing lines became Division for east and west and Sprague for north and south. Suburban directories are available from 1956. There are also county maps and a few Valley directories that are helpful. These materials are available for use at the Downtown Library, 906 West Main Avenue.
For more information call 444-5338.