As part of my own getting back to normal I have actually had an appointment to do some vault research and even am looking into trying to get office space downtown for a little while. If I am ever going to finish this book (and I am working on a fiction book too) I, too, need to get back in the groove to things. There are so many changes happening in our area and around the world. We are all trying to just get back into the groove of things and go back to the way it was before all this nonsense started. Businesses are closing up, people are afraid to venture out of their homes or venturing out with no protection just daring those bad germs to attack them. There has got to be a middle ground for all of us somewhere.
To that end, I will be adding my own business to the Blanche Businesses by leasing co-working space in the Blanche starting this week. Me and my little laptop will be hanging out inside the Blanche, visiting the vault at the courthouse, and going over to this historical museum during the regular workweek from now until I get this thing done. The guys at the historical museum have been great about keeping an eye out for any pictures of the Blanche and sharing those online in the Lake City Facebook group. I will be helping out with some of the scanning of all the pictures that still need to be done when I can.
My adventure in the Clerk of the Court Records Vault was quite different from the last time I was there. It seems you must make an appointment first at least 24 hours in advance. You are given access to the vault for the entire day. You have to wear your face mask the entire time you are in the building. Do not bring anything but your wallet and keys with you because, as it was before, you have to be scanned for weapons and contraband. It is just easier to not bring much with you.
Once I got inside the vault I had a listing of the items I wanted to get copies of from the original application with the Department of Interior to get the Blanche declared a historical building. I found all of that and made copies. They only charge $1 per page and they have a copier right inside the vault. Let me tell you those old records are huge! The oldest ones are on vellum paper and written in long-hand and are inside boxes. Once you run out of boxes then they were bound into large leather binders. And some bright soul thought it would be a good idea to have them stored on bookshelves up to the ceiling. Dang, they were really heavy.
The typewriter was used until about 1910. I was really glad when I found Index Book of Deed Records that some kind souls over the years have translated the names of the people involved and the dates of each transaction. I can only hope the court records also have an index because once I have found all the deeds and lease agreements between the building owners, managers and businesses I will have to do some research in the court records and then in the County Commissions Records too.
Jolene’s Webs and Blogs for Writers and Small Businesses
I will also be helping local authors with self-publishing, small businesses with website design, and social media marketing. So, please if you need help with a website for yourself, your business, or even want a quick promotional video created to share on your social media pages. contact me using the CONTACT FORM on this website and we will make an appointment at the Blanche!
You must be logged in to post a comment.