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The Great House Detective

Great House History Discoveries

Here’s a glimpse behind the scenes with the Great House Detective.

Great House History Discoveries

I never know what I’ll find when I research the history of an older home. I researched more than 80 when I lived in the Chicago area, and more than 30 so far here in Santa Barbara. I’m looking for more local homes to write about — see details below! — and I could use your help. However, since I don’t have a house to write about this month, I thought I’d share some of my favorite discoveries in my work to date.

Old Photos

A 1920s photo of the family at 324 North Soledad Street | Credit: Betsy J. Green

There are two kinds of vintage homeowners: those who have old photos of their home, and those who want old photos of their home. The owners of some of the homes that I wrote about already had old photos of their home and treasured them.