The historical research for the properties around the George Read House, which include the North Lot and the Water Lot, have been intensive and slow going. Fortunately, everyone seems to be getting the hang of using the resources (microfilm, special collections, Delaware Historical Society, historic maps, etc.). For the groups that are researching within the time period 1790-1975, the search has seemed to turn up some information if even just a little. One group has been researching the time period of the 1790s-1820 and has made some useful discoveries. Kathleen and Ellie have discovered information about one of the title owners of the North Lot, one James R. Black. James R. Black was a prominent figure in the town as well as a neighbor and possible friend of George Read II. They have found some more information on the other tenants’ lives, but not to the extent they have discovered on James R. Black. They are making great headway. The next tenants were Callahan and heirs on the North Lot as well as George Read II and heirs on the water lot. Brielle and Fallon have found out that George Read II was in debt 6,000 dollars when he passed and in order to settle debts his heirs had to put the property up for public auction. This brings us up to my partner and I’s focus of research, which is the title ownership of the Couper family. The Couper’s are the first family to own both the North Lot and Water Lot. While research has been slow going on finding probate records and deeds, we have found at least one map of the property during Mr. Couper’s ownership, which includes the layout of the property as well as the structures contained on the property and their features. The North Lot is documented to have had a shed with a tin or slate roof while the water lot has no documented structures. The Laird’s who owned the property from 1920-1975 followed the Couper family. The group researching the Laird’s, Caroline and Rebecca, took a trip to the Delaware Historical Society Research Library and through their search they discovered photos from the time period as well as personal accounts including the Lairds lavish holiday parties. Everyone is making progress on their historical research!
