Genealogy & Local History

The Alwin C. Carus Genealogy and Local History Room serves the community in a variety of ways from research on local history to helping people learn their family history.  Because of the fragile and historical nature of the items in this collection, materials in this room are for in-library use only.  Anyone can use the room during open hours. Just stop at the desk and ask a staff member to unlock the room. 

Local History

Books - Coming soon!

Year Books - LP Township High and St. Bede Academy.

Files - City of LaSalle, LaSalle County, State of Illinois.

Photos - Schools, Events, State Parks, Vermillion, Citizens, Westclox, Library, History, Buisness, Churches, Original 1915 Hotel Kaskaskia. 

Newspapers (microfilm) - LaSalle Daily Tribune (later NewsTribune) 1906 to 2002.

Newspaper (CD) - LaSalle NewsTribune 2004 to present. 

Westclox Clock Collection - Clocks, TickTalk magazines (1918 - 1967)

Other - Census Information, City Directories. 

Obituary Searches - We provide obituary searches for a fee of $5.00 per sarch. Simply provide a written request containing a specific date or date range, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment to the library.  For more information, pleace call (815) 223-2341.

Genealogy

Ancestry - Library Edition has unparalleled coverage of the United States and the United Kingdom, including census, vital, church, court and immigration records, as well as collections from Canada and other areas.   This database was made possible through the Alwin C. Carus Trust.  The Library Edition of Ancestry is only accessible from the LaSalle Public Library.  

HeritageQuest - is a comprehensive treasury of American genealogical sources—rich in unique primary sources, local and family histories, convenient research guides, interactive census maps, and more.  Researchers can use HeritageQuest to find their ancestors, trace their paths across America and learn what life was like in the areas where they settled.  This database was made possible through the Alwin C. Carus Trust.  When accessing HeritageQuest from home, you will need to have your LaSalle Library Card barcode to login. 

Genealogy Links

See the sidebar for more online resources. 

Westclox Film

Go back in time to 1938, and take an historic, behind-the scenes look at Westclox, and the production of all manner of clocks -- from wind-up table clocks and alarm clocks with "The People's Friend."  The film captures the pride and ability of Westclox workers, and innovations and scope of the company, and the quality and extensive variety of the timepieces produced by Westclox in one small Illinois town.  You can watch the film online (see the sidebar) or check out a copy on DVD. 

Remembering Westclox - We would like to capture the essence of Westclox through the experience of those who know the legendary building, company and personnal best.  Share a memory or story about a time, event, or a person connected to Westclox.  Help us capture your memories by submitting this form to a staff member at the circulation desk.