Guaranty Title and Trust Corporation Records

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: 001-01-MSS 0000-052

Scope and Contents

This collection includes approximately 3,800 paperboard-bound volumes (packets) containing deed and mortgage abstracts for properties in Norfolk, Portsmouth, and the surrounding counties (mostly Norfolk County). The collection also includes approximately 2,800 land plats, mostly for properties associated with the packets. Guaranty Title and Trust created these records in the course of its business verifying property titles, recording land transactions, and issuing mortgage loans during its operations in Norfolk, Virginia from 1904 to 1929. The collection also includes some records that predate the company. Each packet represents a defined parcel of land (a city block in built-up areas) and identifies the numbered plat sheets associated with that parcel. Some plats (particularly the higher numbered/later sheets) cover proposed residential developments, easements (such as rail and power lines), and transfers of undeveloped county lands.

Dates

created: 1883-1919
Other: Date acquired: 00/00/1963

Creator

Guaranty Title and Trust Coporation (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to all researchers.

Conditions Governing Use

The status of copyright for these materials is governed by Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U. S. C.). Copyright restrictions may apply.

Full Extent

375.00 boxes

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

Packets are arranged in original order by block or section; blocks and sections appear to be organized somewhat geographically. Books are arranged roughly by size. Plats are arranged in numeric order, with oversized plats arranged in numeric order at the end of the collection.

Custodial History

In 1963, a group of lawyers who had purchased the company’s records donated them to the Norfolk Public Library so that they would be available for research by the public.