Enlightening and Inspiring Generations with Generations of Ideas

Genealogy & Local History

The Alwin C. Carus Genealogy and Local History Room serves the community in a variety of ways, from researching 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. 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, Business, 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 $5.00 per search. 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, please call (815) 223-2341.

Genealogy

Ancestry - Library Edition has unparalleled coverage of the United States and the United Kingdom, including census, vital, church, court, immigration records, and 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.  

Genealogy Links

See the sidebar for more online resources. 

Westclox Film

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