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In
January of 2001, I looked at ways to streamline and protect the recording
and safekeeping of our important documents and to make those documents
accessible. My first goal was to place the documents that were linked to a
computerized index available over the Internet to view and print at no
charge. This was successfully completed and documents from 1982 to the
present are available to view, print, and search over the Internet, 24-
hours a day free of charge.
Another
goal of mine was to make the older records available over the Internet,
not only as a convenience to access the documents 24- hours a day from
your home or business, but as an added level of protection to these
valuable documents. Even today, most Recorders utilize an archaic, manual
book system to record and maintain our valuable documents. These books are
open for public use and are vulnerable to accidents, vandalism, and or
criminal activity. I have been able to digitally scan these older books to
preserve their integrity and safeguard our property records. I have taken
the hand -documented copies, containing millions of pieces of paper, and
converted them to a digital computerized copy, that will be safe for
future generations of homeowners in Stark County. These books are
contained in our Archive Search, which dates back to 1809. The Archive
Search allows for a 195-year search of property, free of charge, 24-hours
a day.
The Archive Search is a
more advanced search than the 1982 to present day search as it is a two
step search process. You must search the Index Volumes in order to find
the correct volume and page of the document. The Index Volumes are
handwritten volumes. You will notice various penmanship styles and
different types of pens and inks were used in the copying process, which
makes the legibility at times, an issue. However, by digitally scanning
the Indexes and books we have preserved the best copy of the books
available, which protects and preserves Stark County’s Land History which
otherwise could have been lost, stolen, or degraded over time. The Index
Volumes are also available to view in the office.
I have also digitally
imaged the entire Plat map and Condominium series which is now available
online. The Plat book series dates back to the 1800's when Stark County
was just developing. The Condominium book series begins on December 6,
1971. The digital image was obtained either from the aperture card, or the
original book, depending on which was deemed th create the best image. Due
to degradation of the older books either because of their age,
environment, and exposure to past everyday use, some of the images are not
clear as would like, but the image is the best available copy and
identical to the original copy. The original copied plats are available
either in the office or at the records center to view. By imaging these
vaulable documents, I have been able to preserve their integrity and
safeguard our records.
One advantage to using the
Internet to create your copy is the "Zoom" feature. You are able to zoom
into a specific portion of the plat or condo and print only that specific,
enlarged portion. The other benefit is that all copies obtained over the
Internet are free of charge.
Please
do not hesitate to call me at 330-451-7433
with any questions or concerns regarding the
archive search. My staff and I are readily available to provide a tutorial
on the system at your place of business or over the
phone.
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