FYI re: research documents, etc.

[dgibby]

Don't know if anyone here has ever used shopgoodwill.com, but it's a gold mine of sorts. It's an auction site for Goodwill Industries from all over the US, and they sell everything under the sun, including historical documents.

Last night I found an old deed from Pa. Surprise! It was of land owned by some of my ancestors! Anyway, I made the winning bid(all of $5.00). Can't wait to get it.

They also have lots of old photos, postcards, etc. Definitely worth taking a look.

Happy hunting!

[eleny]

1. congrats on the amazing coincidence

[dgibby]

4. Thanks!

I was floored when I clicked on one of the pictures of the deed and saw the names! I couldn't bid on that fast enough! When I get it, I'll scan it and post it on the "Blair family" message board as well as my Family Tree on Ancestery.com.

[Dem2theMax]

2. How did you find it? There are so many categories, I don't know where to start!

Any suggestions? I'd sure appreciate it. I have ancestors from PA. I'm jealous. So spill, tell me how to find ancestral stuff on there. :-) Thank you! :hi:

[dgibby]

3. Well,

first of all, I'm retired, so have lots of time to check out the site, but it does get easier once you've played around on it for a little while.

I check out the Collectables section, historic documents, also the Art section for photos/posters, Misc., Books, Antiques,etc.

Go to "Listings", then "All Auctions", click on a catagory, "Art", for example. That will take you to several catagories, Drawings, Paintings, Photos, etc.

Almost all of the major catagories have dropdown lists you can choose from. Also, if I find something I like, there's a link to check out other things being offered by that particular seller. I've found I can usually find like items being sold by the same vendor.

It's not an exact science, but what the heck. Half the fun is the hunt! I feel like a kid at Christmas whenever I find stuff!

Yesterday, I found a collection of old photos, with a note describing 5 generations of the same family in one picture. Fortunately, someone had labeled the photo with names, dates, etc, so I posted a link on that family's message board. Hopefully someone will find it and be able to use it.

I've also found books, maps, documents that have helped me track the various places my ancestors fought in the Civil War (I had g.grandfathers, g.uncles who fought on both sides).

In addition to all the ancestory stuff, I've been able to buy collectables that are either new or in pristine condition. So far, I've bought paintings, collectable teddy bears (for all the babies in the family), Willow Tree Angels (for my sister), David Winter Cottages (for me), handmade quilts, Home Laughlin China (my mother's pattern, which is no longer made). I'm set for Christmas, birthday's, new babies, etc.

The best part? I don't have to go out of the house, and the most expensive item I bought was an original framed oil painting that went for about $40.00.

Good luck! I hope you have as much success and fun as I'm having. :hi: