Digital History

This collection was made possible by long-time Wauconda resident Neville Carr, depicted on the left, who has made it his mission to borrow and scan over 2,500 photographs from dozens of the Wauconda area’s oldest residents and their families, and to gather information about each photo “before it’s too late.” He created an archival digital image of each photo, providing captions with names and anecdotal information whenever possible.   He then donated all of these images to the library so that they would be easily accessible for everyone.  He is still in the process of adding his comments to many of the photos.

This collection was also made possible by the dozens of people and organizations, such as the Wauconda Township Historical Society, who allowed Neville to borrow their photographs for this purpose.  The caption of each item in the collection includes code letters that indicate the owner of the item.  A key to these codes is listed below.

We’re off to a great start – now it’s up to you!

This digital history of the Wauconda Area is hosted by the Wauconda Area Library, and you can help us by contributing YOUR old family photos, identifying people in the photos in the existing collection, or by providing additional information about these photos. 

Do you recognize someone or something in the photos? Please email library@wauclib.org, call the library 847-526-6225, or visit the library.   We'll update the information so that everyone can see.  If you have your own Facebook account, you can read Neville Carr's comments about the photos and/or comment on them yourself! If you do not have a Facebook account, you can view the photos and comments with Internet Archive. 

Do you have similar old family pictures from or memorabilia related to the Wauconda Area's past?  We would love to add them to this collection and we'll even scan them while you wait... no need to leave them at the library.   And if you bring a flash drive, we can give you the digital files to take home with you!  (Photos should be at least 50 years old (1964 or earlier) and taken anywhere within the library district.)  The Dickson and Paddock family photos are a great example of this community participation, as these were all contributed by family members Cindy Graff and Vernon Paddock, respectively, in addition to all the photos gathered and scanned by Neville Carr.

ENJOY YOUR TRIP TO THE WAUCONDA AREA'S PAST!