How many 1858 houses still exist in  Colrain
The 1858 map of Colrain is the oldest "complete" map-it shows every road and every house with its owners name.  

To answer "how many still exist"each 1858 house has been given a number (see above). A database list has been made. From his house numbers map I have made 17 "Maplets" of smaller areas to make research easier.  (the full map is huge),  (13 seen here , also 4 village maplets).

 A modern road map, with road names,  helps with the 1858 map.

Note that today's Franklin Lane did not exist in 1858.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A 3rd map - 1990 USGS with house shown is useful (below)

This 1990 USGS map is more accurate than the 1858 map. Since it shows all houses in 1990, it can be matched up with the 1858 map to pinpoint the old houses.  For example, as you drive along a road, follow the 1990 houses (many will be newer) until you come to an old house. Then studying elements like a bend in road, a brook, or a road intersection, you can have some cofidence that you have found the 1858 house.

Pictures
Each house is photographed with the map number attached.  One trick is to hold up a sheet of paper in the photo view with map # written in large type so that when you get home you will know which house it is.  

Or, as in the example above, label the picture from memory.  

Database

We have pictured 33 houses as of July 2026 

Below is a typical Record  of one house. 

See Also the Google Sheets folder  (inactive)

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**********  Old Schools **********
In August 2026 Sarah and Dave started an "on the ground search for the old Schoolhouses. shown on the 1858 map.  We started with Belden Merim's map and list of 13 schools,  
Below:  Belden's Schools Map

Though Belden lists 13 schools, the 1858 map has 19.