My house was built just after the turn of the century, and I was wondering if small towns would've kept documents or archives of how the house looked at the time. Is there maybe a website for this? any responses greatly appreciated!:)
It’s not as straightforward as that.
Some locations have town archives or museums or historical societies. Most states and provinces have archives. Some public libraries are good resources. You’d have to check around where you are to find out how such things have been handled where you are—it depends on funding streams and people’s interests.
And there’s an element of luck. If someone photographed your house (is it architecturally notable?) and the photograph was kept and was eventually donated to whatever repository holds such records in your area, and you correctly identify where you need to look, you’ll find your house.
It can help to look up land use and development records for your area, and even look at the chain of title for your home. Who owned the land? Did any past owners leave family papers to an archive? What was nearby? Could someone have photographed your house incidentally while taking a picture of something else? Lots of old houses pop up in pictures of school groups or local events like parades.
Good luck on your quest.