ABSTRACT
A survey of buildings in the main street of a town can uncover a wealth of architectural styles, use, and change. Small group work plays a large part and the production of information that can be tied in with the researches of others is of great importance. Start with the physical appearance because anyone at any age of ability can investigate this, especially if one has a ready prepared form to be filled in. Well established communities have histories reflected in their street plans. It is sometimes possible to pick out the street plan of original communities nestled within later accretions and trace the probable causes of such developments such as industrialization, the arrival of a canal or railway line. A building constructed for one purpose does not now necessarily fulfill that function. Buildings change their use over the years and are converted to fulfill other roles. Schools become houses, farm cottages become animal shelters, and hospitals become schools.
