By KAREN PARKER | County Line Publisher Emeritus
You may think that with the advent of GPS and internet information, the plat book is a relic from the past. In one respect, you may be correct, but don’t bury the plat book just yet.
The new 2021 Monroe County plat book scarcely resembles its bland cousin of 20 years ago. The new book is awash in bright color and features a reproduction of the 1897 Monroe County plat book. Ever wonder who owned your property more than a century ago? Curious about ownership of the land that is now Fort McCoy?
Long a fundraiser for Monroe County 4-H Clubs, plat-book sales have been cut nearly in half due to new technology, according to Josh Gloede, Monroe County 4-H agent. That’s why Gloede and Jarrod Roll of the Monroe County Local History Room teamed up to embellish the 2021 plat book with reproductions of the 1897 book. (The 2019 book included reproductions of the 1915 map, Roll said.) The most current book includes two pages of historic photos from the 20th century, all centered on Monroe County farm life.
Despite its charm, competing with the Internet is a challenge. Gloede said he has distributed about 500 to various locations around the county and expects they will need restocking. The 2019 books sold 700, a figure he hopes can be matched this year.
Gloede thinks the publication still has appeal. For example, it allows hunters to find real estate that is open to hunting, usually because the owner has participated in the managed-forest program.
“It’s nice to have everything in one book,” added Roll.
Finding a property in a plat book is much easier than typing on that cell phone keyboard while the car is moving. For some, staring at the little screen of a cell phone makes turning a page much more attractive.
Plat books have been around since the middle of the 19th century. Their value as a resource of local history and land ownership will remain invaluable, whether it’s found on paper or digitally.
But if you happen to be one of those folks who prefer reading off paper instead of a screen, then this plat book is for you. They can be found at the Monroe County History Local Room, the Monroe County Register of Deeds, the Bank of Cashton and at all locations of Farmers and Merchants Bank of Kendall.