​​1935-[ongoing]

Series provides visual documentation of changes made to county lands through development and by natural and man-made disasters. The photographs are taken at intervals along a series of flight paths to attain coverage of all or part of a county. They generally include flight path or township, range, and section numbers; show natural and man-made features; and are produced in black and white or color prints to varying scales. An index by quadrant may also be included.

The University of Oregon Aerial Photograph Collection includes aerial photographs from most Oregon counties. 

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Community Development Department Office:

Aerials With Soils [Soil Maps-on aerial photograph base], 1976 (ca.50 photographs);

[Willamette River Greenway Orthophoto Maps], 1974 (22 maps).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor/Community Development Office Hallway:

[Aerial Photographs-with index], 1963 (ca.150 photographs); 1978 (ca.50 photographs); 1993 (ca.150 photographs).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor/Community Development Office Hallway Closet:

Air Map Special [Aerial Photographs], 1956 (ca.400 photographs).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Office:

1986 Aerial Photos, 1986 (ca.600 photographs);

[Aerial Photographs-with index], 1956 (ca.400 photographs);

Aerial Photos [with index], 1935 (1 binder).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Records Storage Room 5:

[Aerial Photographs-soils-stored in green cabinet], 1970 (ca.500 photographs);

[Large Scale Aerial Photographs], 1948 (ca.30 photographs).

Series documents the payment of county and state bounty money to individuals who presented the scalps and other prescribed body parts of targeted predatory animals. The program was intended to control the threat to livestock. Examples of targeted animals include coyote, cougar, mountain lion, panther, wildcat, bobcat, lynx, and wolf. Records include registers, affidavits, certificates, and statements. Information includes claimant and affiant names; kind of animal; number of scalps; date killed or presented; and number, amount, and date of warrant. The records are also referred to as scalp bounty records. 

Bounty Record [Animal], 1909-1961 (1 volume); 

Scalp Bounty Warrants [Payment Stub Book], 1911-1913 (1 volume).

Register of Scalp Bounty Claims [includes one page only], vol. 1, 1899 (1 volume).

​1866-[ongoing]

Series documents the assessment of real and personal property, the determination of tax liability, and the collection of county taxes. Assessment, tax, and delinquent tax records are labeled as rolls, lists, or summaries. Records show property owner; description and value of urban and agricultural land, personal property, and livestock; assessments, equalizations, and taxes due; and notations on payment and delinquency in payment of taxes. Beginning with 1900, counties have only been required to retain permanently those assessment and tax rolls for years ending in "0" and "5."

Assessment information from 1994 to the present is available on computer in the assessor's office.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Assessment and Delinquent Tax Roll, 1897-1900, 1905, 1910, 1915, 1920, 1925 (14 volumes);

Assessment Rolls, 1892-1894, 1896-1899, 1905, 1910, 1915, 1920, 1925 (18 volumes);

Delinquent Tax Roll, 1893-1900, 1907-1915 (9 volumes);

Personal Property Assessment and Tax Roll, 1940 (1 volume);

Real Property Assessment and Tax Roll, 1940 (2 volumes);

Real Property Assessment Roll, 1930 (2 volumes);

Tax Ledger, 1898-1902 (2 volumes).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor's Office:

Assessment Roll, 1901 (3 volumes);

[Assessment Roll Cards], ca.1959-ca.1973 (ca.37 reels of microfilm);

Roll Microfiche [Assessment], 1981-2010 (44 inches of microfiche);

Tax Office Film [Tax Roll], 1928-1980 (194 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Treasurer/Tax Collector's Office:

[Tax Roll-includes related records], 1980-2010 (48 inches of microfiche).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Complex, Building 12, South Loft:

Assessment and Tax Roll, 1934-1935 (3 volumes);

Assessment and Tax Roll Personal Property, 1930 (1 volume);

Personal Property Assessment & Tax Roll 1935-1936 (1 volume);

Real Property Assessment and Tax Roll, 1935-1936 (2 volumes).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Complex, Building 12, Central Area Pallet:

Taxes of O & C Lands [Oregon and California Railroad Lands Assessment and Tax Roll], 1933-1938 (1 volume);

Tax Roll [Tax Detail by District-published], 1995-2010 (1 cu.ft.).

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives:

Assessment Roll, 1898-1900 (3 volumes);

[Assessment Roll], 1866 (1 volume);

Delinquent Tax Rolls, 1895-1897 (1 volume);

Personal Property [Assessment Roll Statement Record], 1942-1946 (3 volumes); 1951-1956 (13 volumes).

Records at the Polk County Web Site:

QuickSearch Property Search & Reporting Tool​ [​assessor maps and assessment reports], n.d.-present .

Series documents the registration of business names with the county clerk or recorder. Information includes assumed business name; description of business; filing date; and business owner, notary public, witness, clerk or recorder, and deputy's name. Series may also include an index arranged alphabetically by business name. Businesses which were registered were typically automotive sales, motorcycle repair, merchandise shops, butchers, and feed stores. Since 1964, assumed business names have been filed with the Secretary of State. Assumed business names have been inventoried through 1964. For more recent records, contact the Secretary of State, Business Registry Section​.

[Assumed Business Names-Record], vol. 1-5, 1913-1968 (2 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives:

Record of Assumed Names, vol. 1-6, 1913-1964 (6 volumes).

Series documents liens placed on real property by the county to satisfy debts. Attachments are ordered by the circuit court and authorize the sheriff to seize or transfer property to satisfy debts such as loans, mortgages, or tax liens. The sheriff will hold the property in trust until the debt is paid or the property is sold. Information includes defendant name, statement of attachment, property description, statement of return when attachment is satisfied, return of execution, dates attachment is issued and returned, court order, and sheriff's signature. Attachment records have been inventoried through 1920. 

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Clerk's Office: 

Real Estate Attachments [Record-with index], 1884-1903 (1 volume). 

Attachment and Lien Record [with index], vol. 3, 1916-1931 (1 volume).

Series documents the recording of births by the county. Records include certificates, affidavits for correction, registers, delayed entry for births and corrected entries. Information includes registration number; child's name, sex, legitimacy, birth date, and birthplace; name, residence, color, age, birthplace, and occupation of father and mother; number of other children born to mother; signature of physician or midwife; filing date; and registrar's signature. Birth records were not required by the state of Oregon until 1903 when the state began to officially register births officially. Currently these records are filed with the State Registrar, Vital Statistics Section​ of the Health Division. Birth records have been inventoried through 1920. For information concerning more recent records, contact the State Registrar. Access to birth records is restricted for 100 years following the date of birth by Oregon administrative Rule 333-011-0096. 

Birth Registers, 1903-1915 (2 volumes). 

Record of Births and Deaths, 1915-1921 (1 volume).

Series documents the population, property, and agricultural production of the county. Records may include census rolls and abstracts, farm schedules, abstract of assessment and census, enumeration of inhabitants and industrial products, and enumeration of inhabitants and military enrollment. Information includes number of males and females per age category; head of household; name, age, and gender of household members; occupation and relationship of household members to head of household; and description and value of real and personal property. Information may also include nationality, physical description, birthplace, health, and religion of household members and agricultural production statistics. 

Records at a Related Website: 

Polk County Federal Census (Access Genealogy).

​1846-1985

Series documents cases heard before the circuit courts and the U.S. district courts. U.S. district courts were administered by the federal government during the territorial period and subsequently replaced by the circuit courts upon statehood in 1859. Case files include exhibits, transcripts, indexes, and legal documents such as indictments, subpoenas, fee bills, articles of agreement, bonds, summons, executions, petitions, and injunctions. The case files document civil and criminal actions such as debt, theft, divorce, land claims, arson, murder, rape, assault and battery, and boundary conflicts. Circuit court records continue after 1983 under authority of the state and are maintained by the trial court administrator. Circuit court records have been inventoried through 1983. For information on more recent court records, contact the trial court administrator. Portions of these records may be restricted.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Circuit Court Case Exhibits, 1861-1925 (1.20 cu.ft.);

Circuit Court Case Files Divorce Records, 1854-1912 (5 cu.ft.);

Circuit Court Case Files [excludes divorce cases], ca.1854-ca.1912 (27 cu.ft.);

Circuit Court Case Files Index, 1862-1909 (1 volume);

Circuit Court Index Indirect [Vault Index Circuit Court-indexes case no. 3760-5720], vol. 2, ca.1909-ca.1927 (1 volume);

Search for 1854-1912 Polk County divorce case files in Oregon Historical Records Index​.

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Circuit Court Records Office:

[Circuit Court Case Files], no. 1-32800, 1846-1983 (25 feet of microfilm jackets);

[Circuit Court Vault Index], no. 1-279, 1846-1856 (2 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor's Office:

CC [Circuit Court Case Real Property Abstracts], 1969-1985 (3 volumes).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Complex, Building 12, Circuit Court Records Storage Cage:

[Circuit Court Reg.-Case Files], no.7458-15971, 1931-ca.1962 (68 reels of microfilm);

Circuit Court Vault Index [actually case files], no. 534-3747, 1865-1909 (39 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives:

Index to Circuit Court Cases, 1870-1875 (1 volume).

Series records brief entries about the proceedings of court cases. Information includes date; plaintiff and defendant names; cause of action such as larceny, assault, divorce, or receivership; attorney names; and final disposition of the case. Circuit court records continue after 1983 under authority of the state and are maintained by the state court administrator. Circuit court records have been inventoried through 1983. For information on more recent court records, contact the trial court administrator. Portions of these records may be restricted. 

Circuit Court Bar Docket, 1879-1887 (1 volume); 

Circuit Court Register of Actions [with index], vol. 1-24, 1904-1984 (24 volumes);

Register of Actions [Circuit Court-with index], vol. 1, 1893-1894 (1 volume). 

Registers of Action [Circuit Court-with index], vol. 1-6, 1904-1937 (4 reels of microfilm);

[Register of Actions-Circuit Court-with index], vol. 7-24, 1937-1985 (8 reels of microfilm); vol. 7-24, 1937-1985 (4 inches of microfilm jackets). 

Circuit Court Register [with index], vol. 1-10, 1904-1960 (4 reels of microfilm).

1847-1969

Series records chronological narratives of the proceedings of the court including actions taken such as decrees, judgments, arrangements, sentences, dismissals, and grand jury reports. Information includes plaintiff, defendant, and attorney names; term of court; character and date of case; case number; and date of issue. The term "judgment" refers to judicial decisions regarding the verdict, decision, or judgment rendered by the court and is distinct from those judgments relating to the recovery of court costs and awards (see Judgment and Execution Dockets). Circuit court records continue after 1983 under authority of the state and are maintained by the trial court administrator. Circuit court records have been inventoried through 1983. For information on more recent court records, contact the trial court administrator. Portions of these records may be restricted.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Circuit Court Journal Indexes, 1875-1899 (7 volumes);

Circuit Court Journal, vol. 2, 1865-1871 (1 volume); vol. 4-10, 1882-1899 (7 volumes);

[Circuit Court/U.S. District Court Journal], 1851-1865 (1 reel of microfilm).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Circuit Court Records Office:

[Circuit Court Jr.-Journal] vol. 2-49, 1865-1960 (18 reels of microfilm).

District Court Minutes [Polk County U.S. District Court-changes to state circuit court in 1859], 1852-1865 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives:

Circuit Court Journal, vol. 11-19, 22-23, 25, 27-29, 31-73, 1897-1969 (58 volumes);

Circuit Court Proceedings [Record], 1847-1848 (1 volume);

County Court Journal [includes primarily delinquent child cases-jurisdiction changes to circuit court in ca.1965], vol. 7-12, 1954-1968 (6 volumes);

Record [Circuit Court Journal-with index], vol. 3, 1871-1875 (1 volume).

1889-1969

Series documents the recording of a variety of legal documents filed in the clerk's or recorder's office. These documents were not required to be filed with the clerk and often included filings such as birth and marriage certificates of individuals who were born or married outside of the county but wanted the document to be filed in their county of residence. Other documents include wills, obligation bonds, quit claims, deeds, conveyances, mortgage satisfactions, agreements, charters, partnership dissolutions, contracts, powers of attorney, liens, leases, marriage licenses, military discharges, ministerial certificates, medical personnel licenses, birth and death certificates, and affidavits of publication. Information includes dates filed, name of individual filing, type of action, and volume and page number where recorded. Series may also include alphabetical indexes of individuals filing a recording. Clerk and Recorder Miscellaneous Recordings have been inventoried through 1965.

Index to Miscellaneous Record, vol. 2, 1901-1911 (1 volume);

Miscellaneous [Records], vol. 1-11, 1889-1969 (5 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor's Office:

Misc. [Miscellaneous Record Abstracts of Real Property Descriptions], 1961-1969 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Records Storage Room 6:

Miscellaneous Record [with index], vol. 3-6, 1911-1942 (4 volumes);

Record of Miscellaneous, vol. 9, 1960-1966 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives:

Miscellaneous Record, vol. 2, 1901-1911 (1 volume);

Miscellaneous Record [with index], vol. 1, 1889-1901 (1 volume); vol. 8, 1947-1959 (1 volume).

Records at a Related Web Site:

Misc. Land Indentures [includes scanned images of Miscellaneous Record], vol. 3-10, 1911-1969 (FamilySea​rch.org).

​1970-[ongoing]

Series documents the filing of transactions, authorized by statute, with the clerk or recorder of the county for the purpose of making the transaction a matter of public record. Information includes dates filed, type and description of transactions, filing numbers, names of parties involved, amounts charged or assessed, and clerk or recorder's signatures. Series may also include alphabetical indexes that contain volume and page numbers where recorded and names of individual filing transactions. Transactions include records that were previously maintained separately, such as mortgages; deeds; military service records; federal, mechanic's, and road improvement liens; mining claims; satisfactions; judgment assign​ments; notarial commissions; medical and ministerial licenses; oaths; and affidavits of publication. This series is commonly referred to as the Book of Records.

The Book of Records dating from 1985 to the present is available on computer in the county clerk's office. Images of deeds from the Book of Records are also available on computer in the clerk's office from 1970 to 1984. Polk County also offers the searchable Book of Records​.

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Clerk's Office:

[Book of Records], 1970-1999 (391 reels of microfilm);

BOR Direct & Indirect Indexes [Book of Records], 1988-1991 (1 reel of microfilm).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Clerk's Office, Microfilm Closet:

[Book of Records], 2000-present (480 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor's Office:

BOR [Book of Records-with assessor's office notations-many in combined volumes], 1970-2005 (274 volumes).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Office:

Information Index Commissioners Journals, Miscellaneous Recordings [indexes Book of Records], 1970-ca.1973 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Web Site:

Historical Index of Land Deeds​ [Deed and Book of Records Direct and Indirect Indexes], 1854-1985.

​1850-[ongoing]

Series documents all administrative actions of the board of county commissioners and the county court. In most counties, the board of county commissioners has assumed the administrative duties and responsibilities of the county court. Administrative actions include levying taxes; budgeting; approving appropriations; appointing county officials; approving officials bonds and annual reports; receiving petitions and remonstrances concerning county roads; defining and establishing county roads; calling bond elections for the construction of county buildings; compiling jury lists and conducting hearings; approving salaries and expenses of county officials; confirming elections; and issuing licenses for such things as liquor, ferries, warehouses, and groceries. The series may be referred to as the County Court Administrative Journal, Commissioner's Minutes, County Court Docket, or Board of Commissioners Meeting Records.

The Commissioners Journals were recorded and indexed from 1970 to June 1996 in the Book of Records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings).

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

County Court Administrative Journals [Minutes], vol. 1-4, 1900-1951 (4 volumes).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Clerk's Office:

Commissioners Journal [Index to Commissioners Journals Filed in BOR-Book of Records], vol. 28-29, 1970-1995 (2 volumes); 

[Comm. Journal-Commissioners], vol. 1-27, 1850-1969 (11 reels of microfilm); 

Journal County Court [includes mostly judicial actions and some administrative actions-includes widow's pensions-with index], vol. 6, 1932-1954 (1 volume); 

[Polk County Comm. Jr. Minutes-Commissioners Journal], 1925-1951 (1 reel of microfilm).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Commissioners' Office:

Agenda Packets [Board of Commissioners-includes minutes, reports, agreements, orders, ordinances, resolutions, and related documents], 1992-present (86 binders); BOC Minutes [Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes-title varies], 1996-present (13 binders).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Office:

Commissioners Journal [with index], vol. 16-19, 1954-1962 (4 volumes); vol. 23-27, 1965-1969 (5 volumes);

Index to the Commissioner's Journals [indexes road related matters], 1850-1977 (1 binder);

Index to Commissioners Minutes, vol. 1, 1852-1892 (1 volume);

Information Index Commissioners Journals, Miscellaneous Recordings [indexes Book of Records], 1970-ca.1973 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Records Storage Room 4:

Commissioners Journal [with index], vol. 15, 1951-1954 (1 volume); vol. 20-22, 1962-1965 (3 volumes).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Complex, Building 12, South Loft:

BOC Minutes [Board of Commissioners], 1986-1991 (3 binders);

Commissioners Journal Warehouseman's Bonds [with index], vol. 9A, 1903-1917 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives:

Comm. Journals [Commissioners], vol. 1, ca.1850-ca.1859 (1 volume);

Commissioner's Journal [title varies-with index], vol. 2-14, 1858-1951 (13 volumes);

County Court Journal [includes adoption, widow's pension, judicial, and administrative actions-with index], vol. 5, 1904-1932 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Webs​ite:

Meetings​ [includes meeting minutes and agendas for the board of commissioners, fair board, planning commission, local alcohol and drug planning committee, commission on children and families, and related bodies], 2010-present;

Board of Commissioners Journal​ [includes minutes, orders, ordinances, resolutions, and some county budgets], 1984-2011.

​1950-[ongoing]

Series documents orders, ordinances, and resolutions passed by the board of county commissioners and the county court regulating and establishing guidelines for specific activities within the county. Information includes activity covered by order, ordinance, or resolution; administrative action number; who introduced; findings of fact; conclusions; recommendations; date heard; and hearings officer name and signature. Activities include noise abatement, nuisances, zoning, animal control, solid waste management, land division regulations, elections, comprehensive plan, and road and bridge use limits.

Older Orders, ordinances, and Resolutions may be found in the County Commissioners Administrative Journals.

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Commissioners' Office:

Agenda Packets [Board of Commissioners-includes minutes, reports, agreements, orders, ordinances, resolutions, and related documents], 1992-present (86 binders);

Enabling Ordinances [Zoning], 1970-1979 (1 volume);

Index BCC Orders, Ordinances & Resolutions [Board of County Commissioners], 1962-1983 (1 binder);

Orders [Commissioners], 1983-1985 (3 binders);

[Orders, Ordinances, & Resolutions Register-includes references to contracts and other documents], 1958-1986 (3 binders);

Orders Ordinances Resolutions, 1986-present (28 binders);

Polk County Code of Ordinances, 1989-2005 (1 binder);

Resolutions & Ordinances, 1983-1985 (1 binder).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor/Community Development Office Hallway:

Ord. No. [Planning and Zoning Ordinance], 1961 (.05 cu.ft.); 1966 (.05 cu.ft.);

Original Zone Ord. [Zoning Ordinance-Proposed], ca.1961 (.10 cu.ft.);

Polk County Zoning & Subdivision Ordinances Codes, ca.1967 (1 volume);

Polk County Zoning Ordinance, 1982 (1 volume);

Subdivision and Partition Ordinance, 1974 (1 volume);

Uniform Zone Code for Marion County Oregon Polk County Oregon, 1970-1976 (.25 cu.ft.).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Community Development Department Office, Conference Room:

Polk County Code of Ordinances, 1978-2007 (1 binder);

Polk County Measure 37 Zoning Ordinances, 1958-1997 (1 binder);

[Polk County Zoning Ordinance], 1961-1970 (1 binder); 1989 (1 binder);

Zoning Code w/ Sub & Partition and Comp Plan [includes subdivision and partition ordinance and comprehensive plan], 1970-1978 (1 binder).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Clerk's Office:

Resolutions and Ordinances [Register to Resolutions and Ordinances in Commissioners Journals], ca.1950-1993 (1 binder).

Records at the Polk County Website:

Board of Commissioners Journal​ [includes minutes, orders, ordinances, resolutions, and some county budgets], 1984-2011;

Measure 37 Zoning Ordinance Search [Chain of Title Research Database], n.d.;

Polk County Code of Ordinances [includes comprehensive plan, subdivision and partition, and zoning ordinance information], ca. 1978-present;

Polk County Zoning Ordinance, ca.1978-present.

​1853-[ongoing]

Series documents the establishment and/or restoration of survey corners or monuments by the county surveyor or registered land surveyors. Records include maps, field survey restoration notes, historical notes, and indexes. Information includes description of corners; existing markers; descriptions of new markers and any changes made to the locations; property owners; township, range, and section numbers; donation land claim information; date the new markers were set; and surveyor's signatures.

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Office:

Corner Restoration [Forms], vol. A-G, 1888-1989 (7 volumes);

Corner Restorations [Form Book-with index], vol. 1-5, 1990-present (5 volumes);

[Government Corner Restoration-Record], vol. E-G, 1977-1989 (3 binders);

[Land and Road Survey Field Books-includes corner survey information-includes some timber company books], ca.1908-present (113 volumes);

Re-Established Corners Book], vol. D, 1971-1977 (1 binder);

Re-Established Gov't Corner Book [U.S. Government Survey-with index], vol. B-C, ca.1904-1971 (2 volumes);

Re-Established U.S. Survey Cors. [Corner Record-with index], vol. A, 1888-1904 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Records Storage Room 4:

Corner Index [Corner Survey Location Index Map Book], n.d. (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Web Site:

Series records the results of the examination of a corpse by the county coroner at the request of the county sheriff. It also documents the proceedings and results of inquests ordered by the district attorney. Reports include date filed; name, age, sex, race, parentage, and birthplace of deceased; date, place, and time of death; names of undertaker and coroner; testimony; and costs. Early reports were narrative accounts detailing the cause of death. After 1900, a standardized form was used for reporting results. Inquest transcripts include coroner and juror names, signatures, and actions; witness names; testimony; and verdict. Coroner and inquest records have been inventoried through 1965.

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Complex, Building 12, Central Area Pallet:

Coroner [Report and Inquest Records], 1852-1948 (.50 cu.ft.).

Series documents the annual allotment of funds for county government operations as agreed to by the board of commissioners. Information includes total amount of funds budgeted for each office. Later budgets may include organizational charts and a narrative of each county office function.

Beginning in 1970 the County Budgets were recorded in the Book of Records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings). 

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Commissioners' Office: 

Adopted Budget Polk County [title varies], 1978-1984 (7 binders);

Fiscal Year Adopted Budget, 1984-present (28 volumes). 

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Complex, Building 12, Central Area Pallet:

County Budget Estimate, 1927 (.05 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Polk County Web Site: 

Board of Commissioners Journal ​[includes minutes, orders, ordinances, resolutions, and some county budgets], 1984-2011.

1964-[ongoing]

Series documents the development and revision of a plan for the use of lands within the county. Series includes plans for transportation, energy, housing, population and economics, public facilities and services, urbanization, natural resources, greenways, recreation, agricultural and forest lands, land capability, resource quality, floodplains, landmarks, historic property, rural community center designation, and natural areas. Each plan includes background information about the subject; supporting documentation such as maps, charts, and diagrams; and a narrative description of each aspect of the plan and how it is to be implemented. Series may include an overall "comprehensive plan" which contains historical and current looks at county land practices and defines goals and policies adhered to during the creation and implementation of the plan.

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Community Development Department Office:

Plan Amendments [Comprehensive], 1978-present (8 cu.ft.).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor/Community Development Office Hallway:

A Preliminary Comprehensive Plan for Polk County Oregon, 1964 (1 volume);

Comprehensive Land Use Plan Map [folded], 1981 (1 map);

Correction Copy Comprehensive Plan, 1974 (1 volume);

Final Review Order [Comprehensive Plan], vol. 1-2, 1989 (2 volumes);

[Periodic Review Records], ca.1979-present (ca.8 cu.ft.);

Polk County Comprehensive Plan, 1978 (1 binder); 1979 (1 volume); 1981 (1 volume);

Polk County Comprehensive Plan Background Report Agriculture Lands, ca.1978 (1 volume);

Polk County Comprehensive Plan Background Report Energy, 1978 (1 volume);

Polk County Comprehensive Plan Background Report Forest Lands, 1978 (1 volume); 1985 (1 volume);

Polk County Comprehensive Plan Background Report Housing, 1978 (1 volume);

Polk County Comprehensive Plan Background Report Population and Economics, 1978 (1 volume);

Polk County Comprehensive Plan Background Report Recreation, 1978 (1 volume);

Polk County Comprehensive Plan Background Report Urbanization, 1978 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Community Development Department Office, Conference Room:

Comprehen. Plan [Comprehensive Plan], 2001 (1 binder);

Polk Plan [Comprehensive Plan Revision Records], 1979 (1 binder);

Zoning Code w/ Sub & Partition and Comp Plan [includes subdivision and partition ordinance and comprehensive plan], 1970-1978 (1 binder).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Commissioners' Office:

Polk County Zoning Ordinance, 2000 (1 binder).

Records at the Polk County Website:

Polk County Code of Ordinances [includes comprehensive plan, subdivision and partition, and zoning ordinance], ca. 1978-present;

Polk County Comprehensive Plan, 1978-present;

Polk County Maps​ [includes cities, community boundaries, flood plains, elevation, fire district, roads, school district, zoning, comprehensive plan, county bridges, and emergency snow routes], n.d.-present.

Series documents the actions of the county court in civil and some criminal cases. Records include complaints, judgments, decrees, summonses, warrants, affidavits, writs, and an index. County court cases include spousal support, employment compensation, satisfaction of judgments, and divorce. Information includes judge, plaintiff, defendant, and attorney names; case type; and filing dates of actions and decrees. 

County Court Vault Index, n.d. (1 volume).

​1846-1968

Series records the proceedings of the county court for civil and some criminal cases. Information includes judge, plaintiff, defendant, and attorney names; trial date; memorandum of subsequent proceedings; and fees charged. Cases include citizenship petitions, legal changes to name, commitments, and writs of habeas corpus. Portions of these records may be restricted.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

County Court Civil Case Docket [includes primarily adoption cases], 1913-1939 (1 volume);

County Court Civil Case Journal, 1883-1903 (1 volume);

[County Court Civil Journal], 1859-1866 (1 reel of microfilm);

County Court Civil Journal Index, n.d. (1 volume);

[County Court Minutes-Judicial Journal], 1846-1848, 1852-1856 (1 reel of microfilm).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Clerk's Office:

Journal County Court [includes judicial actions and some administrative actions-includes widow's pensions-with index], vol. 6, 1932-1954 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Office:

County Court Civil Journal [Judicial-includes some probate matters], vol. 2, 1860-1866 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives:

Civil Court Case Records [County Court Journal Civil Action], vol. 3, 1866-1883 (1 volume);

County Court Journal [includes adoption, widow's pension, judicial, and administrative actions-with index], vol. 5, 1904-1932 (1 volume);

County Court Journal [includes primarily delinquent child cases-jurisdiction changes to circuit court in ca.1965], vol. 7-12, 1954-1968 (6 volumes);

Early Probate Journals [County Court Journal-includes probate and judicial matters], vol. 1, 1848-1859 (1 volume).

​1915-[ongoing]

Series documents the preparation and organization of the county fair by the county fair board (including any predecessor group) and other county officials. Records include fair board minutes, reports, and annual premium lists and publications. Minutes and reports include information pertaining to county fair employment, budgets, sponsorship, capital improvements to fairgrounds, and event scheduling throughout the year. Annual premium lists and/or publications may include county fair history, names of fair officers, general fair rules and regulations, event schedules, exhibit lists, and photographs.

Recent fair books have not been published in paper form. They are maintained electronically in the fair office and the latest fair book is available on the fair Web page.

Records at the Polk County Fairgrounds, Fair Office:

[Polk County Fair Board Minutes-title varies], 1953-present (24 volumes).

Records at the Polk County Fairgrounds, Fair Office Attic:

[Polk County Premium Lists and Exhibitor Books], 1915-2007 (92 volumes).

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives:

[Polk County Fair Exhibitor Handbook], 1986-1996 (11 volumes); 1998 (1 volume); 2001 (1 volume); 2005 (1 volume);

[Polk County Fair-Premium Book-with gaps], 1920-1952 (.15 cu.ft.); 1978 (1 volume); 1985 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Web Site:

Meetings​ [meeting minutes and agendas for the board of commissioners, fair board, planning commission, local alcohol and drug planning committee, commission on children and families], 2010-present.

Series documents the recording of deaths in the county. Records include registers and certificates. Information includes registration number; place and date of death; name, sex, color, birth date and place, age, and marital status of the deceased; names and birthplaces of parents; primary and contributory cause of death; physician, registrar, and informant signatures; filing date; and date and place of burial. Death records were not required by the state of Oregon until 1903 when the state began to officially register deaths. County death records have been inventoried through 1920. Access to death records is restricted for 50 years following the date of death by Oregon Administrative Rule 333-011-0096. Contact the Oregon State Archives for access to state death certificates that are more than 50 years old. Contact the Oregon Center for Health Statistics​ for access to more recent death certificates. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 

Death Register, 1903-1906 (1 volume);

Search for 1903-1906 Polk County deaths in Oregon Historical Records Index.

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Clerk's Office: 

Record of Births and Deaths, 1915-1921 (1 volume);

Record of Deaths, 1907-1915 (1 volume).

1851-1988

Series documents the ownership of land. Series includes deeds, land sales contracts, quit claim deeds, homestead exemption claims, corporate certificates, agreements, correction deeds, special assessments of unzoned farmland, easements, and indirect and direct deed indexes. Information includes grantor and grantee name; recording and filing dates; property descriptions; title warranties; consideration amounts; witness and recorder names; and volume and page numbers of where recorded.

Deeds have been filed since 1970 and indexed since 1985 in the Book of Records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Clerk's Office:

Deeds, vol. A-D, 4-222, 1851-1969 (156 reels of microfilm);

Direct and Indirect Deeds [Index], 1973-1988 (11 volumes);

Indexes to Deeds and Mortgages, 1973-1987 (8 reels of microfilm);

Index to Deeds Direct, 1856-1972 (17 volumes);

Index to Deeds [Direct], 1856-1972 (7 reels of microfilm);

Index to Deeds Indirect, 1856-1972 (14 volumes);

Index to Deeds [Indirect], 1856-1972 (6 reels of microfilm).

Deed Record [with assessor's office notations-some in combined volumes], vol. 142-153, 1950-1954 (3 volumes);

Deed Volume [with assessor's office notations-some in combined volumes-title varies], vol. 157-222, 1955-1969 (63 volumes).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Records Storage Room 5:

Deed Record [title varies], vol. A-D, 4-9, 1851-1876 (10 volumes); vol. 11-110, 1877-1942 (100 volumes).

Deed Record, vol. 111-222, 1942-1969 (112 volumes).

Miscellaneous Papers and Abstracts [includes deeds, mortgages, and title abstracts], ca.1907-ca.1911 (.40 cu.ft.);

Recorded Instruments Not Called For [includes miscellaneous deed and mortgage records], 1854-1883 (.50 cu.ft.).

[Deed/Tax Lot Reference Records-by township and range], n.d. (3 volumes).

Historical Index of Land Deeds [Deed and Book of Records Direct and Indirect Indexes], 1854-1985.

Deeds [includes scanned images of the Deed Record], vol. 75-110, 1920-1942 (FamilySearch.org);

Index to Deeds​ [includes scanned images of direct and indirect indexes], 1956-1972 (FamilySearch.org).

Series documents birth records generated by a court in response to a petition. Records may include petitions, decrees or orders, affidavits of correction, registers, and certificates. If the information provided with the petition met the requirements of the court, a decree was issued that served as a legal birth document. Most petitions were filed decades after the actual birth. They were filed in the county of residence at the time of petition, not necessarily in the county of birth. Dates listed in brackets document the range of actual birth dates. Date ranges for court actions such as petitions and decrees are also included. Also see Birth Records series for related records. Access to birth records is restricted for 100 years following the date of birth by Oregon Administrative Rule 333-011-0096.

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 

Birth Register [Petitions for Registration of Birth Docket-Delayed Birth], 1943-1983 (2 volumes);

Petition for Registration of Birth [Delayed Birth Certificates], 1855-1954 (8 cu.ft.); 

Search for 1855-1910 Polk County delayed births in Oregon Historical Records Index​. 

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Clerk's Office: 

[Registration of Births-Delayed Birth Petition Register], vol. 1-2, 1943-1974 (1 reel of microfilm). 

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives: 

Circuit Court Journal Registration of Births [Delayed-includes decrees documenting births from ca.1883 to ca.1931-with index], vol. 2, 1956-1967 (1 volume).

Series documents the division of property to be awarded to the widow or widower of a deceased spouse as determined by commissioners appointed by the county court. Information includes a description of the division of land based on survey results, commissioners' names, and report and recording dates. Reports may also include surveyor's names and fees charged. 

Early Probate Journals [Record of Dower-with index], 1855-1869 (1 volume).

Series documents the registration of voters and the compilation of election results. Records may include the election poll books and/or the election voter register. Information includes elector's name and party affiliation, and in some cases, physical description, occupation, naturalization information, and names of parents and spouse. Election poll books and voter registration records have been inventoried through 1930. For information on more recent records, contact the Secretary of State, Elections Division, the county clerk, or the local elections official. 

File Book Oregon Registration Blanks "A" [Voter Registration-title varies], 1902-1908 (17 volumes); 

Official Register of Electors, 1902 (1 volume); 1904 (1 volume); 1908 (1 volume); 1910 (1 volume).

Series documents the tabulation and reporting of election results for the county. Records include voting abstracts and the record of election. Information includes election date; precinct name and number; office; precinct and total votes; victory margin; winning candidate; county clerk, board of canvasser, and justice of the peace signatures; ballot number; summation of votes; and election board's decision. Election voting records have been inventoried through 1960. For information on more recent records, contact the Secretary of State, Elections Division, the county clerk, or the local elections official. 

Election Record, vol. 2, 1926-1942 (1 volume); 

Record of Elections, vol. 1, 1892-1906 (1 volume); 1914-1926 (1 volume);

Voter Abstracts, 1900-1922 (.70 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Clerk's Office:

[Polk County Elections-Record], vol. 1-4, 1908-1972 (1 reel of microfilm).

Election Record, vol. 2-3, 1944-1964 (2 volumes);

Record of Elections, vol. 1, 1908-1913 (1 volume).

Series documents the application for and registration of farm names with the county clerk or recorder. Records may include registers, original applications, or certificates. Information includes owner's name and address; farm name, location, and description; and date and number of application and final application. Series may also include an index arranged either alphabetically by name of owner or by farm name. Farm name records have been inventoried through 1964.

Farm Name Registration Application [Records], 1911-1963 (.30 cu.ft.);

Register of Farm Names [with index], vol. 1, 1911-1962 (1 volume).

1851-2007

Series records ownership of county lands obtained from the federal government. Series includes records of land grants administered under federal programs such as donation land claims and homesteads. Donation land claims are the most common type of federal land grant in Oregon that is documented in this inventory project. Donation land claims resulted from an act of the 1850 Congress under which citizens of the United States, or those who filed a declaration of intention prior to December 1, 1850 and had resided upon or cultivated the land for four consecutive years, were granted a specified amount of acreage in the Oregon Territory. Donation land claims were unique in that acreage granted to married couples was divided evenly. Half of the acreage was placed in the husband's name while the other half was placed in the wife's name. Records include plats, indexes, and survey notes. Information includes township, range, and section numbers, names of donation land claim holders and claim numbers, claim dates, acreage, and descriptions of surveys.

Under the Homestead Act of 1862, settlers were given 160 acres of land in the public domain if they built a home on the land, resided there for five years, and cultivated the land. A complete homestead entry file includes such documents as the homestead application, homestead proof, and final certificate authorizing the claimant to obtain a land patent.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Donation Land Claim Plats, n.d. (30 maps);

Index to Donation Land Claims, n.d. (1 reel of microfilm).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Clerk's Office:

Donation Land Claims [Alphabetical Register-photocopy], n.d. (1 binder);

Indexes to D.L.C. [Donation Land Claim], n.d. (1 reel of microfilm).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor's Office:

Subdivision Index Partition Plats [includes Donation Land Claim index], ca.1853-2007 (1 binder).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Office:

DLC [Donation Land Claim Survey Descriptions-typescript], vol. A-C, ca.1854-ca.1858 (3 volumes);

Donation Land Claim Record [Survey Field Notes-with index], ca.1854 (1 volume);

Legal Subdivisions Also DLCs [Township Survey Record-includes Donation Land Claim information-title varies], ca.1851-ca.1853 (3 volumes).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Records Storage Room 4:

BLM Fiche [General Land Office/Bureau of Land Management Survey Records-includes Donation Land Claim and mineral interest information], ca.1852-n.d. (1.50 inches of microfiche).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Records Storage Room 5:

Deed Record Patents [Land], vol. 27, 1894-1906 (1 volume); vol. 45, 1906-1914 (1 volume).

Field Notes of Polk County Claims [Donation Land Claim Survey-with index], vol. 2, 1854 (1 volume);

[Index to Abstract of Donation Claims], n.d. (1 volume).

Search Land Patents [includes patent and legal land descriptions and document images], ca.1864-ca.1957 (BLM GLO​).

Series documents the activities of the sheriff and other county officials relating to the foreclosure of property in order to satisfy creditors in cases involving delinquent taxes, mortgage payments, or court judgments. Records include correspondence, sheriff's deeds and foreclosure sale records, circuit court case transcripts of foreclosure hearings, writs of execution, certificates of sale of real property, judgment orders, receipts, tax redemption records, delinquent tax sales, and tax sale certificates. Foreclosure records have been inventoried through 1920. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 

Delinquent Tax Receipts, 1901-1903 (.05 cu.ft.);

Record of Tax Sales, vol. 1, 1890-1896 (1 volume); 

Tax Redemption Records, 1918-1920 (1 volume); 

Tax Sale Certificates, 1900-1908 (.10 cu.ft.);

Tax Sale Statements, 1900-1901 (.10 cu.ft.).

Deeds [Sheriff's Deeds-Foreclosure], vol. 31, 1896-1909 (1 volume).

​1990-[ongoing]

Series documents the activities of the county health and human services programs operated by the county. Series includes narrative or statistical monthly, quarterly, and annual reports or minutes discussing program goals, objectives, and accomplishments. Program areas include public and mental health; juvenile services; adult and family services; women, infant, and child (WIC) services; alcohol and drug abuse; and developmental disabilities. In 1994 the name of the Children and Youth Services Commission was changed to the Commission on Children and Families.

Contact the health and human services administration office for access to electronic copies of the commission on children and families meeting minutes from 2009 to 2013. Also see those listed on the county website below.

Records at the Academy Building, Polk County Mental Health & Addiction Services Office, Room 356:

Polk County Health Advisory Board [Minutes-includes public health, mental health, developmental disabilities, alcohol, drug, gambling, and related subjects], 2004-present (4 binders);

Polk County Mental Health Advisory Board [Minutes-includes developmental disabilities, alcohol and drug, and related subjects-includes related records], 1998-2003 (1 binder).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Complex, Building 12, Academy Storage Cage:

Minutes [Polk Youth Council-predecessor office], 1990-1993 (.25 cu.ft.);

PCCCF Minutes Meeting Notes [Polk County Commission on Children and Families-Minutes-includes related records], 2000-2005 (1 cu.ft.);

PCCCF [Polk County Commission on Children and Families-Minutes-includes related records], 1994-1997 (1 cu.ft.); 1997-2000 (.80 cu.ft.);

Polk County Commission on Children and Families Minutes from Meetings-includes related records], 1995-1998 (1 cu.ft.).

Records at the Polk County Website:

Meetings​ [includes meeting minutes and agendas for the board of commissioners, fair board, planning commission, local alcohol and drug planning committee, commission on children and families, and related bodies], 2010-present.

1863-[ongoing]

Series documents the examination, commitment, and release of mentally ill persons to and from the state's mental institutions. Series contains statements of complaint and commitment recorded by the county clerk or recorder and includes petitions to have an individual committed; physicians certification that an individual is insane; delivery warrants authorizing a county official (usually the sheriff) to take the individual to the state hospital; patient discharges; paroles or transfers; indexes; and correspondence. Information includes patient and family names, date committed, reason, physical description, and a brief family history. This series may also be known as the Insane Record, Mental Illness Record, and Mentally Ill and Feeble Minded Record. By 1968, in most counties, the commitment of the mentally ill or deficient had become the responsibility of the circuit court. Access to these records may be restricted for 75 years by Oregon Revised Statute 192.496.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Mental Illness Records [Record of Insane], vol. 1-4, 1892-1954 (4 volumes).

[Mental Commitment Case Files], no. M2029-M3337, 2005-2013 (PDF documents only).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Circuit Court Calendaring Clerk's Office:

[Mental Commitment Case Files], no. M3338-M3372, 2013-present (.60 cu.ft.).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Complex, Building 12, Circuit Court Records Storage Cage:

Mental [Commitment Case Files-Alphabetical], ca.1949-ca.1966 (2 cu.ft.);

Mental [Commitment Case Files], no. M1-M2028, 1966-2005 (17 cu.ft.).

Insane [Commitment Case Files], ca.1863-ca.1949 (3 cu.ft.).

1853-1940

Series records official decisions by the court and subsequent instructions to the sheriff to recover costs and awards related to debt, divorce, and other civil cases. The record serves as the official notice of the existence of a lien. Information includes title and case number; names of plaintiff, creditor, defendant, debtor, and attorney; amount of judgment; description of property levied on; writ of execution; disposition of case; decisions on appeals; dates docketed and satisfied; and volume and page numbers where recorded. Records may include judgment dockets, execution dockets, and fee books. Judgment and execution records have been inventoried through 1920.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Circuit Court Judgment Docket Index [Lien], 1853-1897 (1 volume);

Circuit Court Judgment Dockets [Lien], 1853-1897 (2 volumes);

Circuit Court Judgment Satisfaction Records, 1855-1903 (1 cu.ft.);

Circuit Court Lien Docket [Judgment-with index], vol. 2, 1896-1906 (1 volume);

County Court Judgment Docket, 1861-1875 (1 volume);

County Court Lien Docket Index [Judgment], n.d. (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Circuit Court Records Office:

[Circuit Court Lien Docket-Judgment], vol. 1-4, 1895-1940 (1 reel of microfilm).

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives:

Execution Docket [with index], vol. 1, 1889-1890 (1 volume);

Writs of Execution, ca.1853-ca.1890 (1 cu.ft.).

1861-1940

Series documents criminal and civil cases brought before the courts of the justices of the peace. Records include grand jury indictments, complaints, judgments by confession, transcripts of judgment entries and dockets, statements of witnesses, arrest warrants, subpoenas, bills for court costs and fees, petitions for appointment of justices of the peace and constables, petitions establishing justice districts, and marriage records. Cases heard include disturbing the peace, illegal liquor sales, assault, larceny, trespassing, fraud, vagrancy, and burglary. Justice court records have been inventoried through 1940. For information on more recent records, contact the local justice court.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Justice Court Case Records [District no. 1], 1893-1896 (.05 cu.ft.);

Justice Court Case Records [District no. 2], 1892-1897 (.10 cu.ft.);

Justice Court Case Records [District no. 3], 1892-1899 (.35 cu.ft.);

Justice Court Case Records [District no. 4], 1896 (.05 cu.ft.);

Justice Court Case Records [District no. 5], 1892-1905 (.25 cu.ft.);

Justice Court Case Records [District no. 7], 1924-1925 (.15 cu.ft.).

DA Files [includes justice court case documents], ca.1928-1940 (ca.1 cu.ft.);

Justice Court Case Files [includes 2nd, 5th, and West Salem districts], ca.1925-1940 (2 cu.ft.).

Mss. 1276 Justice Court Case Papers, 1861-1881 (.05 cu.ft.).

1853-1948

Series documents criminal and civil cases brought before justice of the peace courts. Dockets include defendant, plaintiff, attorney, witness, and juror names; action dates and nature of cases; judgments; and statements of costs. Actions include complaints, summonses, appearances, testimonies, bonds, judgments, pleas, fines, jail terms, marriages, and writs of attachment. Civil and criminal cases include larceny, burglary, recovering money or personal property, trespassing, hunting out of season, and illegal voting. Justice court records have been inventoried through 1940. For information on more recent records, contact the local justice court.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Justice Court Civil Case Journal [District no. 5], 1896-1903 (1 volume);

Justice Court Dockets Civil Cases [District no. 2], 1917-1948 (5 volumes);

Justice Court Dockets Criminal and Civil Cases [District no. 5], 1924-1943 (9 volumes);

Justice Court Dockets Criminal and Civil Cases [District no. 7], 1924-1925 (1 volume);

Justice Court Dockets Criminal Cases [District no. 2], 1931-1944 (6 volumes);

Justice Court Dockets Small Claims [District no. 5], 1917-1939 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives:

Independence Justice Court [Docket-with index], 1890-1894 (1 volume).

Mss. 1276 Justice Court Docket, 1853-1861 (1 volume);

Mss. 1276 Justice Court Docket [Jackson Precinct], 1871-1888 (1 volume).

​​1853-[ongoing]

Series documents the subdividing and partitioning of land within the county. Records include survey notes, correspondence, photographs, satisfaction of agreements, maps of subdivided and partitioned land, and contracts and permits. Information includes subdivision names; lot, street, and alley dimensions; and township, range, and section numbers of land to be subdivided or partitioned.

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Community Development Department Office:

[Community Development Department Case File Rolodex Index-alphabetical-indexes records documenting zone changes, subdivisions, partitions, conditional uses, lot line adjustments, and related actions], ca.1973-2000 (.40 cu.ft.);

[Community Development Department Case File Rolodex Index-by township and range-indexes records documenting zone changes, subdivisions, partitions, conditional uses, lot line adjustments, and related actions], ca.1973-2000 (.10 cu.ft.);

[Community Development Department Case Files-includes records documenting zone changes, subdivisions, partitions, conditional uses, lot line adjustments, and related actions-by township and range], ca.1978-2000 (ca.60 cu.ft.);

[Community Development Department Case Files-includes records documenting zone changes, subdivisions, partitions, conditional uses, lot line adjustments, and related actions], ca.1967-ca.1977 (16 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor/Community Development Office Hallway:

Polk County Zoning & Subdivision Ordinances Codes, ca.1967 (1 volume);

Subdivision and Partition Ordinance, 1974 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Community Development Department Office, Conference Room:

Zoning Code w/ Sub & Partition and Comp Plan [includes subdivision and partition ordinance and comprehensive plan], 1970-1978 (1 binder).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor's Office:

Subdivision Index Partition Plats [includes Donation Land Claim index], ca.1853-2007 (1 binder).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Clerk's Office:

Index to Town Plats [Subdivision-includes partitions and condominiums], ca.1890-2004 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Office:

[Filed County Survey Plats-includes partition plats from 1990 to present], no. 1000-5999, 11000-15,694, 1947-present (ca.11000 plats);

Subdivisions [Plats-includes copies from deeds and miscellaneous records], vol. 1-14, ca.1856-present (ca.700 plats).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Records Storage Room 4:

[Subdivision Plats-Clerk's Record Copy-hanging], vol. 1-6, ca.1890-1973 (3 cu.ft.).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Complex, Building 12, South Loft:

[Community Development Department Case Files-includes records documenting zone changes, subdivisions, partitions, conditional uses, lot line adjustments, and related actions-by township and range], ca.1978-present (ca.180 cu.ft.).

Records at the Polk County Website:

Polk County Code of Ordinances [includes comprehensive plan, subdivision and partition, and zoning ordinance information], ca. 1978-present;

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)​​ [Survey Plats-search by number, type, township, and date-includes corner restorations, subdivisions, partitions, survey notes, road strip maps, and related records], 1858-present.

Series records the ownership of land within the county. Records may include title registers, land indexes, land registration registers, torrens registry of titles, indexes to registered land, certificates of title, town lot indexes, ownership registers, and plat books. Information includes parties involved, land descriptions, dates, number and nature of titles, subdivisions, title holders, terms, discharge dates, and registrar's signatures. The torrens system of land registration was abolished in 1972 by Oregon law. Additional land ownership records may be found in the Deeds and Indexes series.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Register of Titles, vol. 1-2, 1908-1960 (2 volumes).

Land Index [Torrens], ca.1910-n.d. (1 volume);

Land Registration Instruments Filed [Torrens], ca.1910-n.d. (1 volume).

​​​1929-[ongoing]

Series provides a visual representation of the county and of physical structures constructed on county lands. Series includes maps, plans, and drawings that vary in size, scale, and date. Included are maps, plans, and drawings of counties and cities, election precincts, courthouses and other county buildings, cemeteries, rivers, Indian reservations, school districts, construction projects, and soil classifications. General road maps may be found in the series titled Road and Bridge Records. Technical road survey maps may be found in the series titled Road Maps and Survey Notes.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Election Precinct Map, n.d. (1 map).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor's Office:

[Assessor's Work Maps], n.d.-present (12 volumes);

Metsker's Atlas of Polk County [with index], 1942 (1 volume); 1962 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor's Office, Cartography Room:

[Retraced Soils Maps], ca.1991 (ca.750 maps).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Clerk's Office, Antique Black Credenza:

Dallas Precinct Map, 2012 (1 map);

Monmouth and Independence Precinct Map, 2012 (1 map);

Polk County Precinct Map, 2012 (1 map);

West Salem Precinct Map, 2012 (1 map).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor/Community Development Office Hallway:

Assessor [Linen Assessor's Maps], ca.1956-ca.1994 (ca.800 maps);

[Flood Insurance Maps-Federal Insurance Administration], 1978 (1 volume);

Floodplain Maps [Federal Emergency Management Agency], 1988 (ca.30 maps);

Topo Maps [Topographical], ca.1969-1994 (ca.50 maps).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor/Community Development Office Hallway Closet:

Soils Maps, ca.1991 (2 volumes).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Community Development Department Office:

Aerials With Soils [Soil Maps-on aerial photograph base], 1976 (ca.50 photographs);

Assessor's Maps [in brown hanging file cabinet], n.d. (3 cu.ft.);

Flood Insurance Rate Map [Federal Emergency Management Agency], 1988-1995 (.30 cu.ft.); 2006 (.30 cu.ft.);

Willamette River Greenway Maps, 1975-1977 (.50 cu.ft.);

[Willamette River Greenway Orthophoto Maps], 1974 (22 maps).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Office:

Dallas Cemetery [Plat Maps], 1963 (1 volume);

[Metsker's Atlas of Polk County Oregon], 1929 (1 volume); 1962 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Records Storage Room 4:

[Assessor's Maps-bound], n.d. (14 volumes).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Records Storage Room 5:

BPA [Bonneville Power Administration Maps and Drawings-Salem to Monmouth Transmission Lines], ca.1940-1941 (1.50 cu.ft.);

[Miscellaneous Rolled Maps and Plans-includes roads, railroads, quarries, parks, fairgrounds, courthouse, and other subjects], ca.1930-ca.1980 (ca.300 maps).

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives:

[Metsker's Atlas of Polk County Oregon], 1942 (1 volume); 1962 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Website:

Polk County Maps [includes cities, community boundaries, flood plains, elevation, fire district, roads, school district, zoning, comprehensive plan, county bridges, and emergency snow routes], n.d.-present;

Polk County Web Map​ [Interactive Maps with Overlays-includes basemap, tax lot, fire district, flood, school district, soils, and zoning information], n.d.-present ;

QuickSearch Property Search & Reporting Tool [​assessor maps and assessment reports], n.d.-present.

Records at a Related Website:

Tax Assessment GIS Maps​ [select county], n.d.-present.

Series documents the registration of marks and brands by livestock owners and logging interests in order to clearly establish ownership. Records include registers and certificates. Information includes owner's name and address; diagram of animal showing location and style of mark and brand; written description of mark and brand; and filing date. Types of livestock registered include horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry. Log brands are also documented.

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 

Brand Registration Records [Certificates], 1901-1939 (.10 cu.ft.);

Brand Registration Records [Log Brand Record], vol. 2, 1895-1942 (1 volume); 

[Record of Brands-with index], 1849-1890 (1 reel of microfilm).

Brands [Record-with index], 1849-1890 (1 volume).

1848-1980

Series documents the recording of marriages by the county and includes applications, marriage certificates and licenses, and indexes to marriage records. Information includes the names and residences of bride and groom; justice of the peace, minister, or name of individual officiating; fees charged; date filed; volume and page numbers where recorded; certificate number; date and place of marriage; and signatures of witnesses and county officials. Beginning in 1906, marriages have been officially registered with the state of Oregon. Currently these records are filed with the State Registrar, Vital Statistics Section​ of the Health Division. Marriage records have been inventoried through 1960.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

[Polk County Marriages-Marriage Record-with index], vol. 1-2, 1849-1888 (1 reel of microfilm); vol. B-C, 1866-1888 (1 reel of microfilm); vol. 3-16, 1888-1955 (6 reels of microfilm);

[Record of Marriages-with index], vol. 1, 1849-1866 (1 reel of microfilm).

Index to Marriages, 1850-1950 (2 volumes); vol. 2, 1951-1980 (1 volume);

Marriage Records [Index to Marriages], vol. 1-2, 1857-1980 (1 reel of microfilm);

Marriage Records, vol. A-C, ca.1849-1889 (1 reel of microfilm); vol. 3-17, 1888-1961 (7 reels of microfilm).

Marriage Record [with index], vol. 1, 1849-1866 (1 volume); vol. C, 1877-1890 (1 volume);

Records [Marriage], vol. B, 1866-1877 (1 volume).

Marriage Certificates [includes medical certificates and related records], 1848-1924 (3 cu.ft.);

Marriage Record [with index], vol. 3-4, 1866-1897 (2 volumes); vol. 6-17, 1900-1961 (12 volumes).

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives:

Marriage Record [with index], vol. 5, 1897-1900 (1 volume).

Series documents property held by women independently and separately from their husbands. Registration of property usually is in relation to a marriage or divorce settlement. Information includes a description of property (land, livestock, and farm and household goods) to be considered separate and declarations stating that the woman in question is not responsible for her husband's debts. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 

Married Women's Property Register [contained in volume titled Probate Bond Record], 1859-1897 (1 volume);

Search for 1859-1897 Polk County married women's property register entries in Oregon Historical Records Index​.

1889-1969

Series documents the registration of individuals in compliance with the requirements of relevant Oregon boards of examiners to practice a medical profession in the state. Professions registered include physicians, surgeons, osteopaths, naturopaths, dentists, nurses, druggists, chiropractors, chiropodists, optometrists, and veterinarians. Records include registers, certificates, and licenses. Information includes name of registrant; name of school; graduation date; names of members of the examining board; licensing and recording dates; and licensing or registration numbers.

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Clerk's Office:

Physicians & Surgeons Record and Chiropractic [includes dentists, optometrists, osteopaths, and naturopaths], vol. 1, 1889-1969 (1 volume);

Register of Nurses [with index], vol. 1, 1912-1968 (1 volume);

Register of Physicians & Surgeons and Chiropractic [includes dentists, optometrists, osteopaths, and naturopaths-alphabetical], vol. 1, 1889-1969 (1 volume).

Clerk C57 [Copy of Medical License-with gaps], 1897-1917 (.05 cu.ft.).

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives:

Optometry Record [with index], 1905-1951 (1 volume);

Record of Dentists' Certificates, 1901-1953 (1 volume).

​​1854-1995

Series lists those eligible for military service and records the discharge dates of those who served in the military. Series includes eligibility, enlistment, discharge registers, or muster rolls, and may include alphabetical indexes. Information includes name of individual serving or eligible for service; enlistment and discharge dates and codes; residences at birth and enlistment; occupations and ages at time of enlistment; branches of service; precinct numbers; service records including commendations; physical condition, education and types of jobs performed while in service; and rank at discharge. Access to military discharge records may be restricted for 75 years by 2009 Oregon Legislative Assembly SB 618.

Beginning in 1970 military discharges were recorded in the Book of Records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings).

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Military Eligibility Register, 1892-1901 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Clerk's Office:

Discharges [Military Service Discharge Record], vol. 1-10, 1919-1969 (4 reels of microfilm);

Service Discharges [Index Cards-indexes Discharges volumes and Book of Records], 1919-ca.1995 (.60 cu.ft.).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Complex, Building 12, Central Area Pallet:

Muster Roll, 1854-1855 (.05 cu.ft.);

Names of Persons Liable to do Military Duty [stored in box with naturalization records], 1877 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives:

US Military Discharges [Record-with index], vol. 1-10, 1919-1969 (10 volumes).

Records at a Related Website:

Military Pensioner List, 1883 (US GenWeb Project).

1850-1987

Series documents actions filed with the county related to mineral interest claims. Types of actions include mineral rights and royalty assignments, mineral interest claims, lease releases, interest stipulations, corrections, bills of sale and conveyance assignments, and location notices. Information includes names of involved parties; action types and dates; and volume and page numbers. The series may also include copies of claim location notices giving descriptions and details of individual claims.

Prior to 1933 mining claims were recorded with the deed records (Deeds and Indexes).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Clerk's Office:

Mineral Interest Claim Mining Claim Record [indexes mining claims in the Book of Records from 1970 to 1987], 1933-1987 (1 volume).

BLM Fiche [General Land Office/Bureau of Land Management Survey Records-includes Donation Land Claim and mineral interest information], ca.1852-n.d. (1.50 inches of microfiche).

Online Land Records [includes federal land survey records related to Oregon such as survey plats and field notes, mineral surveys, and historical indices], ca.1850-present (Bureau of Land Management​).

1854-1988

Series documents the written interest in land providing security for the performance of a duty or payment of a debt. Records include mortgages; trustee's deeds of reconveyance; indexes, both by mortgagor and mortgagee name; and satisfactions. Information includes mortgagor and mortgagee names, property descriptions, mortgage terms, witness names, certifications, recording and satisfaction dates, volume and page numbers where recorded, and recorder's signature. Series also includes executor/executrix information when mortgages were transferred through wills and mortgages of land to individuals under the provisions of the Donation Land Act of 1850.

Mortgages have been filed in the Book of Records since 1970 (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings).

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Mortgage Record [title varies], vol. G-M, 1879-1892 (8 volumes); vol. O-Z, 27-55, 1892-1927 (29 volumes); vol. 57-60, 1928-1931 (4 volumes); vol. 63-153, 1934-1969 (81 volumes);

Mortgage Record vol. B, 1861-1866 (1 volume); vol. 10, 1876-1877 (1 volume);

Satisfaction of Mortgage [title varies], vol. 18-40, 1947-1969 (23 volumes).

Direct and Indirect Mortgages [Index], 1973-1988 (11 volumes);

Index to Mortgages [Direct and Indirect], ca.1857-1987 (14 reels of microfilm);

Index to Mortgages Direct, vol. 1-7, 1857-1972 (7 volumes);

Index to Mortgages Indirect, vol. 1-7, 1857-1972 (7 volumes);

Mortgages, vol. A-Z, 27-153, 1854-1969 (105 reels of microfilm);

Satisfactions of Mortgages, vol. 18-40, 1947-1969 (8 reels of microfilm).

Miscellaneous Papers and Abstracts [includes deeds, mortgages, and title abstracts], ca.1907-ca.1911 (.40 cu.ft.);

Recorded Instruments Not Called For [includes miscellaneous deed and mortgage records], 1854-1883 (.50 cu.ft.).

Abstracts of Unsatisfied Instruments of Writing [Mortgage], 1891 (1 volume);

[Abstracts of Unsatisfied Instruments of Writing -Mortgage], ca.1885 (1 volume);

Mortgages, vol. A, 1854-1861 (1 volume); vol. E-F, 1874-1878 (2 volumes);

Mortgages [with index], vol. C-D, 1866-1874 (2 volumes);

Record of School Fund Mortgages, vol. N, 1890-1913 (1 volume);

Satisfaction of Mortgages [Record], vol. 1-2, 1902-1911 (2 volumes); vol. 4, 1914-1918 (1 volume); vol. 6-11, 1920-1934 (6 volumes); vol. 13, 1937-1940 (1 volume); vol. 16, 1944-1945 (1 volume).​

Index to Mortgages​ [includes scanned images of direct and indirect indexes], 1857-1935 (FamilySearch.org).

Series documents the granting of United States citizenship to petitioners. Records include applications, witness affidavits, court findings granting or denying citizenship, certificates, and indexes. Declarations of intention may also be included. Information includes name, age, and residence of applicant; applicant's dependents; date of filing of declarations of intention and petitions; and volume and page numbers where papers are recorded.

Certificates of Naturalization, vol. 1-8, 1908-1925 (8 volumes);

Naturalization Certification Index [Index to Naturalized Aliens-indexes circuit and county court journals and other records], 1872-1906 (1 volume). 

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Circuit Court Records Office: 

[Naturalization Certificate Stubs], ca.1925-ca.1955 (.10 cu.ft.).

Series documents the process taken by applicants for United States citizenship in declaring their intention to become United States citizens. Information may include applicant's name, age, physical description, place and date of birth, method of immigration, date and port of entry, names and ages of wife and children, and renunciation of allegiance to foreign governments. Declarations of intention may also be attached to naturalization petitions or naturalization certificates. 

Naturalization Declarations of Intention [no. 1 to 376], vol. 1-3, 1889-1939 (4 volumes). 

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Complex, Building 12, Central Area Pallet: 

Record of Declaration of Intention [no. 377 to 457-with index], vol. 4, 1939-1952 (1 volume).

Series documents the application for United States citizenship by aliens. Information includes name, residence, and occupation of applicants; place and date of birth; emigration place, date, and vessel; declaration of intention dates; name, birthplaces, and birth date of dependents; and renunciation of allegiance to foreign governments. Accompanying the petitions are witness and petitioner affidavits, oaths of allegiance, court orders admitting or denying citizenship, declarations of intention, depositions, and certificates of arrival. 

Naturalization Certification Index [to Naturalized Aliens-indexes circuit and county court journals and other records], 1872-1906 (1 volume); 

Naturalization Journal [includes petitions and affidavits-with index], 1903-1906 (1 volume); 

Petitions for Naturalization, vol. 1-3, 1906-1928 (3 volumes). 

Court Orders Petitions Denied and Granted, 1930-1955 (1 volume);

Petition and Record [no. 196 to 472-with index], vol. 4-6, 1923-1955 (3 volumes).

Series documents financial assistance approved by the county court for widows, mothers, dependent children, orphans, the elderly, and indigents. Information includes applicant name and address, children's names and birth dates, amount of pension or monthly support payment, and county court order. Because the provision of relief became primarily a state and federal function in the 1930s, records are inventoried through 1939. 

Old Age Pension Ledger, 1934-1936 (1 volume). 

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Clerk's Office:

Journal County Court [includes mostly judicial actions and some administrative actions-includes widow's pensions-with index], vol. 6, 1932-1954 (1 volume); 

Old Age Pension Journal [with index], vol. 1, 1934-1936 (1 volume). 

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives: 

County Court Journal [includes adoption, widow's pension, judicial, and administrative actions-with index], vol. 5, 1904-1932 (1 volume). 

Old Age Pension Journal [includes scanned images], vol. 1, 1934-1936 (FamilySearch.org).

Series documents the discussions and activities of the county planning commission as recorded in the minutes and agendas. Topics discussed include the creation, amendment, and appeal of zoning ordinances and county land use laws; county comprehensive plans; and election or appointment of planning commission members. 

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Community Development Department Office:

Planning Commission Minutes [includes related records-mostly in binders-title varies], 1958-present (11 cu.ft.).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor/Community Development Office Hallway: 

Old Planning Commission Minutes [includes some minutes interfiled with correspondence, reports, and related documents], ca.1957-ca.1975 (1 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Polk County Website:

Meetings​ [includes meeting minutes and agendas for the board of commissioners, fair board, planning commission, local alcohol and drug planning committee, commission on children and families, and related bodies], 2010-present.

​1847-[ongoing]

Series documents actions taken on probate cases brought before the county, district, or circuit court for settlement. Records include wills, receipts, claims, vouchers, petitions to sell, notices of annual accounting, final estate accounting reports, appraiser's affidavits, bills of sale, inventories, fee bills, appraisals, administrator and appointment certificates, and appraiser oaths. Over the years probate jurisdiction has been transferred from the county court to the circuit court in most counties. However, the county courts in Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Sherman, and Wheeler Counties continue to hear probate cases. Portions of these records may be restricted.

Polk County joined the Oregon Judicial Information Network (OJIN) in 1986.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Probate Case File Index, no. 1-1978, 1847-1921 (2 volumes);

Probate Case Files, 1847-1921 (37.50 cu.ft.);

Search for 1847-1921 Polk County probate case files in Oregon Historical Records Index​.

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Circuit Court Records Office:

[Probate Case Files-Closed], 2011-present (ca.10 cu.ft.);

[Probate Case Files], no. 1992-5339, 1921-1971 (32 inches of microfilm jackets);

[Probate Case Files-Open or Active], 1989-2010 (20 cu.ft.);

SE [Small Estate Case Files], no. SE1023-SE1721, 2003-2012 (5 cu.ft.);

[Small Estate Case Files], no. SE157-SE180, 1985 (.25 inch microfilm jackets).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor's Office:

Probate [Real Property Description Abstracts-from probate case records], 1969-1994 (3 volumes);

Small Estate [Real Property Description Abstracts-from small estate case records], 1978-1999 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Complex, Building 12, Circuit Court Records Storage Cage:

Polk County Probate [Case Files], no. 4152-4770, 1954-1962 (10 reels of microfilm);

Probate [Case Files], no. P85.4001-P10.4052, 1985-2010 (68 cu.ft.);

[Probate Case Files], no. 5340-6879, 1971-1984 (23 cu.ft.);

SE [Small Estate Case Files], no. SE1-SE1022, 1973-2002 (8 cu.ft.).

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives:

Probate Case File Index, 1853-1921 (1 binder).

1851-1955

Series documents information recorded about estates probated in the county or circuit courts. Information includes deceased party's name; recording and death dates; residence; name and address of executors, administrators, or trustees; estimated values of real and personal property; inventory and appraisal dates; the estate's value according to the appraisals and to the county court; and the names and relationship of heirs. Over the years probate jurisdiction has been transferred from the county court to the circuit court in most counties. However, the county courts in Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Sherman, and Wheeler Counties continue to hear probate cases.  

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Probate Estate Account Ledger, 1851-1897 (1 volume);

Probate Estate Record, 1903-1925 (1 volume).

Record of Estates, vol. 2, 1925-1955 (1 volume).

1848-1986

Series records the actions taken by the county's probate court. Information includes case numbers, estate or deceased's name, administrator's or executor's name, dates and types of papers filed, and memoranda and court orders listed by dates of appointment of administrator or executor. Series may also be referred to as probate journals, dockets, or records of actions. Over the years probate jurisdiction has been transferred from the county court to the circuit court in most counties. However, the county courts in Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Sherman, and Wheeler Counties continue to hear probate cases. In 1986 circuit courts with probate jurisdiction began recording basic case information on the Oregon Judicial Information Network (OJIN). This network functionally replaced probate dockets and journals previously maintained by the courts. The transition to full use of OJIN by all circuit courts in Oregon took approximately two years. Contact the trial court administrator for access to OJIN. Portions of these records may be restricted.

Polk County joined OJIN in 1986.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Probate Court Case Docket, 1939-1946 (1 volume);

[Probate Court Journal, Minutes and Fee Book-with index], 1850-1869 (2 reels of microfilm);

Probate Journal, 1853-1878 (1 volume);

Probate Minutes Index, 1853-1869 (1 volume);

Probate Minutes [with index], 1853-1903 (7 volumes);

Probate Register [with index], vol. 2-9, 1921-1984 (8 volumes).

[Probate Court Register], vol. 2-6, 1921-1962 (.50 cu.ft.); 1985-1986 (2 inches of microfilm jackets);

Probate Records [Docket], vol. 1-52, 1856-1969 (23 reels of microfilm);

[Record of Estates-Probate Register], vol. 7-9, 1962-1984 (.40 inch of microfilm jackets).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Office:

County Court Civil Journal [Judicial-includes some probate matters], vol. 2, 1860-1866 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Complex, Building 12, South Loft:

Probate Register of Cases, vol. 15, 1946-1951 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Complex, Building 12, Circuit Court Storage Cage:

[Probate Records-Register], vol. 2-52, 1870-1969 (21 reels of microfilm).

Early Probate Journals [County Court Journal-includes probate and judicial matters], vol. 1, 1848-1859 (1 volume);

Probate Journal [with index], vol. 40-52, 1961-1969 (13 volumes);

Probate Record [title varies-with index], vol. 6, 1895-1899 (1 volume); vol. 9-39, 1903-1961 (31 volumes).

1850-[ongoing]

Series documents the development, construction, maintenance, and improvement of county roads and bridges. Records include bonds, general road and highway maps, petitions to have roads constructed or altered, notices, complaints, vacation records, and correspondence. Information includes road numbers and names and descriptions of the activity occurring on the road. Information concerning county roads may be available on the Integrated Road Information System (IRIS) at the county road office. Technical road survey maps may be found in the series titled Road Maps and Survey Notes.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

School and Road District Meeting Records, 1925-1942 (.90 cu.ft.);

School and Road District Plat Books, n.d. (8 volumes).

Bridge As-Builts [Drawings], 2004-present (ca.300 drawings);

Index to the Commissioner's Journals [indexes road related matters], 1850-1977 (1 binder);

Old Road Notes [Road History Case Files-includes petitions, vacations, dedications, and related records-older records-numerical arrangement], ca.1852-1937 (4.50 cu.ft.);

Old Road Record [includes survey, establishment, and road viewer report information-no. 172, 203-314], vol. 1-2, 1852-1931 (2 volumes);

Polk County Road Index, ca.1856-ca.1931 (1 volume);

[Road History Case Files-includes petitions, vacations, dedications, and related records-newer records-alphabetical arrangement], ca.1890-present (4.50 cu.ft.).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, First Floor Administration Office:

Bridge Files [Case Files-includes inspection reports, contracts, engineering documents, and related records], no. 1-147, ca.1979-present (14 cu.ft.);

[Road Case Files-includes engineering documents, access permits, correspondence, and related records-alphabetical except for numbered streets], ca.1965-present (22 cu.ft.).

Records at the Polk County Website:

Polk County Maps [includes cities, community boundaries, flood plains, elevation, fire district, roads, school district, zoning, comprehensive plan, county bridges, and emergency snow routes], n.d.-present;

Transportation Systems Plan​, 2009.

​1852-[ongoing]

Series documents the surveying and mapping of county roads. Records include road surveyor notes, alignment, profile, and other survey maps, and road registers. Information includes legal descriptions of the roads; road names and numbers; plans and profiles; township, range, and section numbers; dates of activity; and scales. General road maps may be found in the series titled Road and Bridge Records.

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Office:

[Land and Road Survey Field Books-includes corner survey information-includes some timber company books], ca.1908-present (113 volumes);

Old Road Record [includes survey, establishment, and road viewer report information-no. 172, 203-314], vol. 1-2, 1852-1931 (2 volumes);

[Road Survey Strip Maps-State and County-hanging maps cut for scanning], no. CS16000-16313, ca.1925-ca.1990 (ca.5 cu.ft.).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Records Storage Room 4:

[Road Engineering Field Books], ca.1943-ca.1970 (51 volumes);

[Road Survey Field Books and Notes-stored in green cabinet], ca.1930-ca.2001 (2 cu.ft.).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Records Storage Room 5:

[Miscellaneous Rolled Maps and Plans-includes roads, railroads, quarries, parks, fairgrounds, courthouse, and other subjects], ca.1930-ca.1980 (ca.300 maps).

Records at the Polk County Website:

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) ​[Survey Plats-search by number, type, township, and date-includes corner restorations, subdivisions, partitions, survey notes, road strip maps, and related records], 1858-present.

1854-1968

Series reports the general and financial statistics of each school district located in the county. Information includes school district number and clerk's name; number of individuals within the district between ages 4 and 20​; number of teachers employed; number of school houses (owned by the district); number of legal voters; number of libraries and books within each; number of private schools; cash on hand last report; district tax received from county; state schools funds received; general value of school grounds and furnishings; property values; enrollment; number of students enrolled from outlying districts; school census; and board minutes. Series may also contain school attendance and grade reports and data on students and parents. Records may be titled School District Clerk Annual Report, District Clerk's Book of Records, District Clerk Record Book, or Oregon School Register and Record Book, which is the most comprehensive record of school district activities. School district records have been inventoried through 1965. Access to student records may be restricted by state or federal law.

Records at the Oregon State Archives, Polk County Records:

School and Road District Meeting Records, 1925-1942 (.90 cu.ft.);

School and Road District Plat Books, n.d. (8 volumes);

School District No. 9 Records [Record Book and Attendance Register], 1854-1861 (.10 cu.ft.).

Records at the Oregon State Archives, Polk County Education Service District Records:

Census District No. 61 [Mountain View School District], 1901-1904 (.05 cu.ft.);

[Clerk's Annual Census Report], 1914-1968 (50 volumes);

[Clerk's Annual Duplicate Report], 1905-1913 (6 volumes);

[District Clerk's Annual Report], 1891 (1 volume);

Early Years District Names/Numbers [School District Conversion List], 1944 (.05 cu.ft.);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 2-Dallas], 1892-1894 (1 volume); 1894-1895 (2 volumes); 1895-1896 (1 volume); 1896-1897 (4 volumes); 1897-1898 (4 volumes); 1898-1899 (2 volumes); 1900 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 13-Monmouth], 1893-1895 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 41-North Dallas], 1900-1906 (2 volumes);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 51-Oakdale], 1902-1908 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 63-Hopville], 1923-1927 (1 volume); 1928-1933 (2 volumes); 1933-1939 (1 volume); 1934-1939 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Hattie Williams-teacher], 1892-1896 (3 volumes);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Loretta Smith-teacher], 1895-1896 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [no district noted], 1897-1900 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Complex, Building 12, Central Area Pallet:

School & City Levies [Notice Records-includes budget information], 1922-1925 (.30 cu.ft.).

Records at the Dallas Public School District Administration Building, Records Room (School District 2 Registers, A-F):

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Ada Farmer-teacher], 1922-1925 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Addie Martin-teacher], 1921-1923 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [A. Eskine-teacher], 1915-1916 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Alta Cerny-teacher], 1920-1922 (1 volume); 1922-1925 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Alta Savage-teacher], 1910-1911 (1 volume); 1911-1914 (1 volume); 1919-1921 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Annie Forrette-teacher], 1918-1921 (1 volume); 1920-1922 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [B.A. Teats-teacher], 1910-1911 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [B.C. Bell-teacher], 1933-1936 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Belle Elliot-teacher], 1907-1909 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Bessie Moore-teacher], 1923-1924 (1 volume);

[Oregon School Register and Record Book], ca.1930-1938 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Carrie Evans-teacher], 1922-1924 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Chloe Wood-teacher], 1913-1915 (1 volume); 1915-1918 (1 volume); 1918-1920 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [C.J. Everett-teacher], 1921-1922 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [C. Rossiter-teacher], ca.1907 (1 volume); 1912-1915 (1 volume); 1913-1918 (1 volume); 1915-1916 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Dallas Junior High], 1939-1953 (1 cu.ft.);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Dora Hayes-teacher], 1919-1920 (1 volume); 1920-1924 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Dorothy Page-teacher], 1935-1939 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Eona Morrison-teacher], 1914-1915 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Ester Aebi-teacher], 1937-1939 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Ethel Seward-teacher], 1921-1925 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Etta Phillips-teacher], 1910-1912 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Evangeline Hart-teacher], 1901-1905 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [F.H. Morrison-teacher], 1911 (1 volume); 1915-1916 (1 volume); 1918-1920 (1 volume); 1921-1924 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [First Grade], 1908 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Fourth Grade], 1907-1909 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Fran Curry-teacher], 1920-1922 (1 volume).

Records at the Dallas Public School District Administration Building, Records Room (School District 2 Registers, G-T):

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Genevieve Coad-teacher], 1918-1920 (1 volume); 1920-1922 (1 volume); 1922-1925 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Hallie Hart-teacher], 1916-1919 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Helen Fletcher-teacher], 1921-1924 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Helen Gale-teacher], 1915-1917 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [High School], 1913-1914 (1 volume); 1914-1915 (1 volume); 1915-1916 (1 volume); 1916-1917 (1 volume); 1917-1918 (1 volume); 1920-1921 (1 volume); 1923-1924 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Jennie Smith-teacher], 1920-1922 (1 volume); 1922-1925 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Josephine Lutke-teacher], 1917-1919 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [June Reynolds-teacher], 1920-1923 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Leo Petre-teacher], 1921-1925 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Lora Chute-teacher], 1917-1918 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [L. Smith-teacher], 1920-1921 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Lucy Kopan-teacher], 1911-1914 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Mabel Allen-teacher], 1918-1920 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Miriam Hart-teacher], 1918-1920 (1 volume); 1920-1922 (1 volume); 1923-1924 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Mr. Farrette-teacher], 1923-1925 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Myrtle Hayes-teacher], 1921-1923 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Page and LeFors-teachers], 1936-1939 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Pearl Fegley-teacher], 1921-1924 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Ritta Martin-teacher], ca.1913 (1 volume); 1923-1925 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Rose Bodayla-teacher], 1920-1921 (1 volume); 1920-1922 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Seventh Grade], ca.1909 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [Vera Strayer-teacher], 1919-1921 (1 volume); 1921-1923 (1 volume); 1923-1924 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [William Ridgeway-teacher], 1918-1919 (1 volume); 1919-1920 (1 volume);

Register [Oregon School Register and Record Book-Dallas Junior High], 1962-1963 (1 binder);

Third [Oregon School Register and Record Book-Dallas Elementary School-Third Grade], ca.1944-ca.1948 (1 binder).

Records at the Dallas Public School District Administration Building, Records Room (School District 2 Miscellaneous Records):

Census [Dallas School District 2C], 1950-1960 (1 volume);

Dallas High School Record of Grades and Credits of Dropped Students, ca.1915-ca.1920 (1 binder);

Dallas High School Record of Grades and Credits of Graduates, ca.1910-ca.1921 (1 binder);

Dallas Public School [Student Record], 1907-1908 (1 volume);

High School Credits [Record-Rickreall High School], ca.1927-ca.1942 (1 binder);

School Census Polk County School District #2C, 1960-1965 (1 volume);

[Union High School District-Scholastic Record-leather cover-alphabetical], 1927-1949 (1 volume).

District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 54-Guthrie], 1921-1922 (1 volume); 1922-1923 (1 volume); 1924-1927 (1 volume); 1928-1929 (1 volume); 1929-1933 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 54-Guthrie], 1923-1930 (1 volume); 1930-1937 (1 volume); ca.1939-ca.1953 (.40 cu.ft.).

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives (District Clerk's Record Books):

Archives [Oakdale School District No. 51 Records-includes District Clerk's Record Books], ca.1927-ca.1960 (.30 cu.ft.);

Defendant School Dist. 58 [District Clerk's Record Book], 1950-1955 (1 volume);

District Clerk's Book of Records [District No. 18-Polk Station], 1890-1900 (4 volumes); 1903-1906 (1 volume);

District Clerk's Book of Records [District No. 34-Buell-PHS 044], 1892-1893 (1 volume);

District Clerk's Book of Records [District No. 36-Popcorn], 1889-1891 (1 volume); 1892-1893 (1 volume); 1894-1898 (1 volume); 1899-1901 (1 volume); 1902-1905 (1 volume);

District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 2-Dallas], 1906-1911 (1 volume); 1911-1916 (1 volume); 1912-1914 (1 volume); 1915-1919 (1 volume); 1921-1923 (1 volume); 1923-1927 (1 volume); 1927-1929 (1 volume); 1929-1933 (1 volume); 1937-1950 (1 volume);

[District Clerk's Record Book-District No. 2-Dallas], 1950-1952 (1 volume);

District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 5-Pedee], 1933-1959 (1 volume);

District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 6-Red Prairie-PHS 046], 1903-1907 (1 volume);

District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 7], 1907-1909 (1 volume); 1912-1916 (1 volume); 1917-1921 (1 volume); 1921-1922 (1 volume); 1923-1926 (1 volume); 1927-1929 (1 volume); 1930-1933 (1 volume); 1937-1949 (1 volume); 1950-1954 (1 volume); 1956-1957 (1 volume);

District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 15-Orchards], 1922-1923 (1 volume); 1922-1927 (1 volume); 1927-1929 (1 volume); 1929-1932 (1 volume);

[District Clerk's Record Book-District No. 16-Airlie-photocopy], 1905-1909 (1 volume);

District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 30], 1947-1950 (1 volume);

District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 36-Popcorn], 1908-1912 (1 volume); 1913-1916 (1 volume); 1915-1920 (1 volume); 1921-1922 (1 volume); 1922-1926 (1 volume); 1926-1929 (1 volume); 1929-1933 (1 volume);

[District Clerk's Record Book-District No. 58-Pioneer], 1950-1954 (1 volume);

District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 60], 1906-1910 (1 volume); 1913-1918 (1 volume); 1919-1922 (1 volume); 1930-1933 (1 volume); 1950-1955 (1 volume);

Oakdale [District Clerk's Record Book-District No. 51], 1952-1959 (1 volume);

Orchard View [District Clerk's Record Book-District No. 3], 1955-1959 (1 volume); School District #56 [District Clerk's Record Book], 1946-1951 (1 volume); 1946-1952 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives (Oregon School Register and Record Books):

Archives [Oakdale School District No. 51 Records-includes Oregon School Register and Record Books], ca.1927-ca.1960 (.30 cu.ft.);

Archives [Oregon School Register and Record Book-District No. 3-Orchard View], 1945-1954 (2 volumes); 1955-1959 (1 volume);

Orchard View [Oregon School Register and Record Book-District No. 3], ca.1957-1960 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 2-Dallas], 1919-1939 (4 volumes);

[Oregon School Register and Record Book-District No. 3-Orchard View], 1946-1954 (2 volumes); 1955-1959 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 5-Pedee], 1951-1960 (.25 cu.ft.);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 7], 1918-1923 (1 volume); 1923-1929 (1 volume); 1930-1934 (1 volume); 1934-1939 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 15-Orchards], 1914-1920 (1 volume); 1920-1925 (1 volume); 1928-1934 (1 volume); 1934-1939 (1 volume); 1943-1950 (1 volume); 1944-1949 (1 volume); 1950-1960 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 18-Polk Station], 1890-1893 (1 volume); 1897-1900 (2 volumes); 1925-1934 (1 volume); 1944-1949 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 24], 1936-1939 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 30], 1905-1906 (1 volume); 1909-1913 (1 volume); 1914-1917 (1 volume); 1918-1926 (1 volume); 1921-1924 (1 volume); 1923-1927 (1 volume); 1932-1939 (1 volume); 1941-1946 (1 volume); 1949-1951 (1 volume); 1951-1953 (1 volume); 1953-1954 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 36-Popcorn], 1905-1910 (1 volume); 1911-1916 (1 volume); 1917-1923 (1 volume); 1923-1924 (1 volume); 1924-1929 (1 volume); 1931-1938 (1 volume); 1938-1939 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 37-Harmony], 1891-1894 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 46-McTimmonds Valley-PHS 031], 1909-1916 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 51-Oakdale], 1920-1928 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 60], 1922-1928 (1 volume); 1929-1938 (1 volume); ca.1940-ca.1956 (.25 cu.ft.); 1949-1954 (1 volume).

Archives [Clerk's Annual Census Report-District No. 2], 1929-ca.1960 (.30 cu.ft.);

Archives District #41 North Dallas [District Clerk's Annual Report], 1934-1944 (1 volume);

Archives [District Clerk's Annual Report-District No. 3-Orchard View], 1947-1950 (.10 cu.ft.); 1952-1957 (1 volume);

[Clerk's Annual Census Report-District No. 2-Dallas], 1929-1958 (1 volume);

Dist. 18 [District Clerk's Annual Report-District No. 18], 1933-1941 (.10 cu.ft.);

Falls City School Dist. #57 Record Book [charred by fire], 1884-1914 (1 volume);

North Dallas [District Clerk's Annual Report-District No. 41], 1933-1940 (1 volume);

Oakhurst #60 [School District Budget-District No. 60], 1958-1960 (.05 cu.ft.);

Orchards Dist. #15 [School District Records-includes some budgets and reports-mostly financial], ca.1949-ca.1957 (.75 cu.ft.);

[Pedee School District Records-District No. 5-includes mostly financial records], ca.1953-ca.1959 (2 cu.ft.);

[Record Book-School District No. 2], 1898-1907 (1 volume);

Rickreall Dist. #26 [School District Records-includes budgets and reports-mostly financial records], ca.1955-ca.1961 (1 cu.ft.);

[School District No. 54 Records-includes teachers reports], ca.1949-ca.1959 (.30 cu.ft.).

Records at the Oregon Historical Society:

Mss. 1504 Public School System [Oregon School Register and Record Book-District No. 34-Buell], 1890-1893 (1 volume);

Mss. 2955 Liberty School [School Board Papers-District No. 56-includes teachers' contracts and reports], 1889-1895 (.05 cu.ft.);

Mss. 2955 Liberty School [Tracy's School Record-Liberty School Register-District No. 56], 1885-1886 (1 volume).

1889-1970

Series documents the official and financial affairs of the superintendent of schools concerning teachers, students, and schools located in the county. Records include annual statements on the condition of common (public) schools in the county, school district boundary records, school district accounts, and book purchases. Information includes financial information, school curricula, boundary descriptions, and enrollment and attendance data. Superintendent of schools records have been inventoried through 1965.

[Annual Report of Polk County-School Superintendent/Intermediate Education District], 1951-1970 (1 volume);

Apportionment and Record of State & County School Orders, 1901-1913 (1 volume); 1912-1926 (1 volume);

District Clerks Annual Reports [Filed-Superintendent's Summary], 1901-1907 (1 volume);

Monthly Reports of Public Schools [includes all districts], vol. 1, 1911-1919 (1 volume);

Record of District Clerks Annual Reports [Superintendent's Summary], vol. 2, 1911-1917 (1 volume);

Record of School District Boundaries, vol. 3, 1893 (1 volume); vol. 4, 1908 (1 volume);

Record of School Superintendents Annual Reports, vol. 3, 1921-1929 (1 volume);

Record School District Reports [County School Superintendent's Record of Annual Reports, Receipts, Etc.], vol. 3, 1894-1901 (1 volume);

Register of Persons Examined [with index], 1897-1906 (1 volume);

Register of State Certificates & Diplomas [with index], 1907-1916 (1 volume);

Register of Teachers [with index], 1894-1898 (1 volume);

School Superintendents Record of Annual Reports, 1928-1951 (1 volume).

Record of Eighth Grade Examinations, vol. 1-3, 1909-1952 (3 volumes);

Record of Fees Collected by County School Superintendent [Diplomas and Certificates], 1907-1913 (1 volume);

Record of School Fund Mortgages, vol. N, 1890-1913 (1 volume);

Record of Teachers Examined, vol. 1, 1907-1911 (1 volume);

Record of Visits by Co. Superintendent of Schools [County-with index], 1889-1892 (1 volume);

Register of Teachers Certificates, vol. 1, 1914-1927 (1 volume);

Register of Teachers Contracts, 1899-1953 (3 volumes);

School Directory Polk County, ca.1916-1965 (.25 cu.ft.);

Transfer to Record of Eighth Grade Examinations, 1925-1947 (1 volume).

​1850-[ongoing]

Series documents surveys of county land by the county or licensed professional surveyors. Records include log books, field notes, and plats. An index may also be included. Information includes survey dates; who the survey was for; donation land claims; township, range, section, and survey numbers; a history of previous surveys made for the area; descriptions of land, vegetation, and soil; landmarks; metes and bounds of tracts surveyed; and surveyor's names. Plats also include corner restoration marks, scales, dates created and filed, and donation land claim owners.

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor's Private Office Credenza:

Cruise Book [Timber Survey], 1907 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Office:

[County Survey Plats-filed by township and range], ca.1890-ca.1947 (ca.500 plats);

Donation Land Claim Record [Survey Field Notes-with index], ca.1854 (1 volume);

[Filed County Survey Plats-includes partition plats from 1990 to present], no. 1000-5999, 11000-15,694, 1947-present (ca.11000 plats);

[Land and Road Survey Field Books-includes corner survey information-includes some timber company books], ca.1908-present (113 volumes);

Legal Subdivisions Also DLCs [Township Survey Record-includes Donation Land Claim information-title varies], ca.1851-ca.1853 (3 volumes);

Survey Record [title varies-with index], vol. 1-9, 1858-1927 (9 volumes).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Building, Surveyor's Records Storage Room 4:

BLM Fiche [General Land Office/Bureau of Land Management Survey Records-includes Donation Land Claim and mineral interest information], ca.1852-n.d. (1.50 inches of microfiche);

CS [County Filed Survey Plats], ca.1947-1996 (76 inches of aperture cards);

Original Notes Plats Govt Subdivisions [General Land Office/Bureau of Land Management Survey Field Notes and Plats], ca.1850-n.d. (4 inches of microfiche);

Survey Record Books 7 & 8 [copies], 1890-1910 (1 volume);

Survey Records Books 1 to 6 [copies], 1858-1889 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives:

Field Notes of Polk County Claims [Donation Land Claim Survey-with index], vol. 2, 1854 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Website:

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)​ [Survey Plats-searchable by number, type, township, and date-includes corner restorations, subdivisions, partitions, survey notes, road strip maps, and related records], 1858-present.

Records at a Related Website:

Online Land Records [includes federal land survey records related to Oregon such as survey plats and field notes, mineral surveys, and historical indices], ca.1850-present (Bureau of Land Management).

Tax lot cards, which contain official descriptions of real property, are used to track land ownership and lot size and also may serve as a deed reference. Records include tax lot number; the location of the land in reference to township, range, and section; and a description and record of changes to the property, acreage, and land owner. 

Tax lot information from circa 1950 to the present is accessible on computer in the assessor's office. 

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor's Office:

[Polk County Official Records of Descriptions of Real Property Cards], ca.1950-1980 (14 reels of microfilm). 

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Complex, Building 12, South Loft: 

Tax Lot Cards [Official Record of Descriptions of Real Properties], ca.1950-1994 (54 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Archives: 

[Deed/Tax Lot Reference Records-by township and range], vol. 1-3, n.d. (3 volumes).

Records at the Polk County Website: 

Polk County Web Map [Interactive Maps with Overlays-includes basemap, tax lot, fire district, flood, school district, soils, and zoning information], n.d.-present.

1915-2004

Series documents the authorization by the state and local governments for the use of public waters. Series includes water rights, licenses, and certificates of water rights issued by the state and filed with the county. Records may include alphabetical indexes to the certificates, transcripts, statements, evidence, and other records specifically related to water rights cases heard by circuit and appellate courts. Information includes names of individuals proving water rights; locations of water rights including the township, range, and section number; descriptions of land under such rights; and limitations of appropriations of rights and use of rights (i.e., length of time, usage). Original water rights certificates are filed with the Oregon Water Resources Department.

Water rights certificates were recorded in the Book of Records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings) beginning in 1970.

[Water Rights-Certificates], vol. 1-3, 1915-1969 (1 reel of microfilm).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Circuit Court Records Office, Locked Cabinet:

Documents Ash Creek and Its Tributaries [Water Rights], 1973 (1 volume);

[Documents Luckiamute River and Its Tributaries-Water Rights], vol. 1, 1973 (1 volume);

Findings of Fact and Order of Determination Ash Creek and Its Tributaries, 1973 (1 volume);

Findings of Fact and Order of Determination Luckiamute River and Its Tributaries, 1973 (1 volume);

Statements and Proofs of Claim Luckiamute River and Its Tributaries, vol. 2, 1971-1972 (1 volume).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Complex, Building 12, Circuit Court Records Storage Cage:

Water Rights Cases [Case Files-Luckiamute River], no. 97.1099, 1997 (.25 cu.ft.); no. 04.1698-04.1699, 2004 (.75 cu.ft.).

Water Rights Certificates [Record-with index], vol. 1-3, 1915-1969 (3 volumes).

​1958-[ongoing]

Series documents the development and implementation of codes and policies relating to the zoning of county lands and to illustrate and locate zoned areas within the county. Records include uniform zone codes and ordinances depicting zoned lands in the county. Information in codes and ordinances includes definition, code/ordinance numbers, purposes, uses, conditions for use, and changes made to codes/ordinances. Maps include area and/or zone descriptions, dates created, scales, and commissioners' signatures. Areas are typically zoned for residential, industrial, commercial, flood plain, agricultural, timber, public and government, and mineral extraction uses.

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Community Development Department Office:

[Community Development Department Case File Rolodex Index-alphabetical-indexes records documenting zone changes, subdivisions, partitions, conditional uses, lot line adjustments, and related actions], ca.1973-2000 (.40 cu.ft.);

[Community Development Department Case File Rolodex Index-by township and range-indexes records documenting zone changes, subdivisions, partitions, conditional uses, lot line adjustments, and related actions], ca.1973-2000 (.10 cu.ft.);

[Community Development Department Case Files-includes records documenting zone changes, subdivisions, partitions, conditional uses, lot line adjustments, and related actions-by township and range], ca.1978-2000 (ca.60 cu.ft.);

[Community Development Department Case Files-includes records documenting zone changes, subdivisions, partitions, conditional uses, lot line adjustments, and related actions], ca.1967-ca.1977 (16 reels of microfilm);

Legislative Amendments [Zoning Ordinance], 1982-2008 (12.50 cu.ft.); Zoning Maps [paper], ca.1978-ca.1990 (11 volumes).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Community Development Department Office, Conference Room:

Polk County Measure 37 Zoning Ordinances, 1958-1997 (1 binder);

[Polk County Zoning Ordinance], 1961-1970 (1 binder); 1989 (1 binder);

Zoning Code w/ Sub & Partition and Comp Plan [includes subdivision and partition ordinance and comprehensive plan], 1970-1978 (1 binder).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, Assessor/Community Development Office Hallway:

Ord. No. [Planning and Zoning Ordinance], 1961 (.05 cu.ft.); 1966 (.05 cu.ft.);

Original Zone Ord. [Zoning Ordinance-Proposed], ca.1961 (.10 cu.ft.);

Polk County Zoning & Subdivision Ordinances Codes, ca.1967 (1 volume);

Polk County Zoning Ordinance, 1982 (1 volume);

Township [Zoning Maps by Township and Range-mylar], n.d. (ca.200 maps);

Uniform Zone Code for Marion County Oregon Polk County Oregon, 1970-1976 (.25 cu.ft.);

[Zoning Maps-flat in cabinet], 1961-1978 (ca.3 cu.ft.).

Records at the Polk County Courthouse, County Commissioners' Office:

Enabling Ordinances [Zoning], 1970-1979 (1 volume);

Polk County Zoning Ordinance, 2000 (1 binder).

Records at the Polk County Public Works Department Complex, Building 12, South Loft:

[Community Development Department Case Files-includes records documenting zone changes, subdivisions, partitions, conditional uses, lot line adjustments, and related actions-by township and range], ca.1978-present (ca.180 cu.ft.);

Zoning Maps [in large box], n.d. (3 cu.ft.).

Measure 37 Zoning Ordinance Search [Chain of Title Research Database], n.d.;

Polk County Code of Ordinances [includes comprehensive plan, subdivision and partition, and zoning ordinance information], ca. 1978-present;

Polk County Maps [includes cities, community boundaries, flood plains, elevation, fire district, roads, school district, zoning, comprehensive plan, county bridges, and emergency snow routes], n.d.-present; 

Polk County Web Map [Interactive Maps with Overlays-includes basemap, tax lot, fire district, flood, school district, soils, and zoning information], n.d.-present; 

Polk County Zoning Ordinance​, ca.1978-present.