George, I've tried to pull together information that will help you regarding your trip here. I have only dealt with the Lake Co. Courthouse when I knew dates and/or book & page numbers and never have had problems so can't address that part of your query. However, I live in Porter Co. (next county on the east) and go to the Valparaiso library quite often. I checked with them this morning and here's what the library has: Filmed records from St.John the Baptist for communion, marriage, death and confirmation from 1925 to 1962 (some go to 1993). If there are earlier records extant they would be with the church or at the diocese office. I checked for the phone number of the church but couldn't find a listing for it. Perhaps it was absorbed into another church?? Anyway, if you need earlier than 1925 the diocese office can be reached at 219-769-9292 or [email protected] The WPA birth and death record book for Whiting starts in 1899; Hammond's in 1882. Marriage records in most cases go back to the 1850's but don't include any parental information until shortly after 1900. City directories: try Whiting Library 219-473-4700, 219-659-0269 or [email protected] Hammond Library 219-931-5100 or [email protected] East Chicago Library 219-397-2453 or [email protected] Indiana University Northwest in Gary has a large archive section which may or may not have records from Whiting - contact Steve McShane, the archivist at [email protected] or 219-980-6628 (that's his direct number). It's necessary to call or email him to make an appointment to view the collection. You didn't mention what time period you are looking in but if any of the times are after 1900 I can look in the WPA books and give you a book and page number whicn might make it easier for you at the courthouse. I will be at the library on Friday night and can do it then. Last but not least.....I don't know where you plan to stay but if you are going to be in the Merrillville area avoid the intersection of I-65 and Route 30. It is all torn up with reconfiguration of the ramps and lanes and I've heard locals complain because they can hardly find their way through the maze of orange cones. Hope this helps. Any more questions, please let me know. Pat _________________________________________________________________ Join the worlds largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com