This is some other useful information that I may build on in the future. For now I have put it here. You may find some places to hunt by reading online newspapers for your area.
Many newspapers have searchable online archives sites of past stories.
They may be just a single line within a story, so read the entire content of whatever stories come up as a result of your search. Also, check the lost and found section for ads of lost items. You can offer to find the item which may lead to a offer to search their property. Another good source for locating possible sites are genealogical Web sites. The Internet is full of people who trace their roots, and have run across the names and locations of old towns.