These Walls Can Talk

One of the most fun and interesting parts of renovating an old family home is finding treasures in the attic and walls. And when I say treasures I don't mean the gigantic mounds of raccoon poop that seem to be everywhere.   

I'm talking about the books, papers, letters, bottles, and random objects from the past 120 years. 

Most of the personal items in the home were removed before we bought it, but some things are hidden in walls, crawlspaces and the attic. 

Most things come out looking like this. (The raccoon family that made the attic their home for many years really made a mess of things.)  But we also find things like in the next couple of pictures. 

There are some very neat books and magazines in there. Improvement Eras from 1912 and 1917 and others. 

The oldest book we've found so far is called The Contributor, was published in 1891, and belonged to my great-grandfather who built the home.  

We also found a hymnal that belonged to another great-great-grandfather which he took with him as he traveled around to local church congregations teaching hymns. He emigrated from Wales and was said to have a very thick Welch accent and a beautiful singing voice. He composed several songs, but was just as well known for being a prolific blacksmith.  

There is lots of family history here; we hope to make some more.