Gifts from the Past

So, we knew the house was old.  But today we found out prrrrrecisely how old.  Our friends Becca and Kate tore down the plaster on a short wall that needed to be drywalled.
They were hardcore:

Behind the lath, we found that the wall was covered in old newspaper.  110 year-old newspaper to be exact.  Published August 12, 1900.

We read all sorts of fascinating things about the world's oldest bride (she was 98!), how to make lemonade, the latest fashions and a writing competition for the gas company.  Awesome.

Another gift from the past showed up yesterday, while tearing down some shingles.  Check it out:

Gingerbreading!  Who knew that Victorian cuteness could be lurking behind the ramshackle shutters?  Oh the cuteness:

Unfortunately, that all had to be taken down today as we made room for the new framing, but don't worry, it will be back up shortly!  We're all about retaining any cute vintageness we can.  The Past, we thank you.