Unveiling the Ancients: Discovering Treasures in My Victorian Home

My journey into restoring a late-Victorian home built in 1903 has been a delightful adventure, laden with unexpected discoveries and unique treasures left behind by the original owners. This article explores the fascinating antiques and objects I’ve unearthed during the restoration process, providing insights into the history of my home and the lives of its previous occupants.

A Quest for Treasure

Upon acquiring the 1903 Victorian mansion, I embarked on a meticulous restoration process aimed at bringing back its erstwhile splendor. The former tenants had a brief stint as renters, and the residential history became a bit blemished with a house’s less savory past: an ambitious but misguided hydroponic marijuana-growing project. Nonetheless, the primary challenge was the environmentally unfriendly shag carpeting from the 1970s. I had to tear up the carpet, revealing layers of American history beneath.

Shining Floors and Hidden Layers

One of the most significant discoveries during the renovation was the beautiful chocolate brown oak floors. I had to put in a considerable amount of elbow grease to restore the floors to their former glory, but the results were worth every drop of sweat. Beneath the worn linoleum, I found layers of newspapers from the Eisenhower administration. These papers, nestled between the old linoleum and the subflooring, were a fascinating insight into the mid-20th century.

Wallpaper and Shotguns

The walls upstairs were in excellent condition, also offering a pleasant contrast to the downstairs area. Downstairs, there was evidence of a wild party with a shotgun blast that ricocheted through the parlor wall, leaving embedded pellets in the oakum and plaster. While somewhat messy, this discovery offered a rare glimpse into the original building design and construction techniques.

Unexpected Treasures

One of the most intriguing finds was an old silver filigree earring discovered stuck in the baseboard of the master bedroom. In the yard, I came across some small apothecary bottles buried in the soil while preparing a garden patch.

Awarding Joy and Valor

Providing a personal account of home renovation not only highlights the rich history of buildings but also reflects on the dedication and care one must take to preserve and restore a piece of historical architecture. Discovering these antiques serves both as a treasured link to the past and as a reminder of the amazing layers of history that can be hidden within our homes and buildings.

The restoration journey in my Victorian home has indeed been a fascinating one, with many unexpected discoveries making it truly worthwhile. From newspapers to silver earrings, every little find adds to the story of the place, and the memories of the people who once called it home.