Weird Things People Found In Their 100-Year-Old Homes
If you've ever lived or visited an old home, you know that these dwellings have some quirky attributes. It's very common for homeowners to unexpectedly discover items belonging to previous owners during renovations or deep cleaning the property. Here are some of the strangest and most interesting finds people have shared from their century homes online.
One person's home was part of the underground railway
"Our house was built in 1844 and is on our county's Underground Railroad map. The original owners were abolitionists and held regular meetings here. The tale from the historical society is that this capped off tunnel in the basement was for escape. It currently goes back 10-12 feet," said this Reddit user.
It's crazy to think that this invitation is over 100 years old
Seeing relics like this reminds us that people who lived 100 years ago weren't too different from us. They needed to find ways to socialize and entertain themselves. Plus, it proves that humans have always loved ice cream.
Creepy clown dolls are the discovery no one wants
Creepy dolls are one thing, but creepy clown dolls are a whole other level of weird. There are always bound to be some unsettling finds in old houses like this, but these abandoned dolls might mean the house is haunted.
Shoes from a century ago
One homeowner found these shoes and old photos that were hidden in the wall and discovered during a renovation. You never know what you'll find in a century home.
This is exactly what you think it is
Finds like this make us glad that indoor plumbing has improved considerably in the last 100 years or so. While this setup could be convenient for some families, most would prefer their privacy while doing their business.
Take a look at this old newspaper
One homeowner discovered this old newspaper being used as insulation under their kitchen flooring. It's so interesting to see which stories were the top headlines 100 years ago, as well as the vintage ads.
Imagine finding a secret toilet
While doing some renovations, this Reddit user found a secret bathroom that had been walled up behind their vanity. It just goes to show that secret rooms are way more common than we realize, especially in century homes.
This person hit the jackpot
One Reddit user found a bunch of vintage light fixtures in their basement, giving them the perfect opportunity to install them around the house. Even if these fixtures aren't their style, they are a sought-after item among antique collectors and could fetch a decent amount.
This painting is exactly what you think this is
At first glance, this looks like a beautiful painting of some scenery. That is, until you notice the toilet. We're not sure why the artist was compelled to add that feature, but the homeowner who found it in the wall of their old house was equally puzzled.
It's not every day that you come across an Acme product
For some reason, finding old products with their vintage labels intact is just so interesting. A homeowner decades ago must have needed it for pest control and forgot, just for someone in this century to stumble upon it. Crazy!
Take a look at this jazzy doodle
You never know what you might find when you start taking down walls. In this case, it was a cute painting of a musician playing a saxophone. Hopefully the homeowner found some way to preserve it!
Someone discovered a secret stash that had been hidden for decades
It's clear that someone living in the home at some point liked to indulge but didn't want anyone else to know. The only question now is, do we think whatever is left over in those bottles is still safe to drink? (Probably not, right?)
An entire treasure trove
It's kind of cool to discover an entire box filled with photos, trinkets, and other mementos. It's a way for people living in the present to connect to the past. Hopefully, whoever found this box put it somewhere safe so that its contents can continue to be preserved.
Even an old playing card can be an interesting find
Sure, we still have playing cards today but modern cards definitely don't have these designs on them. People will probably be finding playing cards from different eras for years to come.
Imagine finding an old cabinet in your attic
This piece of furniture has definitely seen better days, but it's still a cool find nonetheless. It might not be functional anymore, but maybe there is an opportunity to flip it or renew it.
Vintage wallpaper is infinitely better than modern wallpaper
Even if home decor trends from the past aren't your favorite, there is no denying how awesome this wallpaper is. It's bright, colorful, kitschy, and perfect for any kitchen. Here's hoping the new homeowner was able to preserve it somehow.
Even a regular shoe can be an interesting find
It might not be the prettiest or most interesting find, but simple items like shoes can reveal a lot about people in the past. The fact that this shoe discovered in an old home is in relatively good condition speaks to the quality of the craftsmanship.
Any idea what this is?
One homeowner was a bit baffled when they came upon this discovery. They turned to the internet for help and found out that it is an old radio antenna, which would have been common in the past, before the invention of television. What a cool find!
A relic from a bygone era
These dry plates were common before film and digital photography became the norm. The homeowner who found them also discovered some exposed dry plates inside, which are similar to contemporary photo negatives.
Check out these rare, first-edition books
If you're a fan of the author Louisa May Alcott, these first-edition books would be the ultimate find. One Reddit user discovered these books in their century home and decided to keep them, even though they could fetch a decent amount with collectors.
Here's another find that needed some detective work
The Reddit user who found this object needed help uncovering what its purpose was. As it turns out, it is an old burner for a gas stove. Another mystery solved by the internet!
A hidden mural
While doing some bathroom renovations, this homeowner uncovered a secret mural showing three mermaids and a fish. They were probably just expecting white walls, but this is a way better surprise.
Another vintage newspaper
Take a look at this newspaper from the 1930s that was found in the wall of an old house. For something that is nearly 100 years old, it is in remarkably good condition. The original advertisements are still bright and vibrant.
A slightly ominous message
Why does a message that says, "good luck," seem a little unsettling? Probably because it was found in a creepy old basement, and no one is sure who wrote it. I would be painting over that as soon as possible.
Old keys are always a great find
Even if the homeowner never figured out what this key was used for, it's still a great find. Old keys are so unique and this object could become a decorative accent to display somewhere in the house.
This antique cabinet would be a hit with vintage furniture collectors
From the looks of it, this solid-wood cabinet is still in good condition. With a little cleaning and mending, the homeowners could use it themselves or sell it to an antique collector.
Is it a paper doll?
This paper creation is a little creepy but weird finds like this are expected in old homes. Hopefully, it's just a child's art project from the past and not some sinister warning from a spirit.
Apparently, shoes were used as a protective charm back in the day
The homeowner who found this old shoe said that according to folklore, hiding a shoe in a house was said to bring protection and good luck. Every home needs something to encourage positive vibes.
More creepy dolls
There's something about old homes and creepy dolls. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. While the homeowner didn't seem thrilled about finding these, they are kind of cool in a scary way.
A full-on bomb shelter
This home has a unique feature: a bomb shelter. Given the condition of this shelter, it probably wouldn't survive a war, but it is a cool (and bizarre) find either way.
Emily McWilliams
