Hidden Treasures from the Past: Unearthing Surprises from Relatives’ Houses
Discovering hidden treasures in the belongings of deceased relatives is a common occurrence in today's digital age. Whether it’s through old film canisters or personal notes, the items we unearth often carry valuable historical and emotional weight.
Home Movies and Family History
One of the most incredible finds was when a family member died in the 2020s, and a group cleaned out their home. In a back closet, they discovered old film canisters. After having the films digitized, they realized that the deceased grandfather had made his own home movies in the 1920s. Particularly noteworthy were the scenes he filmed of his family in his birthplace in Michigan. One of these films featured his great-great grandmother, who was born in the 1840s and likely had personal memories of the Civil War.
Personal Notes and Keepakes
Another unusual find happened during the cleaning of a father’s bedroom. Among the items were a letter the father had written to his grandfather at the age of nine, and a set of dishes that should have gone to the father’s aunt but instead ended up with him. The letter detailed a day when the family was not recovering well, and the father’s grandfather took his and his younger brother to see their mother in the hospital. This note was significant because the great-granddaughter who received it had never known about its existence, yet it was passed down through the generations.
Pornographic Finds: Deciphering the Past
A more unexpected and disturbing find occurred during a different cleaning session. The deceased was a 99-year-old client who was completely senile, and her son let the caregiver help herself to the book collection. One stormy night, while the elderly woman was sleeping and drugged, the caregiver settled in front of an electric fireplace with a horror novel, which revealed several old film strips. The content was highly graphic and pornographic, ranging from straight to gay, lesbian, group, and even illegal material.
The finder carefully gathered the items, placing them in a box and giving them to the son, who appeared shocked. The son was deeply apologetic and avoided interaction with the caregiver for weeks, as he was unaware of this pornographic content in the family home.
These instances highlight the importance of handling family items with care and respect. Whether these treasures are sentimental mementos or unexpected revelations, they provide valuable insights into the past and can help build a more complete picture of our ancestors' lives.