In February 2021 Amanda asked me to move a full built-in mirror from one bathroom door to another. Easy enough. The doors were identical except for the mirror. I carefully took the frame apart, tipped out the big heavy old mirror, and behind it was a complete Halifax newspaper from exactly 100 years before. The mirrors must have been one of the last finishes touches done before the family moved in in the summer of 1921 and prepared the house for their first Christmas. 

It was exciting reading the mix of news, stories, events, and commerce delayed for 100 years.

The news stories were short, factual, and to the point. Local stories of people doing good works were mixed with hopeful stories from all over the world. Sadly, similar news of unrest and war in the Middle East and around the Soviet states also appear. 

There were pages of job listings, almost all related to work in and around households. It gave the impression, which I'm sure is true, that households directly were a major source of economic activity. I think this is interesting because ultimately it's a fact that is still absolutely true today. Households are the fundamental building block of the economy. 

Anyway. All interesting and serendipitous, and leaves me wondering what else is hidden in the walls of this old house.

You can see more pictures of the interiors on the Jubilee House Facebook page.