Walls Sometimes Do Talk

Dear Diary,

A little bit of local history this morning.  Years ago, when I was renovating the house, the carpenter came across this old letter behind a skirting board.  It is clearly a love letter from a soldier stationed at Ft. Preble in Portland harbor during WWI.  It must have been before the influenza epidemic in 1918/1919 because no mention of it is made.  The young man worked at the stables at the fort.  I was straightening a shelf and found where I had put in years ago.  The mice had nibbled it a bit during the 90+ years it was hidden away but it is easily readable.  I never found out who "Pearl" was but she must have lived in this house at some point.  People always say of old houses, "If those walls could talk..."  Sometimes they do!

Steve was able to come yesterday and finish the shelves.  He never developed symptoms after 14 days so we thought it was okay for him to come.  Now, some painting to be done.  Another step to the big bedroom move.