"I did not celebrate the repeal last night..."

The other day it was snowing. The first accumulating snow in Logansport for the 2017 - 2018 Winter Season and we, predictably, spent the day inside by the fire. My mother and sister have moved into town with my nephew, taking up residence at a historic late period Victorian across the alley way and that snowy day was perfect for roasting a couple chickens and inviting everyone over into one place to just try and relax and play catch up. Of course... Things are never that simple when it comes to the Greensfelder. She has a mind of her own that I often attribute to one of her more prolific owners of the past. She whispers things to you, both grand and bizarre, and you'd be wise to listen. So far she's been slowly revealing her secrets like the sea reveals shells and bits of coral and things... But these secrets are hardly simple flotsam. They're treasures. Old coins, depression glass play tea sets, a vintage Paul Revere candle holder by Avon, a book on hallucinogenic plants hard bound, second addition, vintage... Oddly expensive (found under a radiator, no less), and now... This.

For some reason, the untouched ballroom, left in shambles as a storage area, called to us... And we listened. It was oddly warm up there even with the high only reaching the mid-twenties and it blowing snow outside. Very very warm, actually... Just testament to how wonderful the architecture of old really was. Anyway... We found things. We've only just barely scratched the surface, but we found things. Wondrous things. An old rocking chair, a matching baby cradle, tons of old Victorian Christmas decorations, clothes from the 1950s, photographs from the 50s, feminist movement paraphernalia (DOWN WITH NECKLINES!), match books from when that prolific old owner ran for office, a laundry list from the "Habana Hilton" pre-embargo Cuba, a wedding invitation meant to be mailed to Mr Rock Hudson (yep... THAT Rock Hudson), postage already on it, vintage dolls, lanterns, clocks, milk glass produced by Indiana Glass, more depression glass... Lord the list goes on and on...

But this... This stands out most of all; a telegram from Chicago dated 12/06/1933, the day after the repeal of prohibition (and talking about how the prohibition didn't affect anyone anyhow ;) ), sent back to grandma Greensfelder herself at the height of the great depression... Proving that even they weren't impervious to its wretched grasp.

It's my honor and pleasure to share it with you, this incredible glimpse into history;

In the words of Indiana Jones; this belongs in a museum. I plan on bringing it down to put on loan at the Cass County Historical Society in the New Year after I get a chance to show the other ladies on the board of the Logansport Historical Preservation Commission when we meet in early January. This is one of those once in a lifetime things and we all deserve a brief reminder of why we save these homes and buildings from becoming parking lots and apartments.

I wonder what new treasures will be uncovered as the snowy Hoosier winter continues and the house remains warm and happy enough to whisper sweet nothings in our ears as we continue to love her.

PS: The ornaments we have recovered are now on our family tree, and I swear I felt the house sigh in happiness. There was such an overwhelming sense of completion and contentment. I'm happy you're happy, old girl.