ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- A simple home renovation in Elmira has turned into an unexpected dive into history. Workers at 600 Grove Street recently made a surprising discovery: letters dating back to 1871 and 1879, carefully hidden inside walls of the duplex home.
"I found some letters from 1871 and 1879 in that area, right up in this wall here," says Michael Scharborough, Construction Worker. "I was excited. I was trying to read them, but I can't. So I contacted an owner, passed them over to him to see what he can do with them."
The letters written in beautiful cursive, provide a glimpse into the lives of the people who once lived in the house. One letter, dated 1878, begins...
"Dear Wife, I received your kind letter yesterday morning and was very much pleased to hear from you and know that you and the children are well. I am glad the baby is getting along so well. As far as the money is concerned, it makes no difference as long as we get our health and we are happy," reads Ashley Reaume, Owner.
Reaume was struck by the emotional weight of the letters, describing the humble, heartfelt connection the family from so long ago.
As the renovations continue, the crew continues to uncover layers of history. The house, which has stood since at least the mid-1800s, is undergoing a complete gut rehab.
Walls came down, exposing old newspapers and these carefully preserved letters, which seem to have been packed away for safekeeping.
"We found some really cool historical documents, including newspapers and letters that were written once we were tearing out drywall. Some of the guys found that we're working on it.
Among the finds was an old, dirt-covered newspaper from Pittsburgh, torn but still readable. Amazingly, the letters themselves remained in good condition after all of these years, protected by the walls that surrounded them.
"Some of them were like if you tried to open them, they were. They were in good condition and good condition. Some of them were like if you try to open them they'll crumble apart. The handwriting is immaculate. I love the handwriting on that. I mean it's still intact. I wish we still that's a dying art, the handwriting," says Scharborough.
One letter touched many people who saw it. Written by a man to his wife, it concludes with a tender sign-off: "Write me as so often as you can, as it is the only pleasure. I have went away from home Hoping you are all well. Well, I will finish with my love and kisses to my darling and the boys from your affectionate husband, JHL."
As renovations continue, these letters off a poignant reminder of the lives that passed through this home. Creating and bringing history to life in an unexpected and personal way.
