Unusual Find under a porch

[Fullstock]

A friend and I decided to try our luck today around an old home that was built in the 1700's. Apparently the yard had been hit hard in the past, so I decided to crawl under the front porch with my machine. As I was crawling along, I saw what looked like a document lying in the dirt next to the foundation. To my surprise, I found a diary from the year 1857 lying open in the dirt. It's torn, wet and dirty, but most of the pages are still readable. I couldn't believe that paper could survive that way. Needless to say, that was the find of the day!

 

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[thrifty76now]

i would imagine that a lot of local history might be found in that diary.all pre civil war history there. Great recovery,but I believe it might have been a bit damp under there!

 

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[Fullstock]

I've tried my best to read as much of it as I can, but it's very hard to read because of the damage and the hand writing. There appears to be a name written on the front page, but it's too far gone to make out. I've been in touch with the owner of a local museum and I think I'll donate it to them, it should be saved because it's local history.

 

[Qball]

Old books were printed on acid free rag paper so they are much more durable than new paper. A newer book would have been dust.

 

[Trezurehunter]

That is one great find. Being able to tie it to an individual of that time is outstanding - even if you cant read it.