That answers that question (newspaper!)

Went by Elmsdale last night for the first time...unfortunately it was late & dark, however... WOAH. Most walls on the main floor are stripped and there is a mountain of garbage bags "contractor-hefty style" piled in the living room. Front porch is also piled up with garbage, the old furniture we left behind for trash etc.



It is interesting to see the construction differences from the crack house - they are about 40 -50 years apart. It seems as though Elmsdale's outer walls are double thick brick and block, and then 1x2 strapping followed by drywall, covered in plaster. The only 2x4s in the place are on the interior walls. They are also drywall then plaster.

There has always been a small on-going debate of the age of the house...Andreas would tell everyone post-war, however I was sure it was a bit earlier. A lady across the street had told me once that her parents bought their house in 1950 and they were the second owners, so I always figured it was built in the 40s. Yes, that still is post-war but somehow I thought not, more like during the war.

As I am walking around with the flashlight last night, I was searching for some old newspapers - we found a lot in the crack house - but it seems they were beyond newspaper-as-insulation by the time Elms was built. I was a bit disappointed, but there is always the Toronto Archives.

Just as we are leaving, don't I spot a rumple of paper in the ceiling above what was the linen/pantry closet!!

I was so excited. It looks like it was wedged in to block the blown insulation in the attic from coming down. And, it was is great condition so *drum roll please* the date on it is August 11, 1941