Organizing the Chaos...

After my husband's mother passed away seven years ago, we spent many days clearing out and cleaning his childhood home.  The last part that we tackled was the attic, and by that time, we were both pretty tired.  So, as weary folks will do, we threw things in boxes - old things, very old things - and took them home for sorting at a future time.  

 That time is now.  It has not been an easy task.  My dining room table and floor runneth over.  But, oh the treasures...

 Old photos, the earliest dated 1865.  Documents, the earliest dated 1845.  Wedding certificates, the one below in German and pasted to a scrapbook cover. 

 Oh, yes, scrapbooks and autograph books with dates in the 1890's.  Old purses, earrings, spectacles, satchels.

 

 The satchel above was stuffed with estate papers.  I think there were papers from at least three estates. Account books and funeral home books, greeting cards.  
I'm sure you get the idea!  So I'm beginning with my husband's grandfather Pflaumer and working my way back in his history first and then will attempt the other lines of his family.  It may be a slow journey.  Some photos are not labeled, of course, and will probably never be identified, but many are named and those I will gladly share in case some long lost cousins come upon this blog.
Get ready for the journey.
I can't decide if this is a genealogist's blessing or curse!