The Gift of Knowledge: A Great Resource to Share!

A 1914 Art Nouveau wallpaper advertisement from Toronto. Courtesy The Old House Guy

The Gift of Knowledge:
A Great Resource to Share!
November/December 2023

Anyone restoring a historic house, one room in the house, or just dreaming about it will enjoy and possibly rejoice over the Historic Archived Catalogs & Brochures, collected for years by The Old House Guy. You can track down everything from period house plans, door knobs, and wallpaper to the kitchen sink. This archive spans centuries, beginning with a 1794 catalog from London for ornamental railings, “glazing in all its branches,” and the like, to a 1961 catalog called Kirsch Guide to Window Beauty.

“If you want to see what your house looked like when it was built, there is a good chance you will find it,” says the Guy, who is still adding precious brochures to his site for our benefit. You can even download and print them.

He seems to gleefully end on a cautionary note. “Beware: this can be addicting.”

Go ahead, indulge yourself and peruse the Historic Archived Catalogs & Brochures online.

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