House Photos THEN and NOW

“Morning,” Harold said lifting hand weights in his front yard.

“Hi, Harold,” Mr. Wonderful and I said in unison going to our cars parked in the driveway.

“It’s going to be a scorcher today.”

“Yes,” I said getting into my car. 

“Yes,” Mr. Wonderful said getting into his car. 

“High double digits.  Close to a hun—”

“Harold, leave them be!” said his wife, Norma, as she burst out of their house and scurried down the front walk, her tight white curls bobbing in the morning's gentle breeze.  “Can’t you see they’re trying to get to work?”

“We always have time to say hi to our neighbors,” Mr. Wonderful said tossing her a smile.

“In that case, go get them.” 

Harold ducked into the house and returned with a couple photos. 

“Norma thought you’d like to see the house in the old days.”

The photos were black and white with a white border and four jagged edges. 

“These pictures must be 50 years old,” I said in awe.

“Try 60,” Norma said.  

"Actually, 59 years," Harold said.  Norma rolled her eyes.

“My parents took these pictures right after they built their house and moved in.”

“Wow,” I said touching them carefully.  “I’ll scan them and return them to you.”

“Keep them,” Norma said shrugging.  “It’s your house now.” 

What a treat to see a snapshot of our house from the past.  A picture does tell a thousand words about fashion, lifestyle and personal preference and how life has changed in the past 60 years.  Give or take a year.

Here’s a view of the pool from 1953.  The bricks around the pool are original.

  

Here’s a view of the pool in 2012.  A planter now lines the length of one side of the pool.

Here’s a view of the back of the house in 1953.  The doors look dark.

Here’s a view of the back of the house in 2012.  Our newly skinned palm trees add a Palm Springs flair.

All in all, I think the house has aged well!  I feel so fortunate to have these images of our house's history.  Thank you, Harold and Norma!