Fifty years ago, the world was truly a different place. Lester B. Pearson was serving as Canada’s prime minister. Further south, Lyndon B. Johnson was serving as president. The Vietnam War was starting to ratchet up. Lebanon was the resort destination of the Middle East for its fine beaches and luxurious accommodations. In Ontario, a family seemingly abandoned their dwelling place and never returned.
In fact, no one might know of the home they left behind had it not been for the efforts of Dave, a self-professed urban explorer. He scours the countryside of Ontario searching for abandoned homes which he digitally chronicles for his eclectic website Freaktography.
This particular home wasn’t like his usual findings. It looked as if the occupants had left for a vacation and never returned. The kitchen was stocked with household products of that era such as Gillets Cream Tartar, Knox Gelatine, ginger, allspice, double action baking powder, etc. In one drawer, he found polished silverware that still had its luster after so many decades had passed.
He found tea cups, dishes, and other eating utensils. In the bedrooms, he found shelves with books. It was obvious to Dave the former occupants were avid readers. He also found stacks of old newspapers. In the living room, he found an 8-track tape player, a coveted item in a day when cassette tapes did not yet exist. He also found a gramophone which still had replacement needles, and a cleaning kit for the records.
Dave described the experience as somewhat eerie and exciting.