Man finds century-old portraits in hidden attic of New York building

Feb. 2 (UPI) -- A New York state attorney who bought a building to expand his practice discovered a hidden attic that contained photographs and photography-related items from over 100 years earlier.

David Whitcomb said he and a friend were examining the building he purchased in Geneva when they discovered the structure had an attic that he wasn't told about when he bought the property.

Whitcomb said he located the access panel and looked into the attic, discovering it was filled with photographs, frames, glass negatives and other materials that appeared to be quite old.

He said the items are believed to have belonged to J.E. Hale, a photographer who was active in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Hale's name is on many of the items, including pieces of mail found in the attic.

Whitcomb said Hale's belongings in the attic included several photos of Susan B. Anthony, including a print of her official portrait from the Library of Congress, which was taken by Hale.

Whitcomb said most of the items from the attic were taken to One Source Auctions & Antiques for restoration and eventual sale.