My Free Vintage Door (and the story behind it)

I have a very special vintage, thrifty (free) find that I wanted to share today in honor of my Dad's 80th birthday on Saturday. Before I show my find, I need to share a little family background.

My Dad was born in 1929, the last of five children. When he was born his father (Herman) was 60 years old and his mother (Theresa) was 43 (they already had two grandchildren when my Dad was born). My grandfather Herman purchased a home for his family in 1904 and it remained the family residence until 1952 when my grandmother, Theresa, passed away.

Now fast forward 55 years to 2007. The house that my Dad grew up in is being renovated and Dad and I stop by to take a look at his old family home. I have to say that I was thrilled the house was going to get a new life. It had been in disrepair for a lot of years and needed some TLC. The gentleman who was renovating the house was not going for a historical renovation and had put new doors on the house. The original front door was sitting outside and I asked what he was going to do with it. He said it was mine for the taking! I jumped at his offer and took the 100 year old door home with me. My Dad thought I was crazy but that door represented family history to me and I couldn't let it end up in the dump!!

I haven't done anything with the door yet....it is currently being stored in my basement but I know someday inspiration will hit and I will come up with an idea for the door (and if you have any ideas let me know). You will see from the pictures that it needs to be stripped (it's painted white on the other side) and has years of dirt and grime....but I think it is beautiful!

So thanks for reading about my vintage thrifty find. Here's a picture of my Dad in 1931 standing on the front porch of the house. Look close and you can see a small part of the front door behind him.

And here are pictures of the vintage door. It is extremely heavy, has gorgeous, thick, beveled glass and egg and dart wood trim.

And here's my Dad standing on the in-progress renovation of his old childhood home.

I am posting this to two parties.....thanks to:

Leigh @ Tales from Bloggeritaville for her Thrifty Thursday party and:

Suzanne @ Coloradolady for her Vintage Thingies Thursday party.

Thanks for reading and Happy Birthday Dad!