I don't know if I'd ever make it to the attic if I had 5 rooms like that in the basement. Yes, I expanded those two photos and here's what I know.
He had a dog named Pixie-and thought enough of the dog to keep his 'name plate' (probably from the dog house) through the years. He may have been frugal but isn't tight. I have the same desk lamp as his. When he bought stuff, he bought good stuff. That drafting table is far and away better than any one I have ever put my hands on. Lower center of the last picture is a fitted drain piece (copper) that is undoubtedly a spare for the house system. Copper would be first class...
I'm thinking he worked for or did work for ATT/Bell Labs. He has an oscilloscope in his home work space-he probably worked with delicate circuitry at the early end of the industry. Not too many oscilloscopes around today because most circuitry is component business and the performance of each piece well known. He had a high end, variable soldering iron with 3 kinds of solder and 5 fluxes visible.
Oh, and I was reminded to buy some 80w Gear Oil for when I service my motorcycle.
Having a gravel road would require a little maintenance but looks really appropriate to the property. A paved driveway might invite 'lookie lous' and worse.
You should have been there in person! I will have to post the other pictures. The drains are all copper, as is around the chimneys, I believe. He has spares for all the obvious (in case of breakage) Unbelievably smart man. He has a few Pixie memoirs, including a painting in the sitting room, and dog tags. Everything he bought was first class, including the elevator, which was Otis. It's funny as the house isn't ostentatious, but, everything is well built and will last. He did work for ATT/Bell Labs as you can see from the paperwork, patents, and other contracting work. I didn't not much about the soldering iron as I don't know much about them. Believe it or not, his hand was still in the work field up until 2014 or 2015, isn't that amazing? He still had patents being approved in 2017.
It is a peaceful town and the house is not visible enough to make a splash on the street, but, yes. I like the fact that it is quiet and not shouting out to lookie lous! :)
Thanks always, Tom!