"Apparently it was used for insulation to fill a hole behind the frame, most likely the only insulation in the building" Mariemont Inn Director of Operations Bill Spinnenweber said. "It is interesting to note that the stock market was at an all time high. Also, there must to have been some rumblings of a down market (bear market) developing. These were the boom days before the market collapsed in 1929."

The piece of historic newsprint, which had become yellowed with age but whose print is still perfectly legible, was flattened, mounted and framed behind glass for keepsake. What will be done with the paper -- if and where it will hang -- has not yet been determined.

Also found within the walls are colorful soda bottles, probably left by thirsty workers in the '20s who first erected the walls of the Inn.

The rennovation work, which is presently concentrated on the Madisonville Road wing of the Inn, will continue through this fall and winter. When this wing is completed, work will start on the Wooster Pike wing. All the work is expected to be completed by winter 2007.

The result of the renovations, which will have included a complete gutting of the Inn’s interior, will be a significant upgrade in the size of the rooms and quality of service.The Inn presently has 60 rooms, but the renovations will drop that number to approximately 44 larger, more luxurious rooms that will include four-fixture bathrooms and modern-day technological upgrades such as wireless Internet access throughout the facility.

“Renovations will also extend to the first floor and include a historic gallery, business center, fitness center and rear entrance connected to the main lobby,” Spinnenweber said.

The hotel will remain open throughout the renovations and the National Exemplar and pub will remain open.