My house is almost identical to this - balloon frame construction and the same wooden boards. I'm very interested in removing my traditional ceiling, which is made of the same boards, and vaulting it like it is here. My concern is that the original boards are quite dry, thus splitting when removed, but I have also been unable to find similar wood and have been told that it would need to be specially milled. Wondering where these boards were found, if new. If this is original, was the wood treated before removing it from its' original locations?