You have the potential for a fascinating project there.
Only a couple tips I'm capable of offering.
One, watch for a variety of woods. Houses in southern Louisiana in that era were often built from dissassembled flatboats that brought people and goods from Kentucky, Ohio and other points way north of where you are.
Two, keep spare planer blades on hand.
Three, don't be stingy taking progress pictures and notes. You might be able to sell a magazine article on the project when you are done.
Do keep us up to date.