If you have a window that faces about 175 magnetic compass try putting the rabbit ears antenna in the window or you can even try putting the rabbit ears in the attic. Here is how to aim rabbit ears antennas ,
http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html . If the old house has a metal screen on the window , the metal screen will need to be removed , the metal screen will reduce and block tv transmissions getting to the rabbit ears.