Of course, anyone embarking on a DIY home renovation anticipates encountering challenges. However, one married couple in Ohio was in for a startling and mysterious discovery when they started updating their 1940s house. Home renovation projects are generally expected to raise a property’s value, but they occasionally reveal surprises that have remained concealed and unnoticed for years. Everything was proceeding as planned with the DIY renovation until the homeowners began work on the basement. Suddenly, something caught their attention that they couldn’t dismiss. They had no idea that beneath their primary floors was something hidden that would alter their lives forever.
A Suspicious Home Demonstration
The couple eagerly began renovating their 1940s home, aiming to make it both beautiful and livable. However, they didn’t predict what they were about to encounter. It’s common for homeowners to uncover some unpleasant surprises when tearing down walls. But this renovation was about to take a fascinating twist. Everything was going smoothly until they started work in the basement. During the demolition process, something suddenly caught their attention. The husband noticed something peculiar that he had never seen before. He realized he needed to investigate further.
The Message That’s Clear
While the homeowner was renovating the basement of their home from the 1940s, something made him pause. Realizing the need to halt the demolition, he carefully peeled back layers on the wall to reveal what he had seen. As he delicately peeled away the wallpaper, he discovered what was hidden beneath. To his amazement, he noticed writings on one of the walls. If the graffiti had been the only thing, he might have simply taken a few photos and continued with the renovation. However, the writings on the wall were just the beginning of a journey that would lead to an even more mysterious discovery.
Positioned Above His Head
He realized that the writing covering the wall beneath the wallpaper must carry significance. He cautiously continued with the demolition, but a feeling made him glance upwards. Above him, embedded in the rafters, was something that drew his attention. An item had been deliberately placed in the basement ceiling, just under the sub-floor, and carefully hidden there for safekeeping by a former owner of the house. He reached up to grasp it, whatever it was. He quickly realized it would require all his strength to pull the object down.
Gradually Uncovering Layers and Recording the Process
The homeowners had just started what they believed would be a typical renovation of their 1940s house. They were unaware that what they were about to find would forever alter their lives. It all began when the husband tore away some old wallpaper on the basement wall and spotted writing and graffiti. Curious about what he had discovered, he noticed something even more intriguing above him. He was unsure of what he was about to uncover, but he realized he needed to document every stage of the renovation. So, he took photos and videos throughout the entire process.
What was the object stuck in the rafters?
As he continued to explore the rafters, he noticed that some of the walls had already been dismantled. It seemed like someone had deliberately created a hidden space for something. But what could it be? As he moved closer, he realized that what he saw concealed in the rafters had been purposefully stored there. It was a suitcase. The suitcase was green with gray accents. It appeared to have been intentionally placed in the hidden space to remain undiscovered. However, discovering it was precisely what he had just accomplished. Yet, the full extent of his discovery was still unknown.
What Did It Contain?
The homeowner discovered a green and gray suitcase but had no idea if it was empty or what it contained. When he tried to move it, he quickly realized it was very heavy. Whatever was inside weighed a lot. Carefully, he started to extract the heavy sealed suitcase from its hiding spot. He wondered why a suitcase that was not particularly large would be so heavy. He was eager to open it to see what was inside. However, he managed to contain his excitement long enough to call his wife to join him for the big reveal.
Uncovering The Concealed Mystery
Honestly, although he wanted his wife to be part of his thrilling discovery, he also wanted someone else present when he opened it, just in case something went awry. Once his wife arrived for the big reveal, he inspected the suitcase with care. He narrated to her the entire story of how he had stumbled upon it, hidden away in the basement rafters. Why was it so heavy for its size? Why would someone go to such lengths to hide it as if they didn’t want it ever found? What could be inside that was so precious or mysterious? He was determined to find out.
About to Be Uncovered in Secret
The couple never imagined that when they started renovating their home, they would encounter such a mystery. They were excited yet anxious about what they were about to uncover. What was inside this old suitcase that had been intentionally concealed? Could it be something sentimental or valuable? Perhaps it was jewelry or money. Or maybe it was just a suitcase filled with rocks. As they prepared themselves for what they were going to find, they speculated, debated, and fretted about what would be revealed when they opened the suitcase. With a mix of apprehension and excitement, they began to open it.
Revealing The Enigma
As they gingerly opened the suitcase, they inhaled deeply. Initially, what they saw was not impressive. It simply looked like old, yellowed wax paper wrapped around what seemed to be common items. However, their curiosity didn’t allow them to just toss it aside and continue. So, they took one of the wax-paper-wrapped parcels out and meticulously unwrapped it. Gradually, as they removed the wax paper wrapping, they began to understand why this suitcase had been hidden away. But, what did they discover?
Bundles Wrapped with Care
The contents of these neatly wrapped wax paper bundles must have held significant value to someone, given the careful wrapping. He began to unwrap the wax paper from the first bundle. To his astonishment, the wrapping concealed a large stack of $20 bills. Their excitement grew as they realized the number of $20 bills in the bundle. And that was just the first bundle they had opened. What treasures might be concealed in the remaining tightly wrapped packages? It felt like Christmas morning as they eagerly delved in, hoping to find more money.
Additional Stacks Of Cash
Once they realized the first package wrapped in wax paper was a large stack of $20 bills, they eagerly began unwrapping the remaining bundles. As they did so, they quickly calculated in their minds how much money they would find in total. Upon examining the bills more closely, they noticed something intriguing—they were all dated and old. This suitcase had clearly been there for a long time. But just how long had it been hidden? And why had it been stashed away so discreetly for so many years?
Recording the Major Discovery
As the couple unwrapped one stack of money after another from a sealed suitcase in their home, they realized they needed to document their discovery. They started looking for a camera to take pictures of everything they uncovered. The first stack was a pile of $20 bills. They began to speculate about the total amount of money that might be inside the suitcase. They wondered if all the stacks were $20 bills or if there might be ones worth even more. The two were astonished and could hardly wait to find out the total amount of their significant find.
Ancient Enveloped Money
It was like the two had discovered an endless source of money. After unwrapping the first bundle of $20 bills, they assumed the rest might be the same or even less, perhaps containing $1 bills. To their surprise, as they unwrapped each bundle in the suitcase, they started finding stacks of $50 and then $100 bills. The second bundle they opened didn’t contain $20 bills but was packed with $50 bills. The third bundle was even more astonishing as it was filled with $100 bills. Was it a dream? There had to be more to this hidden fortune.
What Was the Source of the Cash?
The couple was naturally excited about the discovery they made during the renovation of their 1940s home. However, they soon found themselves flooded with questions. Where did this money originate? Who had hidden it, and why did they take such care to ensure it wouldn’t be found? When had this event occurred? They realized they needed answers and began by examining the dates on the money they had found. As they started to determine the dates, what they would uncover was even more astonishing to them.
Hints About How Long the Money Had Been Concealed
Now that the hidden suitcase had been discovered and its contents revealed, numerous questions began to arise in the couple’s minds. Where did all of this cash originate? Was it legitimate money? Was it stolen? How long had this stack of money been inside their house? An even more pressing question for them was how much money had they found hidden away in their basement? And, could they keep it? As they examined all the bundles of cash they had uncovered, they started to realize that it had been there for a long time. Some of the bills were from the 1930s and even the 1920s.
A Peek Into History
In an effort to figure out how long the suitcase filled with money had been hidden in their basement, the two began examining everything they had just found. They checked each bill for the date marked on it to help establish a timeframe. Carefully, they removed every bundle of cash and then found a clue that gave them a clear indication of a date. A newspaper had been folded up and placed at the bottom of the suitcase beneath the cash, providing a date to give them an idea of how old their discovery was.
During the Spring of the 1950s
As the homeowners cautiously examined the newspaper they discovered at the bottom of the suitcase hidden beneath the money, they eventually noticed a date. It was marked March 25, 1951. The newspaper originated from the
Cleveland Plain Dealer
which was an old journal. With an estimated period of when the suitcase had been hidden in their basement, they could start to unravel the rest of the mystery. But how could they do that? The key question on their minds was how much this money was worth in today’s market and what they should do with it now.
The Worth of Antique Currency
As they continued to search through the contents of the green and gray suitcase the husband had found, they started to observe certain details. They noticed that most of the money consisted of star bills. Star notes are produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to replace misprinted or damaged currency before it enters circulation. These replacement notes are printed like regular notes, with a small distinction. These star notes have a star in the serial number. This made their discovery even rarer since star bills are uncommon. They are not frequently found in circulation, but these homeowners had come across a suitcase filled with them.
Get in touch with the authorities.
The pair struggled to hold back their excitement, but they wanted to ensure that everything they had found was legitimate. They were also eager to find out if their hidden treasure was of any value. Their first step was to consult a lawyer who assessed the stash and determined its worth. To their astonishment, they learned that the money they had uncovered was valued at approximately $23,000. It certainly occurred to them that this might be enough to cover the costs of their renovation project. However, they needed to know more. They were intrigued by the history of how the suitcase filled with cash ended up in their basement to begin with.
Returning to the Renovation Project
The couple was overjoyed with their discovery. Their lawyer estimated that they had stumbled upon a suitcase containing old bills valued at about $23,000 in today’s terms. Despite their excitement about the hidden treasure they had retrieved from the ceiling in their basement, they needed to keep working on the renovation project that had initiated their find. So, they resumed their work. To their surprise, as they continued the renovation, they found yet another suitcase hidden in the ceiling. He was amazed that he hadn’t noticed the second suitcase when he found the first one. Once again, he waited for his wife to come home so they could open it together.
What did the second suitcase contain?
The anticipation of whether the second suitcase held as much money as the first was thrilling. He could barely contain his excitement, but he wished to experience the moment with his wife. Therefore, he waited for her to arrive. During his wait, he pondered if the second find would be as rewarding as the first. Numerous other questions raced through his mind as he awaited his wife’s return so they could open it together and confirm. He was amazed that he had discovered one buried treasure in a suitcase loaded with cash. What was the likelihood that the second one would also be valuable?
A Renovation That Covers Its Own Costs
His wife finally came back home, and the two of them opened the second suitcase. They were both in shock yet eager to see its contents. As they opened the second hidden suitcase, they couldn’t believe their eyes. This one was heavier than the first, and what they found inside would turn out to be even more valuable than their earlier find. The second suitcase also contained cash. This amount was estimated to be worth about $45,000, nearly double the value of the first discovery. The couple wanted to stop right there and celebrate, but they knew they had to complete their basement renovation project. Furthermore, they were curious to see if they might find more surprises hidden inside the walls and rafters.
A Disturbing Find
As they progressed with their renovation project, they started to wonder just how much money had been hidden in their 1940s house. However, something else drew their attention that needed urgent investigation. There was an exterior door they had noticed in the house. They had previously questioned its purpose but hadn’t given it much thought until now. They were intrigued and eager for more discoveries, hoping to find even more hidden treasures. They opened the door and were shocked by a troubling discovery. At this point, their only recourse was to contact the FBI.
Contacting the FBI
The homeowners found a suitcase containing old rare currency valued at $23,000, and then they found another suitcase with about $45,000 in cash. They were curious about a secret door they had known about since buying the house but had never fully explored. They suspected that what they might uncover would require assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They contacted the FBI to inform them of their discoveries. Consequently, the FBI arrived to conduct their own investigation.
Behind the Mysterious Door
When the couple purchased the home planning to renovate it, the real estate agent had pointed out a small white door in the room where the water heater was stored. They hadn’t opened it at that moment, and didn’t give it much thought or consider that it might lead to some hidden mystery. However, after discovering two suitcases filled with cash, they wanted to ensure the authorities were involved as they continued their renovation project, which was full of surprises. Their discovery when they opened the small white door in the water heater room was remarkable.
What lay beyond the small white door?
The homeowners were aware of the small, hidden white door near their water heater. However, they hadn’t thought much about it until today. After discovering not one, but two suitcases filled with money in their basement, they began to wonder what lay beyond the little white door. Various possibilities and theories raced through their minds. Yet, they were not fully prepared for the reality that awaited them on the other side of that door. It was more than just a minor storage space. What exactly was behind that closed entrance in their home? They were about to be astonished.
Secrets and Deceptions
As they cautiously and hesitantly opened the small white door, they were stunned by what they found behind it. During their tour of the house they planned to buy and renovate into their dream home, the real estate agent had pointed out this doorway. However, the agent had not disclosed what lay beyond the sealed door. Upon opening the little white door, the couple quickly realized there was an unexpected mystery that caught them off guard. Whether intentional or not, their agent had deceived them or concealed the truth.
A mysterious hidden chamber
Behind the small white door that the real estate agent had ignored while selling the house was a secret room. This room was enveloped in even greater mystery. Would what they discovered there shed light on the suitcases filled with money that had been stashed in another concealed location in the house? Or was something even more ominous taking place inside this house? The two had come this far, and they understood they couldn’t halt now. They had to seek the answers to their questions, even if it was unsettling to find out what lay behind the door.
What Was Hidden Behind The White Door?
When they opened the small door, what they saw was astounding. The homeowner, who was renovating, was filled with questions. What occurred in this room? It seemed to be something ominous. After all, if it was innocent activity, why would the former owner feel the need to conceal it? Behind the small white door was a secret room. It was filled with mismatched carpet squares and lacked proper furniture. His mind raced with possibilities of what took place in this hidden area beneath their house, tucked away behind the water heater. He cautioned his wife to stay back until he could investigate a bit more.
The homeowners had no knowledge of the events that occurred in their house.
The homeowners had been living in the house for several years before deciding to remodel the basement. They were aware when they bought the house that there was a small doorway sealed off behind the water heater. Nonetheless, they hadn’t given it much consideration until now. After finding two suitcases containing rare star bills valued at thousands of dollars, and dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, they realized something more must have transpired within the walls they called home. They needed to understand what it was before proceeding with the renovation.
A Dark and Dingy Astonishing Find
Beyond the small white door that the homeowners had not tried to open until now, they would uncover some dark and grim mysteries. Firstly, the room was soundproofed. The walls, floor, and ceiling were completely draped with white tarps, blocking any noise from escaping the room. Why would anyone need to soundproof a room hidden behind a water heater? It was dark and grimy, with mold covering a significant portion of the space. It was evident that the room hadn’t been used for a long time.
Unlocking the Lock
Upon entering the forbidden room, they found another door. However, this one was even more difficult to deal with. Before they could find out what lay beyond, they needed to break through it. The door was not only shut but also bolted. It had a master lock and a secured bolt to protect whatever was on the other side. But protected from whom? What was so mysterious that the previous owners felt it necessary to secure it tightly and keep it hidden? The current homeowner was determined to discover what was behind the door. Armed with a hammer, he began pounding with all his strength to try and break through the locked door.
A Mysterious Suitcase
He noticed an unusual briefcase on the floor. Normally, if a homeowner found an abandoned briefcase in an empty room, they might not give it much thought. However, after breaking the lock on the door, passing through the small white hallway door, and finding two enigmatic suitcases filled with money, they did not want to risk discovering what might be inside the briefcase. What had begun as a straightforward home renovation project to enhance their property’s value and their living conditions had taken a dark twist inside that secret room with a locked safe and a discarded briefcase. What was inside the briefcase?
A Menacing Time Capsule
With a mix of fear and curiosity, the homeowner cautiously unlocked the briefcase to uncover its contents. Upon opening the briefcase, which had been concealed in a previously unknown room, they were astonished by what they discovered. Inside were mysterious artifacts, including envelopes with notes from various countries. Additionally, there were two more enigmatic boxes to explore. One was an old wooden box, and the other was a jewelry box brimming with rings, watches, and silver ingots. The questions remained—who were the items for, and why did they require such stringent security measures to keep them hidden?
Concealed Treasures
Had they unearthed secret treasures or something more ominous? The atmosphere in that room felt unsettling. It was as though something terrible had occurred there long before the two homeowners acquired the property. Their minds spun with curiosity about what could have taken place in that shadowy, damp area beneath their house. Clearly, they had discovered some valuable items. But to whom did they belong? Why were they hidden away from view? Had something unimaginable happened in their cozy home? They needed to learn more. They had to get to the truth.
The Unsettling Sensation
While searching for more evidence about what happened in their home, something caught their attention. They discovered something that provided more troubling clues about the history of the house. With careful curiosity, they searched the room for any signs that might reveal the truth about past events in that space. To their dismay, they uncovered something that prompted them to contact the authorities straight away. Meanwhile, as they waited for the authorities to arrive, they continued to document their findings by taking photos and videos of everything they discovered.
Increased Confidentiality Within a Safe
While searching for additional clues about what happened in the secret room of their house, the homeowners discovered more than just suitcases filled with money. In addition to the antique jewelry, watches, rings, and silver bars, there was something more ominous that alarmed the couple. A black sentry safe was hidden away in a corner of the room. They wondered if they even wanted to open it, fearing that their streak of finding cash might have ended, given the room’s unsettling atmosphere. However, they realized they had to find out what was inside.
Additional Secrets Uncovered on Tape
Inside the safe were several videotapes. The homeowners suspected that the recordings on those tapes might uncover the terrible events that had occurred behind the small white door hidden behind the water heater in their home. They could only imagine the dreadful scenes that the videotapes might show. If there was nothing sinister on them, why would they be so carefully hidden and secured away? The potential discoveries on those tapes already filled the homeowners with fear, but something else found inside the safe alarmed them even more.
Disturbing Message
Inside the black safe, there was not only video evidence of what were likely unspeakable crimes that occurred in a possible torture chamber hidden within the home they were renovating. The couple knew their charming 1940s house had plenty of character, which they planned to renovate into something even more livable. However, they were unaware of the sinister side lurking behind the walls of the place they called home. Besides the video evidence, the safe also contained a strange and unsettling note that simply read, “Save yourself.” It was written in black ink. Was it a warning or a plea for help?
The Caution on the Recordings
Despite the discoveries the renovating homeowners had already encountered being enough to stop them, they continued to search through the items in the safe. Besides the mysterious video tapes and the ominous note advising to save oneself, there were additional reasons for concern. The more the couple delved into the safe, the more anxious they became. They discovered several video tapes with messages written on them. The messages read, “Do not” or “No, no, no, no, no, no!” The husband realized that to uncover the truth of what really occurred in this house, someone would need to watch the tapes. But, was he prepared to endure potential trauma from witnessing what happened in his home?
Disturbing Finding
As the homeowner renovating the house examined the tapes and the ominous warning messages, he discovered something even more unsettling. Although the money found inside the suitcases dated back as early as the 1920s, the contents of the black safe were distinct. The video tapes were VHS tapes, indicating they must have been produced after the 1951 newspaper clipping they had found to date the mysteries. The tapes bore no labels, but there were a sequence of numbers that seemed to describe their contents.
Being too inquisitive can lead to trouble.
You’ve probably heard the saying “curiosity killed the cat,” and in this case, curiosity got the better of the homeowner. He was compelled to discover what had occurred inside this hidden room. Preparing himself for the worst, he managed to find a VHS player so he could watch the contents of the tapes they had found in a safe within the secret room. It didn’t take long for him to realize that what was on those tapes was beyond what he could endure. He watched only a brief segment of one tape and quickly understood that the situation was more extensive than what he and his wife could manage alone.
The FBI Conducts Home Investigation
The horrifying and disturbing discoveries made by the homeowners prompted them to hand over the investigation to the police. The FBI conducted an investigation at the house. They reviewed the footage on the tape to ascertain what possible crimes or acts of torture may have occurred in the hidden room. However, whatever was on those tapes might never be revealed to the general public. It must have been extremely gruesome, as the FBI has never disclosed the tapes’ contents. The homeowner, however, will not forget the images he saw on the VHS before handing it over to the authorities. The media has speculated about what might have happened, but it all remains conjecture.
What kind of monster resided here?
With the tapes kept as secretive as the hidden room and suitcases filled with cash, no one will ever truly know what happened inside this home. The couple renovating it had no idea what they were about to discover when they purchased the house to improve it. They were also lucky not to be caught up in any mysterious danger that could have harmed them. They made the right decision by informing the proper authorities and handing it over for investigation. They now have an intriguing story to tell about what could have been just a normal renovation project. However, it will always make other home buyers wonder what secrets might be hidden in their own houses. What could be behind your walls? Other home renovators share their unusual discovery stories.
Discovery of Underground Bunker
Considering what the renovating homeowners found in their basement, you might want to do some exploring yourself. What could be concealed behind walls, hidden in rafters or ceilings, or buried beneath your house? Many people have uncovered some very unique discoveries. One man bought a house after the original owner had died. The real estate agent sold the house as it was. As the new owner was exploring his newly acquired house, he went down to the basement to take a look. There, he found a concealed room behind some plywood, filled with ammunition and guns. He also discovered a safe filled only with pennies.
A Secret Room Preserved In Time
A couple found a secret room that seemed to be untouched by time. While searching the basement of a family house that had been lived in for years, they stumbled upon something astonishing. Behind the walls of the old family home was a Victorian kitchen, perfectly preserved. Dating back to the 1830s, the kitchen was fully equipped. It’s uncertain whether the kitchen was owned by a family member who kept it a secret or by previous homeowners. It contained pots, pans, a cooking range, and was set up to serve 20 people.
Invaluable Miniature of a Russian Czar
In a residence in Upstate New York, an unusual discovery was made. For nearly 70 years, a secret lay hidden in the attic of the New York home that would turn out to be quite profitable for the finder. It was a Russian figurine, but not an ordinary one. This was a unique Faberge figure created by Russian Czar Nicholas II in 1912. It had been given to his wife, Empress Alexandra, and is one of only 50 ever produced. The person who found this treasure gained a profit when it was auctioned for $5.2 million.
A Cache of Money
Inside an Arizona home, there was a figurative gold mine. Contractors were summoned to a house in Arizona for repairs and found $500,000 in cash stashed inside a military ammunition box. This discovery sparked a legal dispute over the rightful ownership of the money. The homeowner argued that it belonged to them because it was found on their property. The repairmen contended that they should receive it. Ultimately, the court ruled that the money should be distributed among the beneficiaries of the man who initially concealed it in the ammo box. His name was Robert Spann, and he had died more than ten years before the money was found.
Release the Bombs
When a couple moved into their new home, they were unaware of what they would find. The wife was organizing the basement and discovered something shocking. She hurried to her spouse and insisted that he go downstairs to see it. Although initially dismissive, he finally agreed to check it out. To his amazement, there was a torpedo in the basement. They quickly reached out to an Army veteran to examine the situation. The expert suggested that it might be a mortar or a lightweight anti-tank weapon from either the Vietnam or Korean War, possibly retained as a souvenir.
A Valuable Chance
A homeowner had no clue they were about to literally hit the jackpot when they hired a professional for plumbing repairs. The plumber arrived to fix a problem in the bathroom. While he was working on the repairs the homeowner had requested, something shiny caught his attention. He reached down to pick up the shiny item, and to his pleasant surprise, it was a gold bar. Fortunately for the homeowner, the plumber was honest and returned it to the rightful owner. The homeowner learned that the gold bar was valued at $50,000.
Unveiling a Victorian Enigma
In an old Victorian house in England, Diane and Pat Farla came across an intriguing grate in their basement. One night, after having some wine, they decided to investigate and find out more about it. They lifted the grate and saw a hole in the basement floor. The passage was only big enough to let their niece and a friend through. When they ventured through the opening, they discovered what appeared to be an underground chapel. They promptly contacted historians, who suggested it was likely a hidden Catholic church from the 1700s, a time when Catholics faced persecution and were killed.
A Whole Secret City Beneath Your Home
In the 1960s, a homeowner was unexpectedly doing renovation repairs on his house. Suddenly, he demolished a wall that revealed a concealed room. He started to explore to understand the purpose of this hidden room, only to find another room and then another. As he continued to explore his newly discovered hidden spaces, he eventually realized that he had uncovered an entire underground city. Derinkuyu remains one of the most remarkable and rare archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
th
The city was constructed with an extensive network of underground tunnels that were once inhabited by the Hittites.
Revealing a Concealed Masterpiece
A family in Vermont found out there was a fake wall in their deceased father’s house. However, it wasn’t the fake wall itself that was remarkable. Behind it was a genuine Norman Rockwell painting that had been hidden there for years. It turns out he had intentionally concealed the painting to prevent his ex-wife from taking it during their divorce. He never mentioned this change, so the discovery was truly surprising. The painting eventually sold at auction for $15.4 million. They weren’t the only ones with hidden artworks. Another family in New York remembered having a $300 million Michelangelo painting hidden in the back of a couch, forgotten there for nearly 30 years.
Confidential Romantic Correspondence
Love was in the air, or perhaps it was confined behind a wall. One day, a brother and sister were renovating a house together. They were delighted to discover a collection of letters that appeared to have emotional significance. It turned out there were 31 love letters written by a World War I soldier. The letters had been hidden inside the walls. The siblings researched the signatures found on the letters and traced the names to the grandchildren of the love letter writer. They delivered the letters to them.
Securely Stored
Finding a wall safe in a house, particularly in an older home undergoing renovation, is quite common. However, for this homeowner, the safe was located in an unusual spot—in the kitchen wall. Once they succeeded in opening it, they examined its contents. To their utter joy, they found intriguing items, although some left them puzzled. The safe held $50,000 in cash, a bottle of bourbon, and a copy of E. F. Schumacher’s book, “A Guide for the Perplexed.”
A Discovery Illuminated
A cafeteria in California had been in operation for many years when the owner decided it was time to update the bathrooms. In 1935, the building had been revamped to have a forest theme as a diner. However, after the renovation, the owner reported receiving an excessively high electric bill. The current owner was about to learn the reason why. While remodeling the bathroom, they found a neon light. By itself, this discovery wasn’t particularly noteworthy. What made the find remarkable was that the light was still glowing. Experts believe the neon light had been illuminated for 77 years without going out.
A Discovery of Holocaust-Scale Magnitude
When a couple in Hungary decided to renovate their home, they made a historical discovery. Hidden inside their walls were more than 6,000 Nazi documents. All of these documents belonged to the Third Reich. Most similar papers had been destroyed to prevent them from falling into enemy hands. However, these had been concealed in the walls. It seemed they had been hidden shortly before the Nazis invaded Hungary. The papers contained information about the Holocaust, specifically listings for counting Jews and assigning them homes to be relocated to before moving them into the Budapest ghettos.
A Spy’s Identity Revealed
While renovating their home, a family was surprised to discover they were revealing the identity of a spy. They unearthed a collection of espionage-related items, including a machine gun, a classified photograph of Berlin after World War II, and communications from the War Office and Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Even more astonishing was that the spy was now an elderly woman named Eileen Burgoyne. She lived to be 98 and served as a covert agent in Spain, Germany, Gibraltar, and Africa. After the war, she likely played a significant role in Cold War activities.
Humorous Entertainment
Everyone can use a bit of humor, especially during a tough renovation project. One homeowner in Minnesota found something that had them laughing all the way to the bank. While tearing down the walls, they discovered newspapers and other paper items used as insulation. Among the newspapers, they found an old comic book that turned out to be the first Superman comic published in 1938. The comic was sold at auction for $175,000, and it could have fetched even more if it hadn’t lost its cover while serving as insulation. For comparison, a near-mint copy of the same comic once sold for $2.16 million at auction.