During the renovation of the historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, workers stumbled upon a 65-year-old wallet hidden behind a wall. The unexpected find provided a window into the past, sparking curiosity about its owner and their story.
Manager’s Office Concealed Lost and Found Area
The wallet was uncovered in what used to be a lost and found area within the manager’s office of the Plaza Theatre, as revealed by Chris Escobar, the theater’s owner. Over the years, successive renovations had obscured its existence, making it nearly imperceptible.
A Time Capsule at the Oldest Cinema in Atlanta
The Plaza Theatre, Atlanta’s oldest cinema, is known for housing remnants of the past. Alongside old popcorn displays and outdated drink bottles, the discovery of the wallet held unique significance. Escobar expressed the wallet’s role as a “portal back in time,” making the find stand out among the theater’s historical artifacts.
Wallet Unveils Historical Insights
Upon inspection, the wallet was found to be a trove of historical artifacts. Escobar initiated a search for the owner’s family, considering the potential sentimental value attached to the wallet. Floy Culbreth, the owner, had lost the wallet 65 years ago, creating an opportunity to reconnect with her descendants.
Online Search Leads to Daughter’s Discovery
Escobar took to the internet and learned that Floy Culbreth had passed away at the age of 87 in 2005. Undeterred, he managed to locate and contact her daughter, Thea Culbreth Chamberlain, who is now 71 years old.
Family Connection and Personal Belongings
Chamberlain, upon inspection of the found wallet, discovered some of her mother’s personal items, including insurance cards and a doctor’s appointment note. At the time of the wallet’s loss, Chamberlain was a mere 6 years old, adding a personal touch to the unexpected reunion with a piece of her family’s history.