Skilled Tradies is excited to bring you a series of mysteries and out-of-the-ordinary stories related to renovations across the world. The stories are captured from varied sources and renovators worldwide; this is one of the many intriguing stories to come.
In November 2020, Matt and Carrie Tessmer embarked on a bathroom renovation project in their over-century-old home in Minneapolis. As they peeled back layers of paint and plaster behind the toilet, they stumbled upon unexpected treasures. They had been hiding in the walls for decades. The couple discovered handwritten love letters, addressed to two different girls. But the letters weren’t the only stuff they found. It was much like diving into a treasure from the past. Let’s have a closer look at everything they found.
The Love Letters: A Glimpse into Young Romance
Amidst the debris, the Tessmers discovered two handwritten love letters, signed by someone named “John B.,” who also referred to himself as “Lolly.” The letters were addressed to two different girls, Hazel and Pauline. Each letter expressed deep affection, asked the recipient to attend a dance, and contained youthful sentiments.
One note read, “I hope you still love me. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX,” signed affectionately by “John B.”
Carrie Tessmer reflected on the letters, saying, “Upon reading some of them, we realized it was actually probably more likely a kid like between the ages of 13-18. They were talking about first lunch, ‘I have study hall this period.'”
The discovery left the couple both surprised and intrigued. “I would love to know the story behind it and also why the letters did not get delivered and why they ended up in our bathroom wall,” Carrie shared.
Image source: Matt and Carrie Tessmer
Other Historical Finds in the Bathroom Wall
The love letters weren’t the only items the Tessmers found. The bathroom wall also concealed old medicine bottles, razor blades, rose water, and toiletries from defunct Minneapolis brands. There was even makeup, glycerin, and a bottle of shoe polish, offering a unique glimpse into daily life during the early 20th century.
Reflecting on the items, Matt said, “It is trash to those people, but to us, it’s kind of cool to see a little bit of the past.” Carrie added, “There were a lot of Minneapolis brands in here—some of the medicine they used, all the razor blades [and] rose water and glycerin.”
Who Was John B.? Tracing the Mystery
The Tessmers delved into the mystery of “John B.,” identifying two potential suspects:
- John Joseph Pavlo:
- John Joseph Pavlo lived in the house as a teenager between the 1920s and 1950s.
- “He would have been about 17 at the time when he lived in this house with his family,” Carrie explained.
- John Book:
- John Book was born in the 1930s and moved into the house as an adult in the 1960s.
- The Tessmers discovered some of his old homework in the attic, suggesting he held onto mementos from his teenage years.
Carrie summarized the enigma, saying, “It’s even more of a mystery because we don’t know if it was written by John Pavlo as a 17-year-old in the ’20s, or if it was written by John Book when he was a kid and he just threw it in the walls when he bought the house in the ’60s.”
Image source: Matt and Carrie Tessmer
The biggest question remains: Why were these letters never delivered and instead hidden away in a bathroom wall?
Connection to Local History: A Glimpse into the Past
The letters and artifacts reflect a slice of Minneapolis life from the early to mid-20th century. They hint at the social customs of the time—young boys writing heartfelt letters and inviting girls to dances. Such finds provide a personal connection to history, bringing to life the stories of ordinary people.
Unveiling the Mystery: Next Steps and Personal Reflections
The Tessmers are determined to learn more about “John B.” and the recipients of the letters. They continue to research the lives of John Pavlo and John Book, hoping to uncover more clues.
Before closing up the wall during renovations, the couple decided to leave a legacy of their own. They placed a photo of themselves with a note for future homeowners to discover. Carrie remarked, “Whatever project we have next, I’m sure we’ll find something.”
Conclusion
Matt and Carrie Tessmer’s unexpected discoveries behind their bathroom wall offer a fascinating look into the lives of previous homeowners. From love letters to old toiletries, these hidden artifacts bridge the past and present. As the Tessmers continue their search for answers about “John B.,” their story reminds us of the rich history our homes may hold.
Who knows what other hidden stories lie within the walls of old homes? This peculiar find made their renovation project unforgettable. If you’ve ever unearthed something surprising in your own home, share your story—who knows, it might just reveal a fascinating piece of history. Stay with us for more mysteries in bathroom renovation.
