WAYZATA, Minn. — If these walls could talk. Well, they kind of are in a house in Wayzata. Actually, it’s more the ceiling that's talking. Let us explain.
Steve Albers purchased his home in 2013. He decided it was time for an upgrade. The walls came down and the renovations started, and with any renovation, you never know what you’re going to find. Broken pipes? Nope. Asbestos? Uh uh. Instead, the contractor contacted Steve about something else.
“I found something in your ceiling that I think you might want to take a look at, if you're interested in historical things and whatnot,” Albers relives the story.
It was a letter. A really old letter.
"So, the letter is post 1922 so close to 100 years,” he says. “And the cool part is this letter was used as insulation but is completely preserved with folds."
A beautifully hand-written note from a seaman to his sister. Albers reads from it.
"I mailed a picture of our ship to you while we were on the way back. I hope it gets to you alright,” it says.
Steve knows a lot about the history of his Wayzata home. It was used as the rectory for St. Bartholomew Catholic Church just down the road in the early 1900's. At some point it was picked up and moved to its current location. But none of that explains who this letter is from or to. A mystery. And it gets deeper.
There appears to be a second letter written by someone else. This time a little more scandalous, if you will.
“The last letter you wrote to me you signed the letter "your pal.” I appreciate that babe but ain’t I more than a pal to you? I got to thinking last night that perhaps one reason you couldn't know you loved me is because you love Jane,” it reads.
“Heavy,” says Albers. “It never changes,” he laughs. And he’s right. One hundred years and love will always be love.