Woman's long-lost wallet returned after 65 years
A long-lost wallet has finally been found 65 years later—almost two decades after its owner passed away.
According to a report by USA Today, housewife Floy Culbreth went to the Plaza Theatre in 1958 for a night of entertainment, but it ended on a low note when she misplaced her wallet at the establishment.
It wasn't until 65 years later that it was found by current Plaza owner Christopher Escobar, who has returned the wallet to where it rightfully belongs.
Detailing how the item was found after it evaded eyes for decades, Escobar said that employees of the 84-year-old cinema saw it in a closet during renovations in October last year.
"In the far, far corner under the pipe, they ended up coming across this wallet," Escobar said. "We pretty quickly realized what we had on our hands."
The wallet contained a gas receipt for 10 gallons worth $3.26 (P55.51), a special photo of her father, and raffle tickets to win a 1959 Chevrolet. Other items include credit cards for department stores, a doctor's appointment reminder, and a calendar.
Luckily, there was also an identification card showing that its owner was Culbreth as well as her address and contact information. With this, Escobar asked his wife Nicole to help locate the woman.
After doing a quick search, however, they found that Culbreth passed away in 2005.
They then decided to look up her relatives, and found a website for a fundraising event created by the late couple’s grandchildren to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
After reaching out to the family, Culbreth's daughter, Thea Chamberlain, answered their call and scheduled a meeting with them in November to pick up her mother’s wallet. She went to the theater together with other family members.
"Everything about her, just about, was in there," Chamberlain told USA Today. "Her family pictures, her library card, her Rich’s and Davison's (department store) credit cards—it just brought back a ton of memories and still is. The memories are still flooding in for all of us about her."
"It was overwhelming. I felt like we had gotten a piece of her back," she added, noting how she had never seen the photo of her grandfather before.
With the item filled with valuable memories returned, Escobar said that he feels honored about having accomplished the task despite all odds, which touched Chamberlain's heart.
"Chris didn't realize what sharing this wallet has meant. I think a simple thing like finding this wallet and reaching out is just such a kind gesture. Reach out to people because you never know what you're going to do for their family," said Chamberlain.