After moving into a new property, some people start work making their new house a home by redecorating straight away.
But one man decided to put this off for a year after moving into his home, wanting to think about the project before jumping into it.
When it came time to redecorate the upstairs of his house, he came across an unexpected surprise in an ordinary-looking closet.
Recounting his experience on Reddit, the homeowner said: “I found this room hidden in my house last year. The only way to access it is to take the panelling down in the closet upstairs. I think it’s so cool! My house was built in 1897.”
He added: “My son kept telling me that the attic did not add up with the downstairs. He said there had to be hidden space. Low and behold, there was!”
The curious homeowner then sought opinions on what the room was for, detailing: “The window is in the wall. It was covered up with another wall. The room would be cute but the ceiling is really low. Any ideas what this room may have been used for?”
Social media users were quick to engage, spinning theories around the room’s original purpose and suggesting applications for the newfound space.
“I do have some things stored in there,” the homeowner explained. “At first I thought it might be a disappointment room and didn’t want to use it out of respect but I think now I have better explanations.”
“I only store things that I almost never need because it’s really difficult to get there and it’s really hot!” he added.
One user suggested: “I think a room like that would be similar to the secret rooms created during the revolutionary war (100 years prior to your house being built) as well as the civil war; which lines up date wise.
“As those secret rooms were mainly used to hide valuables and store food so enemies wouldn’t confiscate/loot them. Could also have been used to hide runaway slaves. “.
Another added: “Any treasures behind the door? There are many people who would say to leave things as they are (let sleeping ghosts lie). Have you felt any changes in the house since opening it?”.
Offering a different angle, a third user commented: “Here is another possibility that such a room could have been used for (which still relates to the hiding of valuables but could also have served to hide people as well)”.
“As there is a pretty fascinating history in Illinois around those times. The labour union wars. You did not want to ever be caught as a union supporter.
“Many homes would get raided and robbed Even if only suspected of being involved. Thus hiding valuables out of site as well as any union propaganda if they were supporters.
“If said house was an actual gathering place, they could hide the people who gathered if such a raid ensued during a meeting. There is far more one could write on said subject, it’s a brilliant little part of history.
“But my simple responses provided are my best educated guess. Hope it helps. Now all ya got to do. Is pick what one is your favorite. And makeup stories for fun.”
