Odd News Show

Historic Theatre Discovers Forgotten Relic: Hope for Lost Socks Revived?

Atlanta’s Plaza Theatre discovered a lost wallet tucked away for 65 years, offering a captivating glimpse into the past. Theater owner Chris Escobar’s quest to reunite the wallet with the family of its owner, Floy Culbreth, unveiled a poignant reunion and personal histories.

By Odd News Show Staff · January 1, 2024

Wallet Found 65 Years Later Atlanta First News/YouTube

I’m still trying to get a refund on a rental car from 2022, so this story gives me hope. During the renovation of Atlanta’s Plaza Theatre, workers stumbled upon a hidden treasure that had been lost for 65 years: a wallet belonging to a patron from the late 1950s. 

The Georgia theatre, Atlanta’s oldest continuously operating independent movie theatre since 1939, holds a wealth of history including old popcorn displays, forgotten relics of the past, and probably some skittles that a kid from the 40s stuck under one of the seats. From its art deco beginnings to a stint as an X-rated cinema, the venue has undergone revitalization under various owners, most recently Christopher Escobar since 2017. Escobar’s stewardship has brought renovations, a return to the theater’s original charm, and a continued commitment to showcasing performances, independent, and international films.

However, the discovery of the long-lost wallet took this journey through time to a whole new level. Upon examining the contents, Escobar discovered the wallet was “chock full of history,” and embarked on a mission to reunite this piece of the past with its rightful owners. The wallet contained black-and-white family photos, a raffle ticket for a 1959 Chevrolet, insurance cards, and receipts for 10 gallons of gas priced at $3.26 (ugh, can you imagine? The dream.) He did not mention if he kept a few bucks (as my mom always says, a finder’s fee is fair.)

The name inside the wallet led Escobar on a quest to find her family and return this lost piece of their history, which is to say yes, working at a movie theater is exactly as boring as it sounds. With the help of his wife, Nicole, the search for Floy Culbreth’s family commenced. Culbreth passed in 2005, but they found her daughter, Thea Culbreth Chamberlain, who was only 6 in 1958.

The family, spanning generations, gathered at the theatre in November to retrieve this lost artifact. This reunion became a tearful moment for the family, as memories flooded back for Thea. Imagine - someone being happy to see anything related to health insurance.

Plaza Theatre, Atlanta  Atlanta News First/YouTube

The event was an intergenerational experience, with Thea’s grandchildren marveling at the items found in their great-grandmother’s wallet, recognizing its significance and the treasure trove of memories it held. Escobar expressed the honor of not only managing the historic venue but also restoring a piece of family history. So next time you go to the movie, look under your seat, and also in the walls. You may find crusty skittles, or you may find a piece of history.