Builders Uncover Century-Old Bathroom Hidden in Historic Mansion Walls
Renovation workers at the Historic Frank D. Yuengling Mansion in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, have made a remarkable discovery that has left them astonished and curious about what other secrets the grand property might hold. During ongoing restoration efforts, the team uncovered a complete, perfectly preserved bathroom dating back to 1913, which had been sealed behind walls since the 1980s.
A Stunning Find Behind the Drywall
The Instagram renovation team, while working on the historic mansion, opened up what was once the master bathroom of Mr. and Mrs. Yuengling. To their amazement, they found the original toilet, tub, sink, and shower all intact and in pristine condition, despite being hidden for decades. This discovery has been described as a phenomenal find by viewers and experts alike, highlighting the bathroom's vintage charm and historical significance.
Many admirers have praised the bathroom as pristine, especially considering its long concealment. One person exclaimed, What a fantastic find, while others expressed confusion over why such a beautiful space was walled off in the first place.
Unraveling the Mystery of the Hidden Bathroom
Questions quickly arose among followers, with one baffled individual asking, Why would anyone in their right mind cover up an entire bathroom? For what reason? Another echoed this sentiment, querying, Why would you wall off a perfectly working bathroom like that? In a follow-up clip, the account's creator provided an explanation tied to the mansion's transformation in the 1980s.
When the property converted from a private home into a commercial space, fire safety codes required the addition of a fire escape. The only feasible solution involved cutting directly through the existing bathroom to create a hallway. The creator elaborated, The workers had to cut through the existing threshold to create a hallway straight through the master suite. We're not sure why they walled it off on both sides instead of leaving it open, but they did, with two-by-fours, drywall, and even adding trim to match the rest of the hallway.
Insights from Viewers and Historical Context
One viewer offered a plausible reason for the double-walled enclosure, suggesting, I could tell you why they walled off on both sides. Typically, commercial egress stairs need a one or two-hour-rated wall around them, so this added partition, I assume, provided that rating. This insight adds a layer of understanding to the architectural decisions made during the 1980s renovation.
The Historic Frank D. Yuengling Mansion, built in 1913, represents the third generation of the Yuengling Brewery and now serves as a cultural centre open to the public. According to its website, the mansion is praised for its knowledgeable staff and friendly tour guides, who provide insightful historical facts. It hosts intimate gatherings such as weddings and engagement parties, though some reviews note challenges with steep stairs and limited space for larger events.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the mansion embodies a delightful blend of history, art, and community, making it a must-visit destination in Pennsylvania. The recent discovery of the hidden bathroom only enhances its allure, with one enthusiast remarking, That bathroom is a beautiful step back in time.
Future Plans and Public Interest
Viewers have expressed keen interest in the future of the discovered bathroom, with one asking, Will you repair the walls and electricity? The original ceiling lights and decoration are beautiful! The renovation team has highlighted this as an example of restoring with intention, encouraging visitors not to miss this long-hidden space on the second floor during their next visit.
This discovery not only adds to the mansion's rich history but also sparks broader conversations about preservation and the hidden gems that may lie within other historic properties. As the renovation continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of careful restoration in uncovering and celebrating our architectural heritage.
