SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane Fire Department found two locked safes while working in the old YWCA building slated for demolition, one of which contained several antique silver items and other historic objects.
The department was carrying out training exercises in the former YWCA building located near Spokane Falls when they found the two safes, according to the Spokane Fire Department.
Both of the safes were found in a room within the old building.
The department opened one of the safes and found several pieces of silver serveware such as teapots, plates, cups and trays. Antique pottery items were also in the safe.
Engraved on some of the dishes are names. Regina Melveau, CEO of the YWCA, said some of them are from previous YWCA board members and attendees.
"What's really special about the pottery is that it appears to have been made by Dorothy Fowler, who in the mid 70s took a pottery class at the YWCA and then just a few years later became this renowned sculptor," Melveau said.
Fowler has some of her handiwork at places all around Spokane, including the sculptures on a Catholic church in Downtown Spokane. All of this history just in the first safe, it's contents dating back to about 1960.
The department opened the second safe around 1:45 p.m. All that was inside was an old cash box with a few empty envelopes and a check for $2 from 1961.
Melveau said they're contacting the current owner of the building to see if they're willing to let the YWCA keep the discovered treasure.
The historic building is being used by the department for training before it is demolished to make way for new apartments.
