Secret Safe Found in Historic Tacoma Home

 

Submitted by Kafia Hosh for Redfin

Hidden Safe 1Recent buyers of this 1913 house in Tacoma’s North Slope Historic District were surprised to discover a secret safe hidden in a wall. The safe is tucked behind a wood panel in the home’s formal dining room. About 12 inches by 12 inches, it’s big enough to store money or jewelry.

Located at 401 N J St, the craftsman-style home was a wedding present from the bride’s mother. The mother also had the home built next door at 407 North J St so she could have her daughter and son-in-law, a prominent Tacoma attorney, close by. The couple lived in the home until they both passed away and the property went into probate in 1968.

Early residents of the North Slope Historic District included a range of people, from professionals and business proprietors, to railroad employees and celebrities, according to nonprofit, The North Slope Historic District, Inc. Nearly 80 percent of the homes in the district were built prior to 1930.

There was nothing inside the secret safe.  The new owners are considering repairing the lock to preserve the safe.