MONROE — A cigar box with the logo nearly disintegrated, boasting La Azora brand smokes from Sprague distributors of Chicago. A book with the title, “The Nevers” topping its wilting pages. An oversized, yet lightweight baseball bat with a chunk missing just below its center. A pint of Boone’s Knob whiskey crafted by the Milwaukee Drug Company. 

Monroe Arts Center Executive Director Kathy Hennessy found all of these things, as well as pieces of coal and portions of aged light sconces, in her office one day after construction crews working below the concert hall removed portions of wall not disturbed since the mid-19th century. She was surprised with the first discovery of the bat, but intrigued as more items were unearthed.

“That’s what’s been so exciting to me,” Hennessy said. “It’s just finding all of this.”

Hennessy said she plans to create a display case with the items for visitors to see. 

The building was originally First Methodist Episcopal Church. Recent funding through a state matching grant and financial support through fundraising with a boost from Colony Brands Inc. has allowed for the space below the concert hall to be renovated. A hall extending west from the church-like building is being reconstituted as well to make more space for children to make use of the center.

Hennessy said the projects are currently on schedule and expects work to be completed in June.

Some of the original archway was even hidden behind the walls. Brandt Construction workers were the people who actually found the items. Rob Flannery of Brandt said workers generally find worthless items in walls from time to time when renovating older buildings, but not usually anything of value or genuine interest. In addition to “lots of whiskey bottles,” he said the bat and others offered a glimpse into the way of life over 150 years ago. 

Hennessy and Flannery both noted that when the church was being built, the area was likely just rolling hills, not rows of homes, concrete and asphalt as it is now.

“You gotta figure when this was built they probably went on lunch break and played baseball, and somebody forgot the baseball bat when they left,” Flannery said with a laugh. 

Hennessy said it is unlikely they will find any other items since the walls have been taken out and workers are currently putting new drywall into the space. Studs outlined where rooms will be and workers were recently milling around with materials to fill the space. However, Hennessy was glad a positive experience was borne of building renovations.

“It’s really exciting down there,” Hennessy said. “There’s something to look at every day.”