The allure of discovering hidden treasures or secrets has always captured the human imagination. From explorers uncovering ancient artifacts to archaeologists delving into forgotten tombs, the quest to uncover the unknown has been the driving force behind some of history’s most remarkable adventures. But the thrill of discovery is not limited to distant lands or distant times. Sometimes the most interesting mysteries can be found right under our feet, in our own homes and backyards.
One such story of backyard exploration took place in Tucson, Arizona, when John Sims moved into a seemingly ordinary house. Little did he know that his new home held a secret that would not only change the course of his life but also shed light on a fascinating chapter in history. The story of John’s backyard discovery is a testament to the human spirit of curiosity, the persistence to uncover the truth, and the unexpected surprises that can be found in the most unlikely of places.
John Sims moved to Tucson, Arizona in an attempt to live a quieter life. This was not what he expected to become one of his favorite memories. It all started when the former owner of his new house told him about a disturbing rumor.
It seems that there were whispers that something was buried on the property. John couldn’t shake the thought, so he started digging in the backyard. A chill ran down his spine as he realized what he had discovered. No doubt he didn’t agree.
The House With the Mysterious Backyard When John Sims found out that a friend of his was selling a house in downtown Tucson, Arizona, he was eager to close the sale. As the owner was a friend, he had no doubt that he was incapable of care. Still, once the paperwork was completed, a friend told him about a rumor about the property.
The sages of the community say that there is something interesting going on there.
His friend never figured out the mystery, but maybe John did. John ends up uncovering something that gets national attention in Arizona.
His curiosity got the better of him.
As John began moving his things into his new house, he couldn’t help but think back to what his friend had said. He was interested as well as curious.
He quickly developed an obsession with discovering the mysteries of his new home.
He began to dig and search his possessions. Even though John dug four different holes across the backyard, he never found anything.
If he couldn’t find it under the grass, then whatever it is, it must be under the bricks.
There is an X.
John found the building records for his house when he was searching for municipal documents. Studies have shown that the peculiar building was built in 1961 by a company called Whitaker Pools. Now that John had proof that something was buried on the property, he was much more motivated to solve the puzzle.
He hired specialists equipped with metal detectors to help him find it. Upon arrival, a team equipped with the appropriate tools combed John’s backyard. It wasn’t long before the metal detectors began to sound. John marked two places where the metal detectors went off with a big X.
Getting to the point
After the consultants were dismissed, John excitedly picked up the shovel and started digging. His shovel hit something metal really fast. Finally, he found something three feet under the lawn. Now that he was walking forward, John decided to think for a moment.
For example, was it a septic tank? What if he damaged or destroyed the pipe instead?
He needed to go slow. But the more he dug, the more he felt that this was something else. The answer to the mystery was coming to his yard.
Opening the hatch
John later discovered what appeared to be a hatch entrance. He bent down to brush the dirt off his hands and prayed to open the metal lid. John was careful not to inhale too much air as there was a good chance that mold spores or toxic gas fumes were present.
John left the lid open for about a day to allow the air from below to flow away and fresh air to enter the building. He also knew that an air test would be done before entering the small space to make sure there was no mold.
It wasn’t safe.
Early in the morning, John looked into the hatch. He found a spiral staircase leading down. Unlike some people who would be so happy to start moving down immediately, John wasn’t that stupid.
He knew better now. As a department captain, he needed backup in case the rural/metro fire department’s lid fell back. There was no way he could lift the lid from under his residence where he was currently living alone.
Group building
John was well aware of all the risks due to his training and experience in rescuing people from confined spaces. He knew there were too many risks to enter the shaft alone and that the staircase was unstable.
That’s when John decided to start a team. He invited some friends to come help him.
Some of them might serve as observers when it was safe to examine the contents of the shaft and might help him advance the excavation.
Establishing a schedule
When they got together the next day, they sat down and made a plan. They also discussed the best course of action. One of their first activities was to reinforce and rebuild the concrete structure that surrounded the stairs.
They put a cardboard Sonotube around the entrance so they wouldn’t damage anything while working. John and his crew laid layers of concrete and secured the reinforcement inside the hatch.
It was laborious.
When they got together the next day, they sat down and made a plan. They also discussed the best course of action. One of their first activities was to reinforce and rebuild the concrete structure that surrounded the stairs.
They put a cardboard Sonotube around the entrance so they wouldn’t damage anything while working. John and his crew laid layers of concrete and secured the reinforcement inside the hatch.
find a way in
They finally finished building the structure. There was also a spiral staircase to manage. The steps were so corroded that it was impossible to determine if they would hold any weight. They needed to find another entrance and avoid climbing the stairs.
John had to carefully climb down the team ladder, being careful not to cut himself on the rusty steps. John was incredibly excited. He would be the first to solve the puzzle. This was the moment he had been looking forward to for a long time.
It was left to finish.
John was relieved to find that they had finished digging after reaching the bottom. However, more work remained to be done. The fiberglass covering the tunnel ceilings was slowly disintegrating. This meant there was still no security around the building.
John took a close look around and was amazed to find that after almost fifty years of abandonment, the building was still in pretty good shape overall. It was eventually discovered that John had an atomic bomb shelter in his yard, even though it was empty.
Beginning during the Cold War
Now everything was obvious. During the Cold War, when nuclear war between the US and the Soviet Union was a real threat, the bunker was built. At that point, Whitaker Pools decided to branch out into the air defense industry.
In fact, some homes in the Tucson area had bomb shelters. Back then, the best a patriotic family man could do was make sure his loved ones were safe in the event of a nuclear war.
Tucson’s past
It turns out that Tucson has a long and complicated history with bombs. Tucson was called the “Missile City” because it once possessed eighteen ballistic missiles capable of crossing continents and destroying an area greater than 900 square miles.
The existence of the missile force was kept a secret by the government, and by the end of the Cold War, almost all missiles were useless. Most of the nuclear shelters were also sealed or demolished in the early 1980s.
gaining popularity
After John shared his garden discovery on Reddit, the story soon went viral. Within hours, hundreds of comments were added to the post.
Local TV shows and publications began seeking me out for interviews.
The Daily Mail and other international publications also covered the story. Japan was also aware of John. A remarkable discovery, no doubt. And Tucson residents began to worry about whether or not they had one in their backyard.
And then?
Thanks to all the attention, John managed to get in touch with neighbors who also had fallout shelters on their properties. He was able to get information from them on how they removed it and what to do with it.
While most people have turned them into man caves or wine cellars, he plans to build a museum dedicated to the Cold War era. John began collecting items such as Geiger counters, water barrels, radios, and sanitary kits after doing a lot of research on the Cold War era.
His thoughts on the find
In a recent interview, John said: “I actually expected it to be a little microcosm… a time capsule full of civil defense boxes and radiation detectors and cots and stuff.” Unfortunately, no furniture was found in the bomb bunker.
John also talked about his extensive reading on the Cold War. He believes the Cuban Missile Crisis certainly had an impact on Tucson’s decision to build bomb shelters in their backyards in the 1960s.
Tips for locals living in Tucson
If anyone in Tucson is wondering if they also have a bomb shelter in their backyard, John suggests checking the City of Tucson or Pima County documents. The information is probably in the building permits.
John also warns everyone against rushing into the air raid shelter he discovers in the yard. “It’s usually not a good idea to jump into holes in the ground,” he noted. In a cave or tunnel, toxic air can quickly incapacitate a person.
Application for financial assistance
John is determined to finish renovating the bomb shelter. But he didn’t have that much money.
He started a GoFundMe website to raise funds to rebuild his 1960s bomb bunker. He planned to redo both the interior and the front door.
One of John’s main concerns was replacing the stairs to make sure people could walk up them safely. John and the renovation team can now enter and leave the building without risk because he was only able to do so with the money he was able to collect.
John’s remarkable journey of discovery not only uncovered a remnant of the Cold War but also inspired many to delve into their own history. The bomb shelter in his backyard served as a time capsule that transported him and those who shared his story back to a time when the threat of nuclear war was an ever-present concern.
As John works hard to turn his bomb shelter into a museum, he hopes to create a space where people can immerse themselves in the history of the time. He envisions an educational experience that will provide valuable insights into the fears and preparations of the past and highlight the resilience and resourcefulness of those who lived through it.
The importance of preserving such historical artifacts cannot be overstated. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by previous generations and the lessons learned from those experiences. John’s commitment to sharing this unique piece of history with the world will undoubtedly contribute to a deeper understanding of the Cold War era and the ways in which communities across the United States responded to the looming threat of nuclear conflict.
In addition to his efforts to establish the museum, John continues to research the broader historical context of the Cold War, enriching his knowledge and understanding of the era. His passion for this endeavor serves as an inspiration for others to uncover their own hidden stories, whether buried in their backyards or tucked away in the annals of history.
John’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, determination, and historical preservation. It encourages us to look beyond the surface and explore the secrets that may lie beneath our feet, waiting to be uncovered. This not only gives us a deeper connection to the past but also makes us more appreciative of the lessons it can teach us about the present and the future.
In the spirit of historical discovery, John’s journey reminds us that we still have much to learn from the past and that there may be hidden treasures, both literal and metaphorical, waiting for us. With each layer of history, we peel back, gaining a richer understanding of the world that stood before us and the legacy it leaves behind.
As John’s Air Raid Shelter Museum takes shape and continues to attract attention, it serves as a symbol of the enduring importance of preserving our history. It is a place where people can come to reflect, learn, and connect with the past in a tangible and immersive way. In a world full of rapid change, John’s commitment to preserving this piece of history reminds us of the value of our shared heritage and the stories that are still waiting to be discovered.