Leavenworth, founded in 1854, stands as Kansas’s first city and once served as the gateway for pioneers venturing westward to Oregon and California.
Today, it boasts numerous original structures from its inception, drawing tourists from all over.
Among these historical gems are homes from the 1800s, passed down through generations, like the one owned by Thad and Robin Krasnesky.
The Krasneskys, who took ownership of their 140-year-old, 9,000-square-foot residence in 2021, view themselves less as homeowners and more as guardians of its rich past.
Their intriguing journey of discovery within this house caught the attention of KCTV5 News.
The couple recounted the thrilling moments of unearthing hidden treasures in their vintage abode.
Thad Krasnesky recalled, “When we pulled the shelving aside, we saw that there was this metal thing that was bolted into the stone.”
Intrigued, they delved deeper, revealing a concealed room with a single dirt-filled hole.
This discovery ignited their quest to uncover more secrets within the house.
Their initial find?
A Civil War-era presentation cane and pocket watch perched atop a 12-foot bookshelf.
In a gesture of goodwill, Krasnesky returned these antiques to the original owner’s heir.
Their exploration didn’t stop there.
A curious individual spotted a non-operational transom in one room.
Behind a painting and some nails, they unveiled a stash of classic books, including “The Scarlet Letter,” “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm,” and a 1907 edition of “Ben-Hur.”
The attic also held its share of mysteries.
Driven by strange noises and other issues, Krasnesky ventured upstairs.
There, beneath a loose floorboard, he stumbled upon two jars filled with silver coins from the 1890s and 1916.
Krasnesky, who relishes the distinct sound of these old coins, remarked on how different they sound compared to modern ones.
By day, Krasnesky is an investment counselor, but by night, he’s a writer with a vivid imagination.
“And so in my mind, if you have an old house, there should be skeletons and hidden treasure,” he mused.
With the help of friends, he continues his mission, sifting through the house’s remnants using a homemade shaker in hopes of uncovering more historical treasures.
The house, which predates Krasnesky by 140 years, has a storied past.
Its first owner passed away just three months after moving in in 1885, with the property subsequently transitioning to his descendants.
To share his ongoing discoveries, Krasnesky established a Facebook page, “Krasnesky Manor for Wayward Cats.”
He even organizes metal detector parties, donating the proceeds to the local historical society.
One such enthusiast, Ray Schultz, unearthed an 1870s freight token from the Wagon Works of the West in the house’s garden.
When quizzed about when he might cease his treasure hunt, Krasnesky humorously remarked, “Since I do not plan on ever moving, ever again, I will probably stop sometime around the time I die.”
He’s also found old newspapers, which, while not particularly valuable, he’s framed and showcased, turning the house into a living time capsule.
KCTV5 News Reporter Betsy Webster highlighted Krasnesky’s unique approach to renovations.
As he updates the house, he embeds current newspapers, coins, and notes, hoping to delight future caretakers with treasures of their own.
For those eager to see these historical finds firsthand, a video detailing the hidden treasures of the 140-year-old house is available below!
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