WWI 'Wall Of Honor' Found During Capitol Theatre Renovation In Florida (PHOTO)

A hidden war memorial has been discovered inside the wall of an old Florida theater, according to the Clearwater Patch, which broke the orignal story.

Story continues after photo

This week, workers renovating downtown Clearwater's Capitol Theatre found a memorial to local World War I soldiers on an interior wall of the historic structure, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

"We've unearthed a time capsule," said Jeffrey Hartzog, director of operations at the theater's management company. "It was a surprise, but a good surprise. This is the kind of thing you hope to find."

Workers were tearing down tiles in what used to be a women's restroom when they noticed handwritten names on the wall, according to Bay News 9. Above the names are words that appear to read "Wall Of Honor."

Bill Wallace of the Clearwater Historical Society was called in for further examination and realized the names appeared in alphabetical order.

"My father's brother's name is on that wall," he told Bay News 9. "His name is Floyd R. Wallace. He was in the service in World War I."

Military service cards filed in state records have confirmed that the names all belong to WWI soldiers, the Clearwater Patch reported. Right now, only J through Z have been uncovered.

Town officials think the wall was likely situated near the old town square before being covered, which is probably what preserved the names so clearly.

“It looks like we may be able to salvage the wall,” city worker Felicia Leonard told Patch.