Also check state and local regulations before you begin any activities such as digging or metal detecting. He was said to have been extremely active for many years, attacking merchant ships and evading justice, and in this time he won himself a huge fortune. Treasure hunter Michael Gattuso digs a hole in front of treasure hunters Stacey Hunt and Erin Melcher in an area where metal detectors notify of gold on a wetland believed to have lost treasure on the Peace River in Arcadia on Sunday, January 13, 2019. However, this treasure is also attributed to the infamous pirate Blackbeard. Texas is also a logical location for this pirate to bury treasure. Jose was also an officer of high standing in the naval affairs of the Spaniards. But treasure hunters believe there is truth in his tall tale, and buried treasure is out there. Jose Gaspar has come in handy for parades and celebrations. The most famous Florida pirate was Jos Gaspar, known by his nickname Gasparilla. What he thought was a British cargo ship turned out to be the USS Enterprise, on a mission to end piracy. History Gattuso will keep them busy on Useppa and across Florida. These tunnels converged into a large chamber underground. There is not much known about his adventures in Florida but there is rumors of him hiding a large treasure around Choctawatchee Bay. According to the sources we studied, Gaspar was probably born in Spain in 1756. 5 Popular Mai Tai Recipes and How To Make Them, Mango Tango Cocktail Recipe Boat Drinks, Taste the New St. John Brewers Love City Hard Seltzer, A Day With Stormy Pirates Charters US Virgin Islands, An Island Interview With Caribbean Adventure Author, John H. Cunningham, Love Pets and a Free Place To Stay? I love this place built around 1640 . Another instance of his softer side can be found in the account of Ann Jeffries, an English girl traveling from New Orleans to Liverpool. Legend has it that Gasparilla spotted a huge ship sailing in the distance. The story was included in a brochure in 1900 for a hotel on Gasparilla Island, where the pirate supposedly stored his vast treasures in a hidden den that had never been found. However, he spotted a British merchant ship and could not resist one final prize. Whether he was his cabin boy, like it states in the story, or maybe he might have been Gasparilla himself because of all the treasure maps that we have found. When Gasparilla requested that they accompany him and his crew on a raid, the two young lovers assumed they would be slaughtered. Legends tell how he amassed a huge fortune, and hid an enormous treasure before dying a hero facing the might of the US Navy. He has taken his place in local folklore and culture and has an annual festival in his honor. The Legend of Jose Gaspar. Michael Gattuso and his crew got a cable debut Wednesday night in an episode of Discovery Channel's show "Expedition Unknown." Gaspar apparently did not share this attraction and instead gave his attention to other women of the court. And she actually had maps, and she had stories that were passed down to the family about these treasures. TAMPA, Fla. - Docked in downtown Tampa, the Jose Gasparilla II is one of the most iconic parts of Gasparilla and a year-round reminder of Tampa's biggest party and quirkiest tradition. The family thinks the hand belongs to famous Tampa Bay pirate Jose Gaspar. Much of his treasure was carried to him up the Peace River. The most notorious and successful pirate was Jose Gaspar, better known as Gasparilla. Rumors take on a life of their own and ultimately cause hurt or expense. "And it was from that little nugget of information that came from the Charlotte Harbor railroad about a pirate named Gaspar that the whole legend of Gasparilla and Jose Gaspar came about, but it was Ye Mystic Krewe that fleshed it out. The pirate is one of the most notorious in the history of pirates. I love searching for all types of "treasures" with my family. Legend has it that in the late 1700s, a pirate named Jose Gaspar kidnapped the Spanish princess Joseffa de Mayorga. "I'm considering it," he said with a big smile. Flagler Beach, FL 32136. Latest Blog . The 300,000 partiers who will swarm the streets Saturday in Tampa for the annual Gasparilla pirate parade wont care. In or around 1806 the brothers arrived in New Orleans Louisiana and were licensed privateers operating in the Gulf of Mexico. Historic Mysteries provides captivating articles on archaeology, history, and unexplained mysteries. (3) The Spanish kept meticulous records and there is no mention of Gasparilla in the archives. So are you juiced up and just caught the gold fever? His death seems to come straight from Hollywood. From seashells to lost treasure, this shop has it all. He was most likely a sailor for the English Navy who became unemployed and turned to a life of piracy. Story continues below video. The coins are believed to be 18th century Spanish and Portuguese coins and the ring on the hand's is expected to be from around the same time period. Marias brother Mike believes the couple in the photo may be their great grandparents, Eve and Ernesto Lopez. He soon picked a good spot in Charlotte Harbor, and began to build his pirate kingdom. The prices are great and you can walk more than one foot without seeing some adorable little trinket that you just can't live without. Many believe it is Edward Teach, but some claim it is Edward Thatch. Whether the coins are authentic or not, Mike thinks the hand is real, and may belong to Jose Gaspar himself. Leading a group of escaped convicts, Gaspar with his stolen ship established a home base in 1783 in the area of Charlotte Harbor, north of the present day Fort Myers on an Island he named "Gasparilla." He is said to have also taken that name for himself as it means "Gaspar the outlaw." He subsequently set fire to all his buildings before sailing out to sea, never to be heard from again. Where is the Body of the Legendary King Gorm of Denmark. "The reason I believe in Gasparilla is because I believe in Juan Gomez," Mike Gattuso, a member of The Real Treasure Hunters, told Paluska. Gilchrist intended to turn the area into a community. Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railroad Company are said to have distributed the brochures. 1. Not being able to pass up this giant score, he pursed the ship that was flying a British flag. The men were executed but Gomez was to be the final survivor of this piratical outfit. There is another treasure said to be buried on Kelly Island in Delaware by James Gillian, a member of Kidds crew. We are constantly looking for opportunities to metal detect, magnet fish, pan for gold, and search for real life lost treasures. They took the box to a few antique stores. A Beginners Guide to Magnet Fishing: 15 Sure Fire Tips. Decipher the code, and you might find some of Gaspars lost treasure but as fast as Florida changes, dont be surprised if you find a new shopping mall sitting square on top of it. All rights reserved. This hoard was allegedly buried by a group of pirates in the early 1800s. We also participate in programs from eBay, CJ, Bluehost, Clickbank, ShareASale, and other sites. Jose Gaspar, the legendary buccaneer who inspired Tampas Gasparilla Pirate Festival, as well as fantastic tales of lost treasure, most likely never really existed. Maybe you can find one and claim the fame and wealth that will ultimilty accompany your successful efforts. In the 1690s a war broke out between England and France. He continued the diving operation, but while they were working, his wife came down with a fever and died. The American Continents have a rich treasure history dating back to ancient civilizations of the Toltecs and Aztecs who understood the mining and smelting of gold and silver from which they made ornaments shields and household utensils. Gaspar is presented as dignified, noble in heart and rich and titled in some versions. Legend states they marked a tree by driving a sword into it. So, we stole Jose Gaspar. This is believed to be part of the bribe money given to the owner. He renamed this ship Queen Anns Revenger which gave him one of the largest fleets on the East coast of America and Caribbean. Caesar was forced to push his pirate pack north to the Gulf of Mexico. They used Barataria Bay in Louisiana as a hub for their enterprise. We've been chasing his treasures. Lafayette Street, which is now Kennedy Boulevard is also labeled on the map. The San Jose, a Spanish treasure ship, was attacked and sunk by a British warship in June 1708. You are using an out of date browser. Some speculate that this is remnants of Rogers great treasure. These stories really get your imagination scrambling about finding buried riches yourself. History of Gasparilla: Jos Gaspar & his krewe. Afterwards, he sailed his ship, the Floridablanca, to the Gulf Coast and set up a pirate base on what is now known as Gasparilla Island in Southwest Florida. Aged Rum. The Real Treasure Hunters have come a long way from social media in their hunt for the treasure of Jose Gaspar in the Peace River. The theme and focal point of Gasparilla is a friendly "invasion" by mythical pirate Jos Gaspar and his crew, who are portrayed by members of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla (YMKG), an organization created for this purpose in 1904. Leaving soon? Jos Gaspar, also known by his nickname Gasparilla , is an apocryphal Spanish pirate who terrorized the Gulf of Mexico from his base in southwest Florida during Florida's second Spanish period . It is said that Captain Kidd came ashore here. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Photos show a centuries-old shipwreck found off Colombia's coast carrying lost treasure worth billions of dollars, including gold coins and emeralds. Though that treasure has never been discovered, the story of the swashbuckling Gaspar was unearthed and his memory revived in 1904 when Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla was formed and adopted the pirate as patron rogue of their city . Just a salty pirate looking to explore and document the wonders of the Caribbean. It was a simple wooden box, but inside were fascinating (and macabre) clues to a family mystery. The story goes that Lafitte and his men used an old barn on LeBleau Plantation as a gathering location and perhaps buried treasure here. Theyve done this every Sunday for a year, looking for the booty of 19th century pirate Jose Gaspar. Jose Gaspar Treasure Co | Flagler Beach, FL 32136. This is the spot for all of your seaside decorating needs. Here is what we have been able to piece together about this controversial pirate. May 4, 1904Gasparilla Pirate Festival / First event date. It is said that he buried a multitude of treasure along the Pamlico Sound and on Bluff Point. Gasparilla fell in love with Jeffries while on land, but she informed him that she had fallen in love with one of his crew, Batista Fuentes, a handsome and well-educated man from a famous family. As with any tale of vast hidden riches, these stories can not be 100 percent verified to even exist. The allures of Jose Gaspar's mythical treasure and Tampa's giant pirate parade have pulled strongly on producers of reality television lately. Gaspar's legend is one of a murderous, bloodthirsty swashbuckler who stole money from Spain, stole a ship, kidnapped a Spanish Princess, and left a trail of death and gold throughout the high seas. Millions of dollars have been found literally lying in front of people's feet, the world's beaches. They gave him a first name, Jose Gaspar, and they really gave him the full backstory to create that in 1904. Gasparilla, if he existed, wrapped himself in chain and jumped overboard with both hands still attached. Josh is on a mission to find Jos Gaspar's hidden treasure. A treasure said to be worth $30 million. When you go in the attic you expect to find something old. However, even from the first we run into different versions of the story. Gasparilla not only granted Lopez permission but also bestowed his blessing on his long-time friend, providing a ship and several men to accompany him back to Spain. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The treasure: Slave-turned-pirate Henri Caesar stole a ship in Haiti to seek his fortune on the Spanish Main and Florida waters. The brochure relied heavily on the stories told by John Gomez. All had been going along fine for Gasparilla until the year 1822. He successfully captured a few ships during his years long voyage. According to some versions of the story, Gaspar started as a troubled adolescent who kidnapped a little girl for ransom. Lafitte was wanted by the US government for they deemed his acts as piracy, not privateering. This happened in the year 1782. Many ship captains and pirates alike came to Lafitte and could sign articles to become a part of his pirate fleet. As with any treasure hunting adventure, be sure and obtain permission from any applicable parties before your hunt begins. As the legends go, the famed Spanish pirate Jose Gaspar, better known as Gasparilla, used the island as his home base of operations throughout the late 18th century and into the early 19th century. The legend of pirate Jose Gaspar, or Gasparilla as he is sometimes known, is shrouded in mystery. The rest of the treasure remains hidden, waiting to be found. And that's what we've been chasing. The treasure on Money Island is said to hidden in the crevice of a large rock that is only visible during low tide. Crystal and I greatly appreciate any support! He eventually retired and settled down on Shell Creek near Lettuce Lake in DeSoto County, where he lived for many years. So where did Blackbeard hide his treasures? During the final combat, the majority of Gasparillas crew was killed, but there were 12 survivors 11 men and a cabin boy called Juan Gomez. Tales of pirate treasures are very difficult to substantiate due to many factors. He apparently helped repeal a British Invasion on New Orleans. A fisherman at Stafford Point in Connecticut is rumored to have spotted some pirates burying a heavy looking chest at Stratford Point in Connecticut during the late 1600s. His work appears here every third Monday; the views expressed. Just like most pirates, there is little known about his early life. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. From a four-mile long parade of pirates and period memorabilia on display, to specialty packages and a waterfront half . He has taken his place in local folklore and culture and has an annual festival in his honor. On my recent visit, I was on a shell mission to use for a hairpiece for a . How did the legend of Gaspar begin? The San Jose galleon was believed to have been . The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Some say it reveals compass bearings around Lettuce Lake. This location is said to be on the southern end at False Live Oak Point. "It's a bunch of heartbreak with little reward and a lot of imagination," said treasure hunter Erin Melcher. Here are some Metal Detectors for you to start your quest. The eerie discovery of a mysterious wooden box bearing a disembodied mummified hand with a ring on the wedding ring finger, an old map of the Tampa area and several coins has stirred up memories of pirate Jose Gaspar. While Gaspar chained the anchor of his ship to his waist and dove into the water to avoid giving the enemy the satisfaction of killing him, Gmez lived to tell the tale. When his attempts to capture Joseffa's heart were met with contempt, Gaspar used Useppa Island to imprison the proud princess, and the isle came to be known as "Joseffa's Island." Barron G. Collier With Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses, How We Became Mr. and Mrs. Jos Gaspar. His methods were black and bloody, and he stands out among all the pirates who used Florida to bury their wealth. Canceled2021 Gasparilla Pirate Festival / Date Many of the stories about Gasparilla were attributed to Juan Gomez. Here Lafitte had a very fair treasure distribution policy that everyone seemed to like. He vowed revenge on those who had framed him and was forced to turn to a life of piracy. The latter two locations being the most logical. Who was this figure, and what was he supposed to have done? Treasure hunter and researcher Lauren Gattuso sits on the boat as it heads toward an area where her and a small group of treasure hunters believe lies lost treasure. Gattuso leads a a small group called the The Treasure Hunters who spend their weekends hiking the wilderness near the Peace River in search of lost treasure believed to have been left behind by Jose Gaspar. So, a real figure or a tall tale told by Floridians? New Castle Island in Delaware is said to house treasure hidden by pirates from Madagascar in 1699. The items found by his sister were neatly packed inside a wooden box. ", The story of Gaspar begins in 1782; the brochure states, "he stood high in the graces of the Spanish Court, so high indeed that he niched the crown jewels. The most notorious and successful pirate was Jose Gaspar, better known as Gasparilla. $ 6 reviews. Most of the suspected locations are in and around the state of Florida. Some say that as this disguised ship was sailing by, the aging pirate and his crew were in the process of dividing up the spoils as an act of retirement. For one, there is no evidence of his pirate empire. Top Image: Real pirate or later fiction? Evidently, though, the treasure is not. The team used metal detectors and shovels but didn't find anything. Definitely try, Find our recommended Caribbean hotels, restaurants, charters, & tours. Sign up for our WTFF Newsletter to get weird Florida news delivered straight to your email: WTFF News: Because regular news is depressing. In fact, we dont even know for certain his real name. 11 The Cuerdale Treasures- $2.6 Million. Blackbeard also spend some time in North Carolina, in fact he secured a Royal Pardon in the town of Bath. Lacking experience in seamanship, he and his crew of escaped slaves limited their raids to smaller ships and coastal villages but managed to amass a large amount of treasure, which was hidden in several caches on the . Gasparilla began on horseback in 1904 as a way to add a little pirate-themed fun to the city's May Day festivities. USEPPA ISLAND, Fla. Most, if not all, historians agree the pirate named Jose Gaspar never existed. Source of the stories which became inspiration for the legend of Jose Gaspar. Historic Mysteries is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. His headquarters were at Boca Grande, on what is today known as Gasparilla Island. Ye be walkin the plank if ye so think. "We do have some treasure maps, and we're working on them," Gattuso said. We have seven maps.". This story seems to border on the outer limits, but a local historian doesnt believe that the hand belongs to the famed pirate. The pirate is one of the most notorious in the history of pirates. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. This characterization continues through the stories of Gasparilla as a pirate. There is a new book out "Pirates of Southwest Florida, Fact and Legend" by James F. and Sarah Jane Kaserman that debunks some of the stories of Gasparilla. His ship soon followed him to the watery depths. Did Grandpa find pirate treasure? Just pick any island and start digging, because Gasparillas loot is buried on many of them, including Cayo Pelau. Most, if not all, historians agree the pirate named Jose Gaspar never existed. He stated that it was buried beside 2 wind damaged trees and a large rock (one would think that with treasure this valuable one would choose landmarks a little more cautiously, but I guess trees and a rock is all we have to go on here). He weighed in on the treasure map as well and believes it was a blueprint for the area during the 1920s and 1930s, but nothing more. For whatever reason, burial of chests laden with gold and jewels seems to be the norm, but is there any pirate treasure left? . Jose Gaspar (GC3FZAF) was created by seabreezedrive on 4/1/2012. In this time Spain controlled a huge swathe of the Americas and Gaspar grew rich. Subsequent retellings of the Gaspar tale are based on this imaginative account, including the unintentional inclusion of Jos Gaspar in a 1923 book on genuine pirates, which has created ongoing debate regarding his historical veracity. His men, who numbered in the hundreds, also buried their smaller caches on these islands. Canny readers will already recognize a certain romantic streak in these stories. The pirate, whose full name is Jos Gaspar, is a legend from the 18th and 19th century. Perhaps this suggested location is merely a case in mistaken identity. Though that treasure has never been discovered, the story of the swashbuckling Gaspar was unearthed and his memory revived in 1904 when Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla was formed and adopted the pirate as patron rogue of their city . You are using an out of date browser. If we find that buried treasure together, we can split the booty among all of our readers and we never have to work again. Josh Gates sets sail for Florida chasing the long-lost treasure of bloodthirsty pirate Jose Gaspar. You must log in or register to reply here. This is extremely suspect as this is the same location rumored to hide the treasure of Billy Bowlegs Rogers. Over and out from somewhere south, RumShopRyan. Answer: True This is an area where the stories of Gaspar are for once consistent. These stories and locations presented are based on our research but should be taken with some skepticism. Michael Gattuso lends a hand to his wife Lauren as they dock on a wetland on the Peace River in Arcadia. And to this day, Jose Gaspar returns on board his pirate ship every year to capture the city.". This Plantation is said to be roughly 5 miles West of the town of Iowa. | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | DMCA Notice, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. He supposedly buried large amounts of treasures on the islands around the bay. He's rumored to have had a secret base in Charlotte Harbor and would sail back and forth to Spain as well as roam around the Gulf of Mexico until his death in 1821, at the hands of the U.S. Navy. A Florida family may have discovered some unusual treasure belonging to legendary pirate Jose "Gasparilla" Gaspar. The race of the old buccaneer was nearly run, but all through that night, he told a story of piracy that could scarce be believed, yet it was a dying man that was clearing his soul before his Maker. Jose Gaspar Treasure 6 Jewelry Gift Shops Bookstores $ "We went in looking for a lite shark tooth for our son. Plundering the high seas and ports alike resulted in vast riches for some of these ruthless criminals. The gold coins were too thin and too old to pass as authentic Spanish treasure. What date is Gasparilla 2021? Icelanders and the Huldufolk: A Nation Gripped by Farinis Great Discovery: Is there a Lost City Top Ten Knights of King Arthurs Round Table. Stingy Jack and the History of the Jack-o-Lantern, The Varangians: Viking Conquerors turned Byzantium Honor Guard, The Secret Necropolis of Ancient Varna and the First Goldsmiths. Our knowledge of Jean and his brother Pierre begins in the early 1800s. Or at least thats what Florida folklore would have you believe. Treasure hunter Michael Gattuso paddles a boat toward the dock where part of his crew Stacey Hunt, Erin Melcher and Lauren Gattuso wait for him near Nav-A-Gators Bar and Grill. Email him at elcompa29@gmail.com. First of all there was a Spanish Catholic missionary named Gasparillo that had a mission on the island that bears his name. To learn more, visit our. When Maria and Mike were children, their grandfather would tell them stories about his father, Ernesto Lopez, finding Jose Gaspar's pirate treasure. These wealthy civilizations flourished for hundreds of years spreading Gaspar did not exist, but never mind that. It seems the mythical pirate was a tall tale concocted by a man named Juan Gmez. They will be focused on the Florida coastline, right in my back yard. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 1 Review #9 of 11 Shopping in Flagler Beach. When he finally realized that it was a warship, it was too late. Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Save. The first recorded reference of Jos Gaspar was in fact over 100 years after his supposed career, in a short biography included in an early 1900s promotional brochure for the Gasparilla Inn on Gasparilla Island in Charlotte Harbor. Shopping, Gift & Specialty Shops. https://www.cultofweird.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/pirate-treasure-hand.jpg, https://www.cultofweird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/cultofweird-new-logo.png, Mysterious Pirate Treasure Box Found in Tampa Bay Attic, February 17, 2023 - 9:45 pm by dEBRINA bLACKMOON. Oak Island the Strange, the Bizarre, and Maybe the "Truth! His ship was scuttled in the battle sending the valuables to the bottom of the ocean. "I'm considering it. Spain and Great Britain were adversaries in the complex tangle of European politics . Gaspar caught wind of his coming doom, and escaped via ship to America. We have compiled a list of 11 potential pirate treasure troves left unfound. Similar Names. Barnes & Noble Booksellers 10 Bookstores Music & DVDs Toy Stores Just . Rogers is said to have hidden huge amounts of gold and silver bars worth a fortune today. The Gasparilla Inn was a hotel on the island. . Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. He wished to return to America to retrieve this treasure after Kidds execution but he never made it back. "The Gasparilla Day Parade, the big parade, is the third largest parade in this country after only the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Bowl parade. This action helped turn opinion of Lafitte from villain to hero. The Story of Gasparilla by ABC Action News on Scribd. Overview. Before deciding to pursue this ship, Gaspar left some of his men behind with the treasure. Tyrons Landing located between the towns of Wethersfield and Naubuc. There are many differing versions about the pirates origins and life, but there is no real historical evidence that he ever existed. I'm Clint, the guy behind Treasureunknown. It's located on the north side of town, next door to the Turtle Shack cafe. The leaflet establishes Gaspars legend, claiming that he chose Gasparilla Island as the best of the islands in Charlotte Harbor to establish his base. Born in 1756 in Spain, Gaspar served in the Spanish Navy until a mutiny in 1783. Having spent some time here, Blackbeard built a fort near a swamp west of Charleston. With the help of the Prime Minster she was able to convincingly spread this rumor leading to Gaspars impending arrest by the king. He even set up a blockade of the port of Charleston in South Carolina for 6 days. A Tampa, Florida family going through their grandparent's attic made an interesting discovery: a treasure map, some coins, and an old human hand! When Jose Gaspar died, he supposedly left an untold fortune in buried treasure somewhere along the Florida coast. If the legend is true, Gasparilla was extremely successful and plundered more than 400 ships. Interesting history topics are just a click away. We lived not far from Gasparella Island and Charlotte Harbour.where the legend supposedly ended. (2) Most of the islands around Charlotte Harbor were named by the Cuban Spanish fishermen that lived there since the 1600's. He quickly worked his way up the ranks of the Spanish Navy and became an officer. He remembers their grandfather telling stories when they were children of Ernesto finding the treasure of Tampa Bay pirate legend Jose Gaspar. jose gaspar, coins, and treasuremap found. St. Vincent Island off the coast of Florida is said to have been an island frequented by early pirates. 2119 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136-2802. After sustaining heavy damage, the famed Spanish pirate tied himself to his anchor and leaped to his watery death apparently not wanting to be killed at the hands of the enemy. By booking through these links, the small commission we earn helps us bring you more Caribbean content so that you can save money and have a better island vacation. However, like Billy Bowlegs, Jose Gaspar the lack of historical evidence suggests he never existed.21 Although most Tampa residents and several books claim Jose Gaspar was authentic, so far no documentation has proven he was real.22 The Gasparilla Pirate Festival started in 1904, and since it started a full fifty years before the Billy Bowlegs . Cleaning the dreaded attic turned up a darling wedding photo of the Lopezes grandparents, but it also uncovered some interesting but creepy finds. There are also inherent dangers involved with any of these types of adventures. Many took the deal. Finding a real human hand is probably not what the Lopezes had in mind, but thats exactly what this family from Florida found in their grandparents attic.