EAST TOLEDO, OH – In a discovery that could rival any treasure hunter’s dream, an East Toledo man unearthed a small fortune hidden beneath the floorboards of his own home. Walter Castanedo, who purchased a modest property on Payne Avenue for just $1,000 in May, found an unexpected windfall while renovating his basement on New Year’s Eve.
Castanedo’s cleanup project quickly shifted gears when he stumbled upon several envelopes stuffed with cash, totaling a remarkable $10,000. “It felt surreal,” Castanedo said, recalling the moment he first laid eyes on the money. “You hear about these things, but experiencing it firsthand is something else.”
The envelopes were cleverly concealed under bricks, with additional bundles discovered in the remnants of what used to be a potbelly stove. The latest bill dated back to 1981, prompting Castanedo to speculate about its origins. Adjusted for inflation, the original amount would be worth approximately $35,000 today.
Determined to uncover the story behind the stash, Castanedo embarked on a mission to trace the previous occupants of the house. His search led him to Andrew Aranos, who lived there between 1946 and 1967. Aranos revealed that his father, Andrew Senior, had purchased the home in 1937 and remained there until his passing three decades ago.
Reflecting on the find, Aranos mused about his father’s frugality and penchant for secretive savings. “My dad had a knack for hiding things,” he noted. “I have no doubt he tucked that money away.”
In a gesture of goodwill, Castanedo offered to split the money with Aranos. “I found it, but it felt right to share,” Castanedo explained. Aranos gratefully accepted, using his share to settle outstanding medical bills and setting aside a portion for future needs.
For Castanedo, the discovery has transformed his perspective on life. “You only live once,” he remarked. “It’s more rewarding to help others than to hoard.”
As for his portion of the windfall, Castanedo is contemplating a practical approach. He plans to either deposit it in the bank or keep it as a keepsake, a tangible reminder of the unexpected twist in his home renovation journey.