Nothing’s more exhilarating than buying a home! That's what John Sims thought too when he bought a piece of prime real estate from a friend to set down new roots. But then the rumors reached John's ears. The whole neighborhood was abuzz with them.
Everyone spoke of some...thing, buried deep under John's new lawn, something that's been there for decades. So persistent the rumors were that John - a fire department captain and man of action - decided to start digging. And he found something alright. Let's see what happened next!
Just A Normal Transaction... Or So He Thought
John Sims expected nothing out of the ordinary when purchasing his new home found in the midtown community of Tucson, Arizona. But buying the property led to what must be the most bewildering event he had ever experienced, all thanks to an unsettling rumor linked to the house.
Allegedly, the house held a secret that was buried somewhere within its grounds. Due to his stubborn curiosity, John couldn’t just rest knowing that something unknown was lurking so close to him. So, he embarked on a quest to unearth an actual decades-old mystery.
"There's Something You Need To Know John..."
John Sims’ newly acquired home was the former residence of one of his friends, so John felt secure in buying it. He trusted that this pal of his would tell him of any suspicious thing about the house since he had already lived there.
However, after closing the deal on the property, John’s friend shared something unforeseen. He began spilling about the weird rumors surrounding the house, rumors involving a dormant mystery that was hidden in the backyard quite a long time ago. With that information, how could anyone not be curious!
The Timing Got John Suspicious
We must admit that John's friend had some questionable timing; talking about the exciting, yet eerie, suspicions about his previous house right when the payment had already been received. It turns out, he had never taken the time to confirm whether the rumors were true anyway.
As John got down to unpacking and doing the other tedious tasks that come with settling into a new dwelling, he couldn't help but think of his friend's words. He needed to find out what his backyard was hiding. Clearly, his new home had more to offer than what the naked eye could see.
John Asked His Friend For A Shovel As A Joke
Saying that John became fixated on the insinuation of this mystery is an understatement. John had gone as far as to ask to borrow a shovel when his friend initially mentioned the secret! Although he did so jokingly, we’re quite sure he was a bit serious. However, would this undertaking be worth his time and energy?
John knew that a single shovel wouldn’t be enough to accomplish this endeavor that he had set out to complete. He was also aware that he had to do some more investigation as he didn’t even know exactly what he was on the lookout for.
But Then He Was Hooked To The Mystery
Surprisingly, John really enjoyed the thought of having an enigmatic backyard. At the same time, he was also aware that the rumor might not be true and that there may be nothing to discover at all. However, the possibility of finding something incredible was a thought he couldn’t let go of.
Notwithstanding the uncertainty, John planned his next move. He could just repair his yard and fill in whatever hole he’d be digging through later. Right now, his mission was the priority, not his lawn's appearance. With a shovel, he began his quest.
He Dag On And On Under The Scorching Sun
John was so dogged at getting to the root of the rumors that he was prepared to go through any difficulty that came his way. During the Summer, Tucson, Arizona tends to get extremely hot; we mean triple-digit hot! Conditions like this can be quite dangerous when you’re working outdoors and could warrant a trip to the hospital.
At this point, many folks would’ve already given up but John was unyielding and relentless with his undertaking. He dug, and dug, and dug, hoping that his hard toil would pay off soon. Whatever it was he was looking for, we just hope that it’s worth it.
Just Digging Random Holes Was A Waste Of Time...
When he began his strenuous digging, John had no solid masterplan in mind. He just went ahead and dug hole after hole in his backyard. After excavating four different areas, his yard was left slightly ruined and in need of complete restoration. Yet, he had uncovered nothing strange.
John began to fear that if there was something to be found out there, that he might’ve already destroyed it because of all the digging. Frustration set in and he momentarily lost hope in locating his backyard's hidden secret. However, his disappointment wouldn't last forever.
...So John Went Down To City Records And Did Some File Digging Instead
John's temporary dissuasion disrupted his plans, but it directed him towards thinking about his predicament in a different light. He had this eureka moment and encountered an idea that had the potential to help him find the enigmatic treasure he so badly desired.
By tracking down the municipal records of his home town, Tucson, and going through all the intensive research, John sited some info about his house. His persistence was being rewarded and now, with more clues, he was closer to uncovering what could be lurking beneath his yard.
Bingo! A Pool Company Had Worked On The Property Back In 1961
The municipal records provided John with facts that he was already aware of, such as when his house had been constructed. However, because of a rough sketch that was wedged in the documents, John learned something else that was quite interesting.
According to the Tucson records, a company known as Whitaker Pools had solicited a permit back in 1961 in order to work on the estate. Just so you know, John's house didn’t even have a pool! So just what did the swimming pool company do there in 1961? The answer is bound to make your jaw drop.
Who You Gonna Call?!
Now that John had a draft and a few more comprehensive data, he knew that he had to proceed with his hunt in a more cautious manner. No more of that offhand digging with a shovel, using only his instincts! It was time to call in the professionals.
John decided to employ a consultant team, who came equipped with all the right tools such as metal detectors that could find any lost item like a piece of jewelry, in a jiffy. With any luck, these professionals could also unravel this whole secret once and for all.
The Symphony Of The Metal Detectors
As the quest became more intensive and measured, John was hopeful that he would soon find out whether or not those longstanding rumors about his new home were real. But as the team of specialists toiled over various parts of his backyard, their metal detectors stayed quiet.
The tension heightened as it seemed like the professionals would also end up empty-handed in this pursuit. However, soon enough, their devices started going off, and the sound they created was music to John's ears. Was this the moment he was desperately waiting for?
John Marked Multiple Possible Locations
John was simply over the moon upon hearing those metal detectors sounding off in the sizzling Arizona air. As if that was not enough, more good news came as the equipment apparently traced not just one interesting spot, but two! Things were finally starting to look up.
After cautiously marking those sites in his yard, John was able to rest for a while as he deliberated the next phase of his search. Now, John's efforts would finally be focused and he no longer had to spend his energy haphazardly. He could hardly wait to see what his backyard was hiding from him.
His Shovel Hit Something Metallic
John took his shovel and returned to the challenging task of digging under the scorching heat. But this time, John knew precisely where to fix his efforts. With eagerness, he started his excavation at the two sites that the metal detectors had found. He could just feel that he was getting closer.
Quickly enough, he hit the jackpot at the second spot pinpointed by the experts. It didn’t take long before his shovel came in contact with something hard. He also made out the tell-tale sound of metallic objects scraping against each other. What could it possibly be?
John Thought He'd Found A Septic Tank, Much To His Disappointment...
John had been plowing about three feet deep into the ground when he initially felt his tool hitting a metal object. While he was pleased to finally catch onto something, he started to fear that what he had just discovered was a septic tank.
John’s anxiety was reasonable since finding a septic tank wasn’t only disappointing, after all the time he spent working, but it also meant added caution in continuing the entire digging process. Damaging this kind of tank or even breaking just a single pipe isn’t something that you’d ever want to do.
...But It Was Not Septic Tank Hidden 3 Feet Below
He carried on in digging, but this time, he was more careful than ever. Eventually, what brought John great delight was realizing that what he found wasn't a septic tank, as he had initially feared. In fact, it was way more fascinating than that.
He gently made use of his shovel to expose the concealed structure. A few moments from now, John’s discovery would be out in the open and all set to be inspected. The suspense was thick! All the anticipation just made the time fly by as John continued his work.
There's A Hatch!!
At last, John was able to determine that buried beneath his new home's backyard was no open drain. However, now that a sizeable part of this structure was finally revealed and they could now observe it visually, more questions were being asked. But could these questions be answered?
The concrete section that John had exhumed resembled an entryway. You know, like a door to an underground lair, a vault, or even a dungeon. Who knows where it leads to?! Would they be able to get in? Would they even want to venture down there?
He Probed The Hatch Cautiously
John was amazed to see that his yard had its own hidden entryway, which was sort of like a portal buried beneath the ground. At the rate he was going, John was now closer than ever to exposing the truth behind all the rumors.
As he continued to remove the soil from the area, John learned that the entry could be accessed through a lid, which he then carefully detached. However, he was well aware that, more than likely, it wasn’t safe to go inside just yet. After all, he was a fire department captain and had experience with similar situations.
John Knew To Be Careful Thanks To His Training
You can probably picture just how eager John was to get this close to answering the questions regarding his backyard's veiled secret. However, waiting for a full day was essential. As a fire department captain, he’s had training that has taught him all about the perils these kinds of spaces can possess.
It’s possible that this area was packed with mildew which would be hazardous to inhale, or it might even hold toxic fumes. John was also aware that he couldn’t just go down there by himself when the time came to do so. He needed backup.
Off The Hatch Goes, But Another Mystery Waited
After waiting for what must’ve felt like an eternity, it was now time for John to cross the threshold of the buried space past the hatch. This was the defining moment that our backyard explorer had been working so hard for; he was about to see what the tales were all about.
As John warily observed the hole that was outlined by the metal hatch, he didn't need eyeglasses to make out the sight that came across his curious eyes, although it was quite astonishing. In any case, it was something none of us would have expected!
There Were Steps Descending Underground
When John first peered down the hole, he was extremely surprised to see what looked like an arrangement of dangerously sharp metal blades. What could they be for? His quest was becoming odder by the minute and was beginning to resemble a scene from a suspense-thriller film.
It didn’t take long before John figured out what was really staring him in the face. The parlous metal blades were just a portion of a spiral staircase. Apparently, this stairway led even deeper down below the ground, all the way beneath John’s home.
One Doesn't Just Dive Into A Hole In The Ground
Eagerness flooding through his veins, we wouldn't have been surprised if John decided to rush down the mysterious staircase, which had been hidden underground for years. To think that the truth behind the unknown was about to be revealed after over half a century was tantalizing.
However, through his tenure at the Rural/Metro Fire Department, John’s experience and common sense stopped him from quickly dashing into the underground space. He was wise and seasoned enough to know that too many risks were involved. He needed to think about his next move, using good judgment.
A Million Things Could Go Horribly Wrong
Aside from the ones we've mentioned, there are other risks that John had to consider. Simply trotting down the downward spiral staircase wouldn’t do. For starters, this structure was obviously unstable, seeing that it was built more than five decades before John decided to uncover it.
John resolved that it was best if other people were with him once he descended down the hatch. That way, they could help if he ever got trapped or if the edifice collapsed. So, he gathered a collection of his friends to aid him in this expedition.
John Came Up With A Masterplan
John was playing it safe with his find. Although he was overflowing with excitement at the prospect of solving this mystery, he made sure to prioritize his safety more than instant gratification. He was willing to take things, step by step, to ensure the process was carried out as seamless as possible.
Together with his most trusted friends, John thought of a scheme that would help them get into the underground site safely. Their patient preparation would be rewarded soon enough, and luckily, they documented the entire discovery along the way to share with others.
He Had To Make The Entrance Safe...
Only God knows who was the last soul to ever set foot in this structure, so John and his friends were set on the task of fortifying the entire concrete entryway and mending it where needed. John was alright with spending a bit of money on this because their safety was on the line.
Another thing that needed to be repaired was the spiral staircase. The metal steps were just about rusted through and unsafe to stand on. Clearly, they were on the verge of collapsing at any moment, especially if someone used them in that state.
...And Safe Meant Rock-Solid
John Sims and his friends extended the entire entryway around the flight of stairs with several layers of concrete and new rebar. To guarantee everyone's safety, this stage was something they could not overlook. Otherwise, the threat of structural collapse would be inevitable.
Their curiosity and enthusiasm energized them as they poured every layer of concrete that was needed. Their task would’ve been much easier, though, if the Arizona heat wasn’t so prevalent. We aren't aware if they had worn any sunblock but at least they had a tent, which kept the temperature moderately cool.
Let There Be Light!
John also spent on the installation of an electrical line, which would let some light into the veiled space. If necessary, he and his pals could also use some power tools down the edifice once the electrical line was finally complete.
John was merely a few moments away from entering the secreted structure in his yard, which he couldn’t live on without seeing, but he kept his cool and thought through it. He was positive it would all be worth it and was making the final preparations before he dived deeper into the astonishing discovery.
Then John Installed A Vent For Fresh Air
From the start, the firefighter in John was already conscious of the fact that tight, sealed off spaces can be dangerous. As we shared earlier on, deadly mold was just one of his major concerns, as it was unlikely that he could get someone to do the mold removal, if there were any present.
With that in mind, John and his friends put a pipe at the entrance that could at least funnel in fresh air into the underground site, making it much safer for them when they enter. Now, they only needed to solve one more issue.
The Staircase Was All But Rotten, So He Had To Use A Ladder
Unfortunately, John and his squad didn’t completely succeed in repairing the rusty spiral staircase as they had planned because they realized that it could only be fully fixed from within. Putting some weight on the steps to test its sturdiness was a risk they weren't willing to take.
So how would they be able to go down into the hidden space without harm? John had the answer to this issue. He brought in a tall ladder and steadily placed it at the entrance. We told you, there was absolutely nothing stopping this guy!
Slowly Descending To Unravel The Mystery
After all the detours that John took, he was now arriving at his destination, where the secret his friend had disclosed would be revealed at last. This trip took longer than expected, and he became preoccupied with knowing the truth, but now, he was about to reap from all his hard work.
At last, John was going down the ladder that led to the root of the rumor, possibly being the first person to have ever done so in the last five decades! While descending the ladder, his imagination began to run wild with exhilaration.
There Was A Complex Of Tunnels At The Bottom
It took John a good few minutes to lower himself before he was actually able to step off the ladder onto a solid flooring. What he then saw was like the beginning of another chapter to a captivating book that he was reading. You mean to tell us, there was more to behold beyond the rusty staircase?
John Sims came face to face with a massive room that had long been hiding beneath his own backyard. Understandably, an expression of shock rested on his face. The chamber was, apparently, still in order, but that wasn't the most puzzling part; the system of tunnels that formed a complex was!
Parts Of The Structure Had Crumbled
Even though the structure looked pretty intact despite its age, John knew that there was still a lot of work that needed to be done for the space to be considered safe. Its fiberglass ceiling gave it away. Fiberglass can be awfully toxic for humans when inhaled. It can also badly irritate bare skin.
It wasn’t good that the fiberglass in the ceiling was coming apart either. Fortunately, there was a possibility that it could still be fixed. John wasn’t giving up on his discovery just because of the issues that were arising, and he was willing to put in the extra work to restore what was falling apart.
John Had A Suspicion About What The Structure Was
Although it was John's friend who got him intrigued and worked up by telling him about the existing backyard secret, it was John’s persistence that led him to most of the vital information he needed. One was about Whitaker Pools constructing this edifice back in the early ‘60s when this covert cavern was, evidently, not a swimming pool.
The era when this structure was built was also a big clue to its intended purpose. As soon as John was able to examine the newly found space in a thorough manner, he immediately had an inkling of what purpose it could’ve served.
It Was A Fallout Bunker, Left Over By The Cold War
The structure set up underneath John Sims' home, although massive, was void of furniture or any other items. This and other reasons made it apparent, straight away, that the underground bunker was, in fact, intended to be utilized as a nuclear fallout shelter.
Many people had developed fears that turned into paranoia throughout the Cold War era. And because of the hostilities between the United States and the Soviet Union, those folks built their own backyard bomb shelters. But why in the world would a pool company build a nuclear bunker?
Pool Companies Made Fallout Shelters Back In The Day
It turns out, Whitaker Pools jumped onto the bandwagon since nuclear shelters were quite common across the U.S. during that time. Consumer demands were high during the Cold War, and so they responded by added building backyard bomb shelters to the services they provided.
Many other pool builders had also decided to expand their operations after recognizing that fallout shelters were made like in-ground pool shells. By 1961, there were around 500 shelters put in place by a Los Angeles-based company called Catalina Pools! And so, the revelations kept on pouring in.
So You Have A Bunker Under Your Back Yard... What Do You Do With It?
If you ever found a vast maze of rooms buried deep within the grounds of your home, what would you do? How exactly would you utilize the extra space? John's friends had a few cool ideas for him to consider, including a wine cellar, a cigar bar, and even a man cave.
Around the globe, numerous folks have transformed their timeworn bunkers into gorgeous art galleries, modern homes, recording studios, and boutique hotels. But John had something else planned for his backyard treasure. He could make almost anything he wanted, so what was number one on John's list?
Turns Out There Were Quite A Few People Online With Backyard Bomb Shelters
As soon as he posted about the uncovered bomb shelter on Reddit and imgur, John Sims figured that he had nothing to be worried about for he was in good company. He then began linking up with other people who also have fallout shelters buried right in their backyards.
John, whose username online was, “captantarctica”, included in his post, that he read an article on Star stating that there were around 15-20 shelters constructed in Tucson during the early ‘60s. This is how he got acquainted with the rest of his fellow nuclear bunker owners.
Apparently, Tuscon Used To Have An Underground Fortified City...
Apparently, Tucson backyards were quire familiar with these types of nuclear fallout shelters back in the 60s. Isn't it interesting that what John probably believed was a spooky underground lair or a dangerous cavern was something other families in his area had in their yards as well?
In fact, men who commissioned building bomb shelters were considered responsible family men who looked out for their loved ones. The perils of an all-out nuclear war between the world superpowers were very real, but there's more; Tucson held another mindboggling secret that we were amazed to find out.
...Which Makes Sense Since It Was Also Full Of Nukes
A total of 18 ballistic missiles that can travel over entire continents were once found in Tucson, Arizona. Each of these rockets was at least 110 feet in length and about 10 feet across. They were capable of destroying a range of 900 square miles, and would only take 58 seconds to launch. Every missile’s tip was fastened with a 9-megaton nuclear warhead!
Tucson wasn’t just filled with underground shelters, it was the home of lethal weapons as well. Obviously, this operation was kept confidential. But since the Cold War isn’t a concern for residents anymore, one question arises; are any of these artilleries still around?
John’s Fallout Vault Was Built After The Cuban Missile Crisis
Fortunately, since the war and its threats have gone away, most of the rockets have already been deactivated. In the early ‘80s, when the affairs between the USA and USSR were mellowing down, nearly every fallout shelter in the Tucson region was either demolished or sealed.
John’s 1961 nuclear fallout shelter was built right in the wake of the Cuban Missile Crisis, which is the closest the U.S. has ever come to an actual nuclear war. John had stumbled into a historical relic, and he didn’t even have a clue what a riveting headline it would make for media sites.
John Got Some Nifty Ideas What To Do With It From Reddit & imgur
John’s post quickly went viral on the social media platforms imgur and Reddit. His post was just so fascinating that people couldn’t help but upvote or leave a comment. There was one person who even shared that her grandpa was once a certified fallout shelter advisor.
However, most were just curious as to what John would make of his newfound space. His experience made him exceedingly interested in these structures that he even made special plans to transform his own historic bunker into some kind of museum, which means additional work and expenditures were in the pipeline.
He Set Up A GoFundMe Page To Get The Project Off The Ground (Pun Intended)
Honestly, John couldn’t really afford to finish restoring his dugout to its former glory with his own money, so he set up a GoFundMe page. He introduced himself on the platform and wrote that he needed support to restore his newly uncovered vintage fallout shelter.
John was mainly looking for aid in rebuilding the shelter's entrance since he wouldn’t be able to start doing repairs and enhancements until that was done. He explained that the upper entry needed a huge concrete pour for it to be secured and that the metallic spiral staircase needed to be changed. John estimated that all this would cost up to $2K.
He Installed A New Stairway First
John's GoFundMe campaign got 430 shares, and he ended up receiving around $350 straight to his account. Although the amount was nowhere near his $2K-goal, that didn't deter John from pushing forward. He even took a leave from his job to focus on the very important staircase!
After sharing consistent updates about his project, John reported that the set of steps was finally finished and was safer to use when climbing in and out of the shelter. He also posted a picture of the brand new staircase, which was painted with a beautiful shade of blue.
He Shared All His Progress With His Backers Online
John always kept his GoFundMe page updated by sharing some details regarding his bunker now that the stairs and entrance were done. His next course of action was to clean up, repaint, and turn its interior into the coolest man cave, with its own Civil Defense Museum and HAM shack.
When he began his project, John had researched all about the Cold War era and how the fears of nuclear apocalypse urged many to construct these shelters. Disproving the rumors about this bunker had truly made a huge impact on his life!
Welcome To John Sims' Fallout Museum Vault
John already has a few supplies for the museum section of his backyard bunker. He’s now found artifacts like Geiger counters, water supply barrels, sanitation kits, and HAM radios to exhibit. However, like any collector, whether of vintage items like vinyl or modern items like action figures, John is probably still on the lookout for relics.
It's extremely impressive how John Sims was able to obtain so many antique pieces that were still in excellent condition. However, the most impressive part would have to be his determination and his drive, which could surely teach others a thing or two about not giving up.
There's No Business, Like Bomb Shelter Business
Believe it or not, the bomb shelter business is actually thriving nowadays. The designers, builders, and installers of these concealed sanctuaries have attributed its current demand to many things one of them is the imminent fall of the global financial system.
As stated by industry specialists, bomb-shelter tech has improved quite a bit in the last 70 years since World War II. What shelters can offer in our present time is a far cry from the backyard bunkers of yesterday. Today, they're larger, sturdier, and pricier than they’ve ever been.
Modern Day Bunkers Have Come A Long Way
The modernized bunkers that we now have are advanced and can feature fingerprint-protected entrances. Some also have surveillance systems that display what’s happening right outside the underground shelter. This is what Gary Lynch, Rising S Company's general manager, calls virtual windows.
Lynch thinks there’s potential to have a smart nuclear shelter in the near future, one that can control lighting and appliances from a phone or any voice assistant such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. He says if it can be done for a regular home, then they can do it for a bunker.
Their Prices Vary Wildly According To How Sophisticated They Are
You can always try to create your own bunker, but if you can afford it, then just purchase one! It’s not every day that someone comes across one like John, anyway. For a company like BombNado, the prices of a bunker can range from $19K up to $8.3 million!
$19K can get you their basic bunker which is around 8-by-8 feet, essentially a dorm room with its own air filter, bed, and toilet. As for higher-end prototypes, they can include hot tubs, swimming pools, and shooting ranges. You can even have a security system; that is if you're willing to pay the added price!
There's An $18M Underground Paradise In Las Vegas
One famous shelter is the Las Vegas Underground House, currently owned by the Society for the Preservation of Near Extinct Species president, Mark Voelker, and some of his friends. The outrageous 14,620 square feet bunker was built to endure a nuclear war, but it has more amenities than regular homes.
The bomb bunker home has its own yard with a swimming pool, spa, guest house, BBQ, trees and a fountain. It is also bordered with 500 feet of floor to ceiling frescos and mountain sights with lighting that can simulate day, dusk, and dawn! Who would ever want to leave this shelter?
No Matter How Armored Your Vault Is, It's The Ground That'll Save You
Regular shelters are often made with armored steel or built-in galvanized ridged pipes, but it's not really the construction materials that shield you from bombs, cyclones, and wildfires. Being no less than four feet underground does that. This is why bunkers are buried, including the one John Sims had uncovered.
However, shelters shouldn’t just be able to withstand a blast. Most of them are also equipped with an NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) filtration system, making sure the air is breathable. It’s extremely important when it comes to chemical or nuclear assaults, or when the air is contaminated with harmful compounds from wildfires.
Remember When JKF Told Americans To Build Fallout Shelters?
President John F. Kennedy wrote a letter that was published in Life magazine’s September 1961 issue. There, he urged fellow Americans to mount their own private fallout shelters. According to him, nuclear weapons and the likelihood of nuclear war can’t just simply be ignored.
Today is not much different from those times, in terms of these kinds of threats. We are aware, now more than ever, of the hazards involved in our day to day lives. So, should we really be shocked that fallout shelters have reemerged, especially now that technology has improved leaps and bounds?