Larry and Joyce Schramm of Rochester Hills, Michigan discovered the Bible when cleaning out an abandoned semi-trailer on their property, where they own a storage facility. The Bible was found wrapped up and protected, unaffected by rainwater and mold.
Larry told FOX 2 Detroit, “It’s amazing how old this book is. It was a neat find.”
At the time, the only clue the couple had was that the Bible had the last name Wendell.
Back in In June, Larry gave the Bible to Fox 2 Detroit, hoping they could get in touch with the owner. From the contents they were able to locate Chrys Wendell who lives in Arizona. She confirmed they’d found the right people. According to Wendell, the Bible belonged to her father’s side of the family.
She told the station, “My grandparents were antique dealers, and my father had this semi with everything in it. And when he passed away, his friend said he would handle it and get rid of everything in there for us, but obviously he didn’t. I (didn’t) even know that the bible existed, so this is all news to me.”
Wendell noted that she had been attempting to learn more about her family history and that the Bible offers her some much-needed detail as it includes cards, letters, and marriage and death certificates.
She said, “My dad would be proud that you guys found this Bible. That would bring him much joy.”
The Bible has since been sent to Wendell in Arizona. Larry said, “It belongs with family, and that’s where we’re happy to have it.”