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A room sealed in the early 1960's was recently discovered in the former gas station at the corner of US 70 and John St. There is no access to the room. Water lines and drains are attached to the room. Could it be a room full of money? Could it be a hiding place for something you really don't want to see?
{mosimage}The block wall will be opened on Friday, April 4 at 4 p.m.to discover what is inside. The public will be invited to observe the "grand opening."
Additionally, the public and all Johnston County School classes are invited to enter a fun writing contest to help us imagine what will be found. Prizes will be awarded as follows for written stories.
Prizes for the General Public
Grand Prize
A First Prize worth $500 will be awarded to the person that most accurately describes what is actually found in the secret room OR the most creative and interesting story about what MIGHT be in the room. The packages will consist of:
- Dinner for 4 at Skylines Restaurant valued at $100.
- Dinner and a show for 4 at the new Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club valued at $150
- Coffee for 2 and free bread for a month from Cleveland Bakery valued at $100
- A pair of tires from Leo Tire valued at $150.
Second Prize
A Prize worth $325 will be awarded for what is judged the most accurate reason the room was sealed and forgotten for almost 50 years. The prize package will include:
- Dinner for 2 at Skylines Restaurant valued at $50
- Dinner and a show for 2 at Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club valued at $75.
- Coffee for 2 and bread for a month from Cleveland Bakery valued at $50
- A pair of tires from Leo Tires valued at $150
Prizes for Johnston County School Students
School students may enter a creative writing project that answers the question "What might be behind the wall?" A story of 500 words or less will be judged for creativity, use of language, and general fun. A panel of judges led by School Board Member Donna White and Mayor Jody McLeod will select winners. Prizes will be awarded to individuals and to the student's classroom.
The following prizes will be awarded to Johnston County School classes in the 4th, 7th and 10th grades for a total of 9 prizes. Prizes may be substituted upon the request of the classroom teacher.
- 1st place Individual iPod Nano Class $200
- 2nd place Individual iPod Shuffle Class $150
- 3rd place Individual iPod Shuffle Class $100
What will be found when a wall is opened? Nobody knows! The building was built and the room apparently sealed about 1962, a little too recently to have been used by Blackbeard, but ---- do you know where Blackbeard's treasure actually is? Maybe the infamous D.B.Cooper hid his stolen money inside.If the Mystery Room has treasures, half will be donated to the Clayton Rotary Club. If there are no treasures, then we will have a good tale to tell our grandkids.
A person may write and enter several stories. Entries will be judged for originality, language, and fun. Please limit stories to about 500 words.Schools and classes must be identified to allow competition between appropriate peers. The building at 10534 US70 W, in Clayton, Leo Tire Service, may be visited to view the outside walls of the Mystery Room.
Awards to students must be approved by parents and teachers and will be substituted with appropriate awards as needed.
All entries become the property of Walthom Group and may be completely or partially published in local publications to exhibit the skills and humor of local citizens and students.
Send all stories to:
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Or
Regular mail:
Mystery Room at Walthom
442 ½ E. Main Street
Clayton, NC 27520