Renovating old homes isn’t just about updating spaces—it’s an adventure into history. Good Bones star Karen E. Laine has seen it all, from the weird to the wonderful. In a candid conversation on the “What’s Up Wilmington” podcast, Karen opened up about the strangest discoveries she’s made while working alongside her castmates.
From Poop to Priceless Finds: The Joys and Challenges of Home Renovation
Imagine stepping into a house that’s been standing for generations, only to uncover its secrets. That’s exactly what Karen, now 61, has experienced throughout her career. She shared a laugh-worthy detail about one common denominator in these old homes: “They all have poop in them.” Whether it’s from past residents, squatters, or even animals, dealing with the less glamorous aspects of renovation is just part of the job.
And if you think removing old furniture is easy, think again. Karen joked about the dreaded task of taking out old toilets: “Nobody wants to take the toilet out; it’s a s–tty job.” But hey, even the tough parts make for great stories, right?
Read also:Savannah Guthrie And Hoda Kotb Reunite On Vacation A Heartwarming Encounter
Uncovering Hidden Treasures in Over 120 Homes
Over eight seasons of Good Bones, Karen and her daughter Mina Starsiak Hawk have restored around 120 homes. Along the way, they’ve stumbled upon some truly remarkable finds. One such discovery wasn’t just interesting—it was potentially valuable.
Karen recounted an incident involving her son-in-law Tad Starsiak and crew member Austin Aynes. They were tasked with saving a bathtub but, well, things didn’t go as planned. “Instead of saving it, they threw it out the window, and it broke,” Karen revealed. Oops! But in true team spirit, Tad and Austin made amends by presenting Karen with something extraordinary they’d found in the walls.
“Austin comes to me with this sheet of paper that I later learned is called an autograph,” Karen explained. “It’s a piece of sheet music handwritten and signed by a musician.” Turns out, the musician was none other than Albert Von Tilzer, the man behind the iconic song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
A Piece of Musical History
Karen went on to describe the significance of the find: “Albert Von Tilzer lived in Indianapolis and hung out in Bates-Hendricks, where this house was located. Apparently, he gave the sheet music to someone who lived in the house, who then stashed it away safely.” Today, the sheet music is preserved under museum-grade glass on acid-free paper. As for its value? Karen admits she hasn’t checked lately, but she’s open to offers. “If anybody wants it, let me know what you’ll pay for it,” she quipped.
At the time of the discovery, Karen was married to her fourth husband, Roger Rominger. However, the couple filed for legal separation in April 2022, with Roger later petitioning to convert the separation into a full dissolution in January 2023. The case remains ongoing, with a court date set for November 27.
Concealed Shoes: A Creepy Yet Fascinating Tradition
Karen also shared another peculiar find: concealed shoes. This European tradition, believed to ward off evil spirits, involved hiding shoes within the walls of homes. “The weird thing in this house, they found the shoe, took the shoe out of the house, and then seven different workers got injured on the job,” Karen recounted. To honor the tradition, she placed a prayer inside the shoe and returned it to its original spot.
Read also:Colter Shaws Next Big Case In Tracker Season 2 Episode 12 A Mothers Disappearance
It’s moments like these that remind us just how much history lies hidden within the walls of old homes. Whether it’s poop, priceless sheet music, or concealed shoes, every discovery tells a story—and Karen E. Laine is here to bring those stories to life.
