Renovation Surprise: Love Letters from 1937 Discovered in Arkansas Home

A Central Arkansas couple set out to build their dream — turning an old 1930s farmhouse in Mayflower into a modern restaurant. But during renovations, they uncovered something far more meaningful than vintage wallpaper or outdated fixtures.

Love letters.

Robin Jones, the homeowner, says it all started when her construction crew began opening up the ceiling. That’s when the first handwritten letter fell. Then another. And another.

“For the last three or four days, we have just had love letters that have just been falling out of the ceiling,” said Jones.

So far, nearly a dozen letters have surfaced — many dating back to 1937. They’re written with emotion, longing, and affection, all signed by someone named Arlo. The letters appear to be addressed to a woman named Ruth.

One of them reads: “I miss you and love everything about you and want very much to see you. — Arlo.”

Jones believes the recipient may have been Ruth Elizabeth Adkisson, a woman who lived to be 106 and passed away just three years ago.

“I found an obituary earlier. We just want to believe that was her,” said Jones.

As they continue the renovations, Jones and her family say the letters have transformed the space into something even more special.

“We love knowing that there is a touch of love already here when we bought it… and then having the letters falling from the ceiling has been just incredible for us,” she said.

The restoration continues, but so does the discovery. “When I walked in earlier, they’re back there tearing out the ceiling right now, and they handed me another one,” Jones added.

The restaurant isn’t open yet, but for the Jones family, the building already feels like home — filled with history, heart, and now, a love story that’s been waiting nearly 90 years to be told.

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