Lost Luggage in Alabama Reveals Eleanor Roosevelt Letter, Gold Rolex, and Some Truly Wild Finds

Who says lost luggage is just socks and toothpaste? In the small town of Scottsboro, Alabama, a retail store called Unclaimed Baggage is turning forgotten suitcases into a treasure trove of history, oddities, and luxury—sometimes all in the same bag.

The store just published "The Found Report," which tracks the quirkiest and most valuable items airlines have parted ways with over the years. The list includes everything from a freeze-dried chicken foot and a full sheet of uncut $2 bills to silicone butt pads and a preserved rattlesnake soaking in whiskey. If you ever wondered where your missing toilet seat went, it might just be on a shelf in Alabama.

But it's not just weird stuff—there are some jaw-dropping finds, too. Staff recently uncovered a letter signed by Eleanor Roosevelt from 1944, a 1941 newspaper clipping about the attack on Pearl Harbor, and even an original script from the 1985 cult classic "The Goonies." Just imagine explaining to your grandkids that you lost your Oscar-worthy memorabilia at the airport.

On the glitzier side, a Rolex 18K gold watch valued at $20,000 made the list, along with an 18K white gold solitaire ring, a Louis Vuitton handbag and suitcase, Chanel loafers, and an array of designer clothes. Unclaimed Baggage typically sells these gems at up to 80% off their suggested retail value, which probably makes the finders feel like they hit the jackpot while the original owners just hit turbulence.

So how does all this end up in one place? The store only claims unclaimed bags after an "extensive" 90-day search for the rightful owner. Once that clock runs out, it's fair game for the store's 50,000-square-foot retail space—which, by the way, lures over a million visitors a year.

The report also caught onto some societal shifts. According to Sonni Hood, Unclaimed Baggage's senior PR manager, there's been a spike in pet supplies thanks to the "pet parent" trend, and a noticeable uptick in campaign swag following the 2024 presidential race. The pandemic, of course, left its mark too: comfort wear and athleisure now dominate the lost-and-found bins, reflecting how much our wardrobes have mellowed out.

Frequent flyers (and losers of luggage) seem to leave behind the basics most: undergarments, pants, books, shoes, and phones. The store's website boasts that "hundreds of new products are added every day," so if you're looking for a bargain—or a piece of history—you might want to plan a trip to Alabama. Just don’t forget your bag on the way out.