When a couple set out to restore a century-old home in the Fairmount National Historic District of Fort Worth, Texas, they uncovered an unexpected relic that connected them to the city’s Jewish history. Buried under layers of paint on a doorway, a mezuzah—a small, inscribed religious object—was discovered. This tiny artifact, which had been affixed to the doorframe of the bungalow at Hurley Ave. a century ago, offered a unique glimpse into the life of Wolff Moses, a Jewish cobbler who had once lived in the home.

The History Behind the Home & the Moses Family

The bungalow, originally built in 1911, had been sold to Moses and his wife, Rachel, in 1920. Wolff Moses, a Russian immigrant who had moved to Fort Worth from Minsk in 1903, worked as a shoemaker and established the Liberty Bell Shoe Repair shop. The mezuzah, marking the entry to his home, would have been a constant reminder of his faith. It was likely placed on the doorpost in accordance with Jewish tradition, which instructs followers to display sacred Hebrew texts that affirm the oneness of God.

Restoration Led to Remarkable Discovery

The couple, Stacy Luecker and John Ladd, who had embarked on the renovation project, learned of the mezuzah’s existence through a title search. They knew the property had belonged to Moses and his family, and, determined to preserve its rich history, they contacted the Fort Worth Jewish Archives. It wasn’t long before Arthur Moses, Wolff’s grandson, was notified of the discovery. Arthur, an internationally known collector of Houdini memorabilia, was deeply nostalgic about his family’s history and quickly made his way to the home to reclaim the mezuzah.

The Mezuzah: A Symbol of Faith & Legacy

As Arthur carefully pried the mezuzah from the doorframe, it became evident how much history had been embedded in this small object. Weighed down by decades of paint and dust, the mezuzah had survived the years, though some of the Hebrew inscriptions had faded due to repeated touchings over time. Arthur, using a razor blade and other small tools, delicately scraped off the layers of paint. After retrieving the mezuzah, he recited a blessing and promised the homeowners that he would provide a new one once the restoration was complete.

The Spiritual Significance of the Mezuzah

The mezuzah itself, a thin tin object weighing less than a penny, contained a parchment scroll inscribed with 713 Hebrew words, written by a scribe on animal skin. The scroll, called a klaf, was in excellent condition, despite its age. The three Hebrew letters that adorned the mezuzah’s exterior, which symbolize the word “Almighty,” had been worn down by decades of reverence.

Arthur Moses Reclaims the Family Artifact

The discovery of this mezuzah was not only a remarkable find for the new homeowners but also a poignant reminder of the Moses family’s legacy in Fort Worth. Wolff Moses, who was a regular at the city’s Orthodox synagogue, Congregation Ahavath Sholom, in the mid-1900s, would have understood the spiritual significance of this object. The mezuzah served as a testament to his faith and to the broader Jewish community in the area.

Preserving a Piece of Jewish History in Fort Worth

The historic bungalow at Hurley Ave. was not just a place where the Moses family lived—it was a hub of Jewish life in Fort Worth. Arthur Moses’s recollections of his father pointing out the family home while driving down Hurley Avenue further tie the artifact to both family memory and the broader history of the area. The mezuzah, in its own quiet way, marked the house as a sacred space, blending personal and communal history in a way that few objects can.

From Sacred Space to Restored Home

The bungalow, originally built for rancher John Naylor in 1911, was sold to the Moses family for $2,000 in 1920. After Wolff’s wife Rachel passed away in 1923, he remarried Aida Kushovotsky in 1926, and they had a son, Rafael David (R.D.) Moses, in 1928. The house was a central part of their lives for nearly three decades.

A Link Between Past & Present

This century-old mezuzah’s rediscovery is more than just a historical artifact—it’s a link between past and present, a symbol of faith, and a reminder of the enduring power of memory. For the Moses family, it offers a tangible connection to a home filled with history, faith, and family.

Honoring the Moses Family’s Legacy

Now, as the home is being lovingly restored by Luecker and Ladd, the mezuzah, though small and seemingly insignificant, is a physical testament to the Jewish presence in Fort Worth and to the legacy of Wolff Moses, whose craftsmanship and faith left an indelible mark on the city. This discovery not only enriches the history of the house but also connects the community to its diverse past, ensuring that the stories of those who lived there are remembered for generations to come.