Wallet, Recovered
- Description
- Recovered brown leather wallet belonging to Robert Joseph Gschaar. The wallet is significantly damaged with encrusted dust and warped from exposure to the elements. Inside the wallet are photographs, credit cards, identification cards, and other papers.
- Historical Notes
- Bronx-born Robert Joseph Gschaar lived in Spring Valley, New York, with his wife, Myrta. During their 11-year marriage, the two each carried a $2 bill—a reminder from Robert that they were two of a kind. Robert helped raise Myrta’s four daughters. In July 2001, Robert had joined Aon Corporation as an insurance underwriter. On September 11, he was at work on the South Tower’s 92nd floor. Robert was 55 years old.
Curator's Comment
When Robert Gschaar proposed to his future wife, Myrta, he presented her with a $2 bill. Both had been previously married and pledged to keep a $2 bill in their respective wallets as a symbol of their second chance at happiness. On September 11, Robert phoned his wife to report that there had been an accident at the World Trade Center, reassuring her that he was planning to evacuate and would call her when he reached the street. More than a year later, Robert’s wallet and wedding ring were recovered at Ground Zero. Still tucked inside his wallet was the cherished $2 bill.
- Accession Number: C.2008.3.4
- Dimensions: 4 in X 9 in X 0.75 in
- Dimensions (Metric): 10.16 cm X 22.86 cm X 1.905 cm
- Source: Myrta Gschaar
- Credit Line: Gift of Myrta Gschaar in honor of my beloved husband Robert J. Gschaar
All materials made publicly available by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum on this site are intended for research and educational use only. Users may need to obtain other permissions for their intended use(s) and are responsible for determining copyright status and securing these permissions.
To inquire about copyrights and reproductions, contact: xxx@911memorial.org
