While on the job this week, crews discovered the two star-spangled garments, formed by masks stitched to cloaks, tucked away in a hollow section of concrete that was poured more than 60 years ago.

As part of a two-year, $82 million renovation project , crews have been making repairs to the Blue Line platforms at the station, according to T spokesman Joe Pesaturo.

It may seem like a Halloween hoax fit for the eerie October holiday. But officials from the MBTA say the discovery of two tattered rags affixed to strange masks at Government Center Station is all too real.


"What you see in the photos was found rolled up in a ball," Pesaturo said.

He also said that despite the discovery of these ghoulish garments, work at Government Center Station remains on schedule, with its reopening set for the spring.

"A couple of old masks won't change that," he said.

Asked repeatedly whether the discovery was merely a gag, Pesaturo maintained that it was not a Halloween trick.

"We don't really have the resources to launch a full investigation into this, but if the garments' owner comes forward, we'll be all ears," Pesaturo added.

The bizarre figures aren't the first surprising discovery uncovered by workers during their time underground fixing up the station.

In April last year, construction crews unveiled a mosaic of white and burgundy tiles when they peeled back a station sign. The tiles read "SCOLLAY UNDER," and date to the opening of the platform below the since-departed Scollay Station in 1916.

A century-old newspaper was also recently discovered stuffed in a doorjamb.

Steve Davis, a bricklayer, came across the weird items. David L. Ryan/Globe Staff/Globe Staff

One costume was red, spangled with stars. The other was blue, also spangled. David L. Ryan/Globe Staff

Steve Annear can be reached at steve.annear@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @steveannear.