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Jul 4, 2009 10:38 pm US/Central
Minn. County Opens 120-Year-Old Time Capsule
GRANITE FALLS, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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The capsule had been placed in the cornerstone of the courthouse on July 4, 1889 -- the year the courthouse opened.
CBS
It was a very historic Fourth of July for one Minnesota county today. Members of the Yellow Medicine County Historical society opened a 120-year-old time capsule.
The capsule had been placed in the cornerstone of the courthouse on July 4, 1889 -- the year the courthouse opened. A metal detector recently located the time capsule in the cornerstone of the courthouse, and opening it became a county-wide event.
"Nobody has seen it or touched it or nothing in 120 years," said Michelle Gatz.
That is plenty of time for 96-year-old Ruby Peterson to wonder what's inside.
"I don't know," said Peterson. "Exciting [things]."
It was exciting enough to draw a good crowd. The county has been through a lot over the past 100-plus years: droughts, floods, tornadoes and currently a recession. Saturday was about showing how difficult times can be overcome and spirits can be renewed.
"It's good to remember just how tough things were and where those folks came from and how we got to where we are today," said Mayor David Mayor David Smiglewski.
When the capsule was finally opened what was inside became instant history. Old newspapers, coins, and pictures emerged and were put on display. The capsule will be filled with items from today, with instructions to be opened in the year 2089 -- though not everyone is expecting to see that.
"I don't know if I will make it to be here to check on it. Eighty years from now see, I'd be 160 years old," said Archie Froland with a chuckle.
Cheri Fjermestad hopes to see the capsule opened again. She said she learned a lot from Saturday's experience.
"I think you can always learn something from history. Hopefully they learn something from what we've put in there today as well," Fjermestad.
The items taken out of the capsule will be on display at the Yellow Medicine Historical Society. After the capsule is filled with postcards, pictures and other items from today, it will be put back in the cornerstone.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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