A Moment in History
On Thursday March 26th, I had the honor of attending the opening of the George Rogers Clark Memorial Time Capsule, interred on September 3, 1933. It was not intended to be opened for 100 years, but due to the leakage issues that have plagued the memorial since construction, the structure is undergoing extensive repairs and reconstruction. Since the repairs are expected to preserve the memorial for ANOTHER hundred years, this would be the only opportunity to open the time capsule. So, twenty four years early, we have seen a moment in history.
Jamie, Dutch and I arrived at 6:45, and immediately ran into my friend Jason Keller, who had brought his kids to the event. We discovered that the capsule had actually been opened on Tuesday, and they had arranged most of the contents to be viewed by the public, followed by a ceremonial opening of the capsule. I didn't think to brng a camera, but Jamie had her phone, so we took several pictures, which can be viewed either on her Facebook page or the Vincennes Indiana Remember When Group on Facebook.
We lingered outside the auditorium for a bit, taking in the artifacts. To put it into perspective for myself, I have to realize that my grandmother was 8 years old when these newspapers, photographs and books were packed into a metal box and sealed in the cornerstone of the George Rogers Clark Memorial. The newspapers all proudly bore the symbol of National Recovery Administration. They told of a torture/murder trial, happening in Robinson, IL (I believe). Labor strikes. And many articles about the construction of the Memorial and the country digging itself out of the Great Depression. Several photographs, faded with age, of presidents and other famous people of the day. And books and booklets. Nothing that can't be found today, but sealed away when they were new. A program of the competition for the design of the memorial itself. The construction specifications, Indiana history journals... It wasn't until after I'd left school that I discovered my love for local history, and this was just overwhelming.
Jamie and I made our way into the auditorium, and were able to secure front row seats, even though the place was already nearly packed. After a brief slideshow, and several thank-yous, the capsule was ceremonially re-opened, and the final few artifacts were removed, and placed on display as well. Ranger Frank Doughman gave a small speech, which illustrated how important the event that the memorial celebrates, Clark's victory at Fort Sackville, is in our national history. After the ceremony, I had the opportunity to chat with several people involved with the project, as well as local historian Norbert Brown.
All in all, it was a wonderful experience, a once-in-a-lifetime event, and an honor to attend. Now I just have to hang around for a hundred more years, to see it opened again.
Jamie, Dutch and I arrived at 6:45, and immediately ran into my friend Jason Keller, who had brought his kids to the event. We discovered that the capsule had actually been opened on Tuesday, and they had arranged most of the contents to be viewed by the public, followed by a ceremonial opening of the capsule. I didn't think to brng a camera, but Jamie had her phone, so we took several pictures, which can be viewed either on her Facebook page or the Vincennes Indiana Remember When Group on Facebook.
We lingered outside the auditorium for a bit, taking in the artifacts. To put it into perspective for myself, I have to realize that my grandmother was 8 years old when these newspapers, photographs and books were packed into a metal box and sealed in the cornerstone of the George Rogers Clark Memorial. The newspapers all proudly bore the symbol of National Recovery Administration. They told of a torture/murder trial, happening in Robinson, IL (I believe). Labor strikes. And many articles about the construction of the Memorial and the country digging itself out of the Great Depression. Several photographs, faded with age, of presidents and other famous people of the day. And books and booklets. Nothing that can't be found today, but sealed away when they were new. A program of the competition for the design of the memorial itself. The construction specifications, Indiana history journals... It wasn't until after I'd left school that I discovered my love for local history, and this was just overwhelming.
Jamie and I made our way into the auditorium, and were able to secure front row seats, even though the place was already nearly packed. After a brief slideshow, and several thank-yous, the capsule was ceremonially re-opened, and the final few artifacts were removed, and placed on display as well. Ranger Frank Doughman gave a small speech, which illustrated how important the event that the memorial celebrates, Clark's victory at Fort Sackville, is in our national history. After the ceremony, I had the opportunity to chat with several people involved with the project, as well as local historian Norbert Brown.
All in all, it was a wonderful experience, a once-in-a-lifetime event, and an honor to attend. Now I just have to hang around for a hundred more years, to see it opened again.