BUCYRUS—Anticipation filled the air on Monday afternoon as a time capsule was unearthed and opened after being buried underground at the Bucyrus Historical Society for 50 years.
“I was tickled that there was such a good turnout, with the crowd varying in all different ages. There were people at the event who were not even born yet when the time capsule was buried back in 1971,” said Bucyrus resident Leeann Grau. “It was so exciting and the anticipation of them digging it up and getting it out of the ground was fun.”
The crowd was excited when the time capsule was finally out of the ground and waited with excitement to find out what was inside.
“I thought it was pretty funny that they had trouble getting the capsule open. Mayor Reser was able to retrieve some tools to assist and saved the day! It was just cool to hear the crowd cheer them on like I imagined it would’ve been back in the good ole days,” said Grau.
There was a total of 24 items in the capsule.
“I must admit, I was sad when the first item came out, the Picking Copper Kettle fruit bowl. I would guess that Robert Picking and daughter, Helen Picking Neff were humbled to have the fruit bowl included in the time capsule back in 1971. To know these iconic individuals in our community are no longer with us and have since passed on, I felt a sense of pride in honor of them and that I was able to witness this event. May their legacy live on,” said Grau.
She said most of the crowd was a little emotional when a letter from Mary Clark, who was present, was read aloud.
“She wrote a letter when she was 19 years old, and it was touching to be able to see her reaction to the letter she wrote 50 years ago. The whole event was just dang cool, and I am glad I was able to attend and be involved in a “little” part of Bucyrus history. It was a great way to spend a Monday afternoon. I hope that it touched a few people and will encourage them to be more involved with our community and its history.
Dr. John Kurtz, President of the Bucyrus Historical Society, said he is amazed at all the changes that have occurred over the last five decades.
“When first asked by Mayor Jeff Reser prior to the opening of the time capsule at the Historical Society yesterday what it felt like to be a part of the event, my spur of the moment response was “just to be here.” Following the actual opening of the capsule, and discovering what was inside, my attitude was changed. Now I would have to say “Amazement at the change” which has occurred in the city of Bucyrus in only the past 50 years. From the size of the local newspaper celebrating the Sesquicentennial in 1971 to the legible, largely handwritten (in script) notes and letters contained in the capsule, and even in the attire of the respectable size crowd in attendance, there has been real change in our town in only 50 years,” Kurtz said. “Perhaps another 50 years will tell if that change is for the good or not. I only wish that I could be around to observe the answer.”
Laurie Cooper of Bucyrus said she loved seeing the time capsule opened.
“The items that were in the capsule from 1971 were all in excellent shape, it was a blast from the past!” said Cooper.
Mayor Jeff Reser said the day was a beautiful one and the opening of the capsule was a beautiful ending to the Big Bicentennial Weekend.
“The anticipation built as John Ernsberger deftly operated the backhoe and excavated the Gatorade container which was the 1971 TIme Capsule. Dr. Kurtz explained each item that was buried, and the large crowd enjoyed the Bucyrus history that was brought forth at the event,” Reser said. “Thanks to the Historical Society and the Norton family for keeping the history of Bucyrus alive.”