Subscribe nowCustomer Service

Register Now

• Sign In
• E-mail preferences

Journal-News.com

Time's up in search for time capsule

HAMILTON — Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.

But what happens when a bit of history is already forgotten?

After looking high and low for a time capsule planted nearly 100 years ago to mark the dedication of the Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument in hamilton, a "search" crew has come up empty-handed.

According to various records, a lead box containing newspapers, a copy of the law enacted by the legislature authorizing construction of the monument, typed copies of speeches by political leaders and dozens of other artifacts were planted during the July 4, 1906 dedication of the monument.

This year, a committee charged with planning the July 4 centennial celebration for the historic landmark decided it was time to resurrect the time capsule.

"It was in March when they started looking for it," said Randy McNutt, who is part of the committee. "We thought it would be interesting to find the old time capsule and open it up for the celebration, but once they started looking, they couldn't find it."

After months of searching, and

even after bringing in metal detectors, the group remains capsule-less,

McNutt said.

The group, he said, has determined from its research that the lead box is likely buried inside a cornerstone of the building or beneath the structure.

"It was decided it's not worth trying for it, obviously because it might

damage the building," McNutt said.

Still, the centennial will go on.

Beginning at noon on July 4, following Hamilton's annual parade, a re-dedication ceremony will be held where local officials will plant a new time capsule.

"It hasn't yet been decided where we will put it, but we'll make it a little more accessible than the other one, of course," McNutt said.

The monument is home to records connected to about 35,000 Butler County pioneers and veterans.

The names of pioneers and veterans from the Revolutionary War through the Spanish-American War of 1898 are engraved on its marble walls.

McNutt said he hope's the upcoming celebration will "re-ignite interest" in the monument.

"Lots of things have changed in this city, but the monument is still there and still a reminder of all the people (who) sacrificed their lives for this country," McNutt said.