During a demolition project at a former high school in Owatonna, Minnesota, construction workers unearthed a time capsule that had been buried in 1920. The time capsule was discovered as the crew was tearing down the front pillars and doors of the school. The capsule was opened during a community event, revealing items such as a roster of teachers and administrators at Owatonna Public Schools in 1920, the high school magnet, the high school newspaper, three local newspapers, and financial statements. The school district’s superintendent, Jeff Elstad, expressed excitement about learning more about the history of the community and the foresight of those who built the school.
Elstad noted that while the contents of the time capsule were not known in advance, items like newspapers and local history are commonly included in such capsules. He found it particularly interesting to discover items that provided insight into the schools at that time. The Owatonna High School Museum Committee is working with the Steele County Historical Society to dry and preserve the items found in the time capsule. Once the items are preserved, a decision will be made regarding which items will be displayed at the school and which will be added to the historical society’s collections.
The discovery of the time capsule has allowed the community to reflect on its local history and the individuals who played a role in shaping it. Elstad emphasized the importance of preserving the historical significance of the time capsule and maintaining a commitment to safeguarding the community’s history for future generations. The school district remains dedicated to ensuring that the history of the community and the school is preserved and passed down to future generations. The discovery of the time capsule has provided an opportunity for the community to connect with its past and appreciate the efforts of those who came before them.
In a separate incident, a judge dismissed two felony charges against an alleged would-be shooter at a Minnesota college. The individual had been accused of planning a shooting at a college in the state, but the charges were ultimately dropped. Additionally, Minnesota police cleared out an anti-Israel protest in the heart of Ilhan Omar’s congressional district. The protest was dispersed by law enforcement, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding issues related to Israel within the community. These events, while unrelated to the discovery of the time capsule, are part of the broader context of current events in Minnesota and provide additional insight into the local community and its activities.
