Time Capsule Takes Minnesotans Back in Time

To say things have changed over the last 50 years is a bit of an understatement. From rotary dial telephones to tv antennas that are attached to your house so you can have watch more than one network, we’ve come a long way baby. 

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It’s being reported that on Monday a construction crew that was demolishing an old high school in Owatonna un-earthed a time capsule that was buried at the school in 1920. 

The time capsule contained newspapers, coins, lists of different civic organizations and their members, and financial statements were among the items discovered.  

This is an opportunity for the students at the school to learn about some of the community leaders who helped sculpt the way the area is now. There could be some very recognizable names on the lists of the community organizations as well as among the students who placed the items for the school. 

Obviously, the Steele County Historical Society is very excited to have these items to put on display for residents to see and learn about. There will likely be residents who see the names of relatives mentioned for various reasons.  

The 1920’s were known for prohibition and “bootlegging” alcohol, jazz music was the music that had everyone dancing, and flappers. They were young women who lived life with a certain freedom and zeal and considered “immoral” by some for their sexually liberated choices. 

How much of what was dug up mirrors “The Great Gatsby”? Once the historical society there can get everything sorted and placed, you’ll see for yourself.  

This got me thinking though, what would people find if they dug up a time capsule from my graduating class of 1989? 

Let's see, Levi's Denim Jackets, CDs were becoming all the rage, though cassettes were still prominent. Tales of “cruising”, or otherwise known as driving around town in the same circular motion.  

There would have to be a Bat Man movie poster, an Oakland Raiders black and white hat, MC Hammer pants, rap music on the rise and Bon Jovi and Def Leppard ruling the charts.  

Oh yeah, and Mullets.