Library to open time capsule Sept. 18

  • Published
  • By Nick DeCicco
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  When Mr. Anthony Gonzales was cleaning the Mitchell Memorial Library's storage area earlier this year, he didn't think a 3-foot-tall, stainless steel box had a much more significant purpose.

But the plaque on the front of the package revealed its true nature.
What had once served as a plant stand near the library's magazine rack was really a 26-year-old time capsule.

Documentation regarding the capsule's true nature has been lost throughout the years due to a high turnover rate among library directors.

"(There was) no documentation of what in the world it is, was or why it wasn't buried in the ground," said Ms. Susan Gilroy, library director. "But they had kept scrapbooks, so we were able to locate an article from the Tailwind that talked about what is going to be in the time capsule."

The capsule is set to be opened Sept. 18, after the annual Great Paper Airplane Contest, as part of a series of events the library is hosting to commemorate the Air Force's 60th anniversary.

Several speakers will be on hand, to discuss the history of the capsule and the importance of them.

The former plant stand bears the date April 23, 1982, on its plaque, but library staff believes it to be a year older.

Although there isn't enough evidence or official documentation on what exactly is in the capsule, many of the library staff believe it may contain a couple of bottles of wine, a T-shirt, emblems from squadrons that may no longer exist and some paper goods.

"(The capsule) marked the library's 25th anniversary, because the library opened up in 1957," Mr. Gonzales said. "Now this will be close to the 50-year mark."

Preceding the time capsule's opening is the annual Great Paper Airplane Contest. Contestants will be split into five groups by age and compete for prizes. There also will be prizes for best decorated planes in all categories.

For those who want to participate but aren't sure what kind of plane to fashion, the library has a sample packet with multiple designs for your possible paper plane. 

Cake will be served as participants exit the event.

The Great Paper Airplane Contest and time-capsule opening will take place Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the library.

For more information, call 424-3279.