Last chance to submit items for Merced time capsule

Organizers for the events that celebrated the 125th birthday of the city of Merced in 2014 are giving out a final call for small items to be buried in a time capsule.

The last day to submit items for the capsule, which will be opened in 50 years, is Jan. 15. Public works staff transformed what was once a fire hydrant on a Merced street into the capsule.

Councilman Mike Murphy, who helped organize events for the city’s anniversary, said many residents have submitted items for the capsule. Organizers are looking for more, he said, especially tech gadgets like an iPhone.

The time capsule is the last part of several celebrations. “This just kind of tops off our year’s festivities,” he said. “Some of us will still be around to open it up.”

Organizers have said that not all items will be accepted, especially those that are too big. Some ideas for the capsule include toys, items from popular culture, food labels with price tags, movies tickets, photos, money and technology items.

Once the capsule is sealed, it will be displayed in the lobby of City Hall.

On April 1, 1889, people living in the area voted to incorporate Merced as a city. Officials held several events last year, including a concert, a festival and a movie, to celebrate 125 years for what was once a stop along the Central Pacific Railroad.

Items for the time capsule can be dropped off during regular business hours with executive secretary Dawn Ingraham on the third floor of City Hall, 678 W. 18th St.

For questions, call Murphy at (209) 349-8030.

This story was originally published January 6, 2015 at 4:13 PM with the headline "Last chance to submit items for Merced time capsule."