Merced time capsule sealed, to be opened in 50 years
The capsule to mark Merced’s 125th year was officially sealed Tuesday during a City Council meeting, not to be opened for 50 years.
The capsule, which is a repurposed Merced fire hydrant, holds an aerial shot of UC Merced, a USB flash drive, movie tickets and a journal written by students, among other memorabilia.
Mary-Michal Rawling, chairwoman for the 125th anniversary events, said organizers have been collecting trinkets since April of last year. She noted that the aerial shot of UC Merced is expected to look quite different in 50 years.
The capsule is to be displayed in the lobby of City Hall, according to Councilman Mike Murphy. He also thanked the sponsors and volunteers who participated in the year of events to celebrate the city’s birthday.
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.
When those who are still around in 50 years open the capsule, they’ll also find a Playhouse Merced playbill, a Merced Fire medallion, postal stamps and a City Council agenda.
Jennifer Tripp, a teacher at Providence Christian School, said a group of eighth-graders brainstormed and decided they wanted to put a journal in the capsule. She said they filled the book with prayers, hopes and dreams for the city’s future.
She said the journal has about 80 entries ranging from students’ hopes for the city’s future to trends they’re seeing around them.
Many of the young writers could be in their early 60s when the capsule is opened. Sadi Tucker, 12, the student council vice president, said she hopes the journal is an example of what students think of modern-day Merced.
“I think the time capsule is important for the future so people know how we lived and how different life in 2015 will be (from) when they open the time capsule in 50 years,” she said.
Sun-Star staff writer Thaddeus Miller can be reached at (209) 385-2453 or tmiller@mercedsunstar.com.
This story was originally published January 21, 2015 at 2:18 PM with the headline "Merced time capsule sealed, to be opened in 50 years."