1947 Time Capsule Unearthed in Building’s Cornerstone

Music Assoc. Prof. Alex Ruthmann holding the time capsule unearthed from 1947 when Smith Hall was built.

Workers helping to tear down the Smith Hall discovered a time capsule placed in the cornerstone of the building when it was built in 1947. Music Assoc. Prof. Alex Ruthmann and his wife, Anne, tipped off officials after coming across a photo from the original 1947 cornerstone ceremony in  the University’s Centennial History book, “To Enrich and To Serve."

“It looked like they were also depositing a sealed copper box. I was very happy to learn that it was still there when they removed it,” says Ruthmann. “Cornerstone ceremonies, though conducted less often in recent years, are important symbolically in that they ceremonialize the laying of foundation stone upon which the structure is built. It can be seen as a metaphor of celebrating a strong foundation for the future. The time capsule represents a tangible set of artifacts preserved for future generations documenting the state of affairs at the time of the cornerstone laying.”

The time capsule will be opened during a ceremony on April 8, 2010.

Share your stories about Smith Hall and learn how to get involved with the time capsule opening ceremony.

View video of the time capsule removal

View the construction photo gallery