Buried Time Capsule's Contents Revealed During Bel Air's July 4th Celebration

BEL AIR, MD — The time capsule buried under the bandshell in Shamrock Park in 1974 has been opened and its contents on display July 4 in conjunction with Bel Air's 150th anniversary.

The large concrete container, which was recovered from under the stage using a backhoe April 18, had been sitting in water that pooled around it over the years, plus about 2 inches of water was found inside when the time capsule was opened. The water had collected in and around the box as groundwater seeped up and rainwater made its way down the park’s sloping field toward the William A. Humbert Amphitheater, Bel Air officials said.

Unfortunately, many items contained in the water-logged time capsule had been destroyed or damaged beyond repair after sitting in water for nearly 50 years. A few items were saved, however, including a coin, a commemorative piece of jewelry and dishes from Bel Air's centennial celebration in 1974, an ashtray, a license plate and more, according to Bel Air officials.

A handful of envelopes filled with documents and addressed to the children of people living in Bel Air in 1974 also were rescued from the time capsule along with a copy of The Aegis newspaper from Aug. 1, 1974, a flyer advertising Bel Air centennial events and a record titled, “The Sounds of Bel Air.” The edition of The Aegis has photos on its front page showing several women milking cows for a milking contest that was part of the centennial celebration, Bel Air officials noted.

Items that could be salvaged from the 1974 time capsule will be on display during the time capsule celebration in Shamrock Park on July 4 at the amphitheater starting around 12:30 p.m. Residents are invited to bring small items to place in the next time capsule, which will be a steel box painted in Bel Air colors that will remain above ground until it is opened during the celebration of Bel Air’s 200th anniversary in 2074.