1941 time capsule found in Indiana national park, officials say. See what’s inside
A contractor doing work at Indiana Dunes National Park made an “unexpected find” dating back to 1941, park officials said.
While doing rehabilitation work at the Good Fellow Lodge on Sept. 23, a Berglund Construction contractor found a “heavily oxidized and sealed copper box” buried in the foundation, according to an Oct. 3 news release from Indiana Dunes National Park.
The time capsule, buried Jan. 18, 1941, contained “tar-infused construction paper with items wrapped carefully inside,” including a silk 48-Star American flag, officials said.
The small flag was wrapped around several paper documents, including a speech, deed, memorandum and newspaper articles, according to the release.
Park officials said the box was “placed behind the last stone that was laid in the lodge’s foundation.”
A note inside the box talked of the completion of the construction of the summer camp, which operated in that capacity until 1976, park officials said.
“All of us realize that in a few moments, we shall have dedicated these premises, rich in historic lore and tradition, for the mental, physical, and moral growth of our Youth,” the note read. “In doing so, we are performing one of the most important functions that befall men in each generation.”
“We should consider it a sacred duty, in harmony with the principles we honor individually, and pursue collectively as a natural development of our democratic way of life,” the note said.
According to the National Park Service, Good Fellow Youth Camp was “the only summer camp built by the U.S. Steel Company for its employees’ children.”
Indiana Dunes National Park is about a 35-mile drive southeast from Chicago.
This story was originally published October 9, 2024 at 2:01 PM with the headline "1941 time capsule found in Indiana national park, officials say. See what’s inside."
