Water-Damaged Time Capsule Still Opens Window Into Kahoka’s Past

KAHOKA — A July Fourth time capsule opening on the east side of the square brought excitement, disappointment and a strong reminder that even damaged history is still history.

The capsule, removed Thursday from Sever Memorial Library, was opened Saturday morning during a public ceremony led by Becki Krueger. A crowd gathered as Krueger made the final cuts into the large metal tank, which was dated 1923.

Krueger explained that the capsule had been taken to Tri- State Welding after it was removed from the ground. Special thanks were given to Virgil and Brian Elam, who cut the capsule open but left several tabs in place so the final cuts could be made during the public ceremony.

“This has been cut, but it has not been opened,” Krueger told the crowd before beginning. “Nobody has seen inside of this yet.”

Krueger said a small amount of water had already run out of the capsule after it was recovered.

“There was a little water that ran out, about a gallon or so, so I don’t know if there’s any damage in there or not,” she said.

There was damage.

When the capsule was finally opened, much of what had been placed inside 50 years ago was wet, stained, stuck together or destroyed. Bundles of paper and other keepsakes were removed carefully from the tank and placed in bags or on tables for the public to view.

The moment was emotional for Krueger, whose family had a direct connection to the capsule. Her father, who worked for the city street department, had dug the original hole at the library with a backhoe when the capsule was buried in 1976. Krueger said her parents, Frank and Bettie Evermon, later purchased the stone that marked the capsule’s location.

“That’s how the Evermon name got attached to this,” she said.

In a symbolic connection between generations, Krueger asked Brody, Frank and Bettie Evermon’s great-grandson, to help remove items from the capsule. Brody is 17, the same age Krueger was when the capsule was buried.

“I was 17. I’m 67,” Krueger said. “He will be 67 if they do this again and dig it up in 50 years.”

Among the most meaningful discoveries was a damaged photo album. Although the album had suffered water damage, the handwritten inscription inside remained readable. Krueger read portions aloud to the crowd.

The album was described as “a small photo history of Kahoka, Missouri, in 1976, and the July 4th Celebration — The Bicentennial Committee.” It listed Gary L. Gordy as chairman, Diane Brindenstein as vice chairman and Jo Ann Ragan as treasurer.

The album also listed city officials from 1976, including Mayor Gene Daniels. Aldermen were Gary L. Gordy and Jim Kennel from the West Ward, and Earl Moughler and Lawrence Brotherton from the East Ward. Kahoka’s population was listed as 2,323.

But the joy of reading those names was tempered by the condition of the materials.

“Boy, everything is sure water damaged,” Krueger said. “Really disappointed in this.”

As more items came from the capsule, the disappointment became more visible.

“So very, very disappointing,” she said. “The quality of stuff coming out of here, I just hate it. I’m about ready to cry.”

A moment later, Krueger said, “I am crying. I’m not sure what to say. I’m heartbroken.”

Still, not everything was lost. Items recovered included materials from Kahoka Christian Church, handwritten letters, a damp copy of the Kahoka Gazette-Herald, a Clark County R-1 Class of 1976 packet, a commencement program, a graduation announcement and a class composite.

One of the best-preserved items was “The Arrow,” the Class of 1976 newsletter.

“This is the one piece of material that is actually in very, very good shape,” Krueger said. “The Arrow was our class newsletter. It’s in good shape. It’s beautiful.”

The find brought smiles from those gathered as names, awards and memories from the Class of 1976 were read aloud.

“I’m just glad to see it survived,” Krueger said.

The disappointment of the damaged contents was softened by the perspective of one audience member, who remembered being at the library as a 6-year-old child when the capsule was placed in the ground.

“Even though you may be feeling disappointed, for me, this is huge,” she said. “This is really unique, cool, neat.”

She said the damage itself told part of the story.

“This reveals time right here,” she said. “This shows you that over time, things do decay, but we can keep history going on. Keep telling the story. Don’t let history die.”

Larry Young also recalled the 1976 celebration, remembering a barbecue held that day and how he helped prepare the beef that was cooked in the ground.

“It was a big celebration,” Krueger said, as the opening prompted others to share memories from the Bicentennial year.

Items removed from the capsule were cataloged and placed on tables for viewing. Krueger asked that no one remove anything until it had been properly recorded. Items not claimed will be returned to Sever Memorial Library for storage. If they are not claimed before the next time capsule is buried, Krueger said, they may be placed in the new capsule.

The Clark County Chamber of Commerce is preparing a new time capsule to be opened July 4, 2076. Community members are encouraged to contribute small items, photographs, letters or keepsakes that represent life in Clark County today.

Saturday’s opening did not reveal the perfectly preserved collection many had hoped for. Instead, it offered something more fragile and honest — stained pages, remembered names, a few surviving treasures and a reminder that local history depends on those willing to save it, share it and keep telling the story.