Firefighters Find 118-Year-Old Time Capsule Buried In Fire Station Wall

June 9, 2023

Recently, the Marion City Fire Department (MCFD) received word that their Station was to be demolished.

But before they finished they made a discovery: a small copper box was set inside the cornerstone.

Credit: City of Marion Ohio Fire Department

The time capsule had been buried in the wall since 1905.

118 years ago.

On May 31, 2023 the MCFD opened the 8"x4"x4" copper box and found some very interesting, well-preserved items.

Credit: City of Marion Ohio Fire Department

A contract from 1905 between the City of Marion and James B Luke to build the Fire Station.

Credit: City of Marion Ohio Fire Department

Rosters stating the members of Hose Company 1 and Hose Company 2.

Credit: City of Marion Ohio Fire Department

A letter from Chief McFarland stating that the cornerstone was set on July 20th, 1905 and containing the names of the firemen employed at the 2 stations and the Huber Manufacturing Company Fire Department.

Credit: City of Marion Ohio Fire Department

A roster of 1905 City Officials.

Credit: City of Marion Ohio Fire Department

A 1905 brochure that lists all the products the Marion Power Shovel manufactured at that time. The company was a major supplier of steam shovels for the construction of the Panama Canal and the Hoover Dam.

Credit: City of Marion Ohio Fire Department

An agenda from the Second Annual Marion Fire Department Ball dated April 24, 1905.

Credit: City of Marion Ohio Fire Department

A photo of members of the Marion Fire Department.

Credit: City of Marion Ohio Fire Department

9 Marion Fire Department badges

Credit: City of Marion Ohio Fire Department

An 1878 invitation from the Delphos Fire Department for the Northwestern Ohio Volunteer Fireman's Association Fireman's Games.

Credit: City of Marion Ohio Fire Department

The original lease for the property from the Marion Power Shovel to the City of Marion.

Credit: City of Marion Ohio Fire Department

The items will be kept at the Marion County Historical Society while the new Fire Station is constructed.

They will eventually return to the Station and be placed in a display case.