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.

firefighters time capsule Ohio
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.

firefighter time capsule
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.

firefighter time capsule
Credit: City of Marion Ohio Fire Department

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

firefighter time capsule
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.

firefighter time capsule
Credit: City of Marion Ohio Fire Department

A roster of 1905 City Officials.

firefighter time capsule
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.

firefighter time capsule
Credit: City of Marion Ohio Fire Department

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

firefighter time capsule
Credit: City of Marion Ohio Fire Department

 

A photo of members of the Marion Fire Department.

firefighter time capsule
Credit: City of Marion Ohio Fire Department

9 Marion Fire Department badges

firefighter time capsule
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.

firefighter time capsule
Credit: City of Marion Ohio Fire Department

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

firefighter time capsule
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.

feel good videoHis Last Day As A Teacher After 36 Years. They Turned It Into A Memory For Life

feel good stories'I Laughed And Cried': Vet’s Hilarious Condolence Card Brings Laughter To Grieving Cat Owner

feel good storiesThree Brothers Cleaning Out Mom’s Attic Found A Comic Worth $9 Million

feel good storiesTeen Runs His Own Restaurant ALONE — One Of The Most Uplifting Stories You'll Read

feel good storiesPet Owners Share Hilarious Stories Of Paying The Vet… Just To Find Out Their Pets Are Weird

feel good storiesA Man Ruined A Beautiful Snowman Display — What Happened Next Was Perfect

feel good videoDaycare Worker Goes Viral After Dancing For Babies — Their Reactions Are Priceless

feel good videoUnexpected Friends: Rhino And Tiny Deer Play In Snow

feel good videoSheep Escape Herd And Wander Into Supermarket In Funny Video

feel good videoDog And Rooster Chase Each Other In The Funniest Video You’ll See Today

feel good videoDonkey Gets Tricked Into Taking His Medicine — And It’s Adorable