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By Catherine Carlock
NORFOLK
A step toward the future revealed a link to the past at the Kirn Memorial Library Thursday.
A time capsule buried in 1962 and discovered during the library's demolition was opened in front of curious eyes. In it were various city documents, books and newspaper clippings.
"The only thing I know to say is: T his is really cool," City Councilman W. Randy Wright said.
Wright was a sophomore at Norview High School when the capsule was buried. Also in that year, John H. Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth, stamps cost 4 cents and Johnny Carson took over as host of "The Tonight Show."
Norfolk's budget was then about $46 million. Today, it's $1.17 billion.
"It was a whole different era," Wright said. "As much as things stay the same, things change. Norfolk has changed a lot since 1962."
Some of the documents found in the capsule included a gallery of the city's history, two volumes of city code, and a letter from then-Mayor W. Fred Duckworth.
Duckworth addressed his letter "to some future generation." He was shot and killed in 1972, 10 years after the time capsule was buried.
Most of the capsule's contents were wrapped in plastic and well preserved. Wright said the steel capsule box was encased in concrete when demolition crews first found it buried outside the library.
Several children weaved through the legs of adults to see the capsule's contents.
"I was so excited to come here today," said 11-year-old Randy Bulger, who was at the library with his father, Carter. "I saw how the story began, about how they founded Norfolk."
"I learned a little bit of history, too," he said.
Other documents, such as a library brochure and newspaper clippings about the beginning stages of construction, detailed the history of the Kirn Memorial Library.
Kirn served as Norfolk's main library for 47 years until it closed last year. Demolition began last week, making way for the largest of 11 passenger stations on the city's light rail line that is set to open late next year.
Most of the books and staff have moved to the nearby historic Seaboard Building on Plume Street, which was renamed Norfolk Main Library. Over the next four years, the building will undergo a $50 million expansion.
Wright said the city can now include the artifacts in the new library.
Catherine Carlock, (757) 446-2352, catherine.carlock@pilotonline.com
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We need more mayors
like Duckworth. At least he was honest with his opinions--like them or not.
Time Capsule
They "found" the time capsule? They did not know it was there??? How so typical of Norfolk clueless once again!!
AH, looking Back ---
... makes the cynics appear wise and the builders optimistic while I wonder where did those fifty years go? ... started off cutting grass with a push mower for a few dollars, now I'm retired and duck grass cutting as much as I can. The Norfolk (and Norview) of those years is a memory that far exceeds a lock box of printed papers.
Shocking numbers
A $46 million budget adjusted for inflation would be just under $330 million today, so, at $1.17 billion today, Norfolk City government has grown at more than three times the rate of inflation.
So, if you have any questions about why business is being driven out and much of the city is stagnating, there's your answer. Government, which produces no wealth, has grown at the expense of the only true source of prosperity, the private sector.
“As much as things stay the same, things change."
Was he channeling Bush?
As much as things change the more they stay the same.
1962 vs. 2009
“As much as things stay the same, things change. Norfolk has changed a lot since 1962.” R.W. Wright
Your are right Mr. Councilman.
In 1962 the NHRA didn't have a 100,000,000.00 dollar a year budget. That's change.
And now for the same. Has public housing in Norfolk been eliminated?
Is there anyone out that thirsts for real change. Norfolk taxpayers need help. Ward 5 is in the northern portion of Norfolk, and is bounded by Little Creek Road on the east, and Old Ocean View Road and Willoughby Spit on the west. Next go around, don't just think about change. Step Up!
Racing Fan??
I take your point Mr. Wizard but I don't quite understand what the budget of the National Hot Rod Association has to do with the price of tea in China...or a time capsule at the library...
Half-Time Capsule
Opening this 100 years too early, and reading the earlier comments just cracks me up. It's just unfortunate that someone found it. I'm glad we all still have a sense of humor and curiosity. Remember folks, if you decide to bury a time capsule, bury it away from future construction sites. Thanks for the laughs.
WHAT??!!!
No decoder ring?
any prediction
about light rail in that there box, opie?