For the first time in the town's history, the city of Lakesite has put together a time capsule, according to City Manager Kirsten Ert.
Filled with treasures and mementos from residents and town officials, the idea for the capsule sprouted out of the town's 50th anniversary celebration that took place in October.
"When I came in during June of last year, the team I was working with let me know very quickly that it was the 50th anniversary for the city, and we wanted to do something to honor and preserve that in a more ceremonial way aside from just a celebration," Ert said in a phone call.
She said that while commissioners and staff members of City Hall had put together a large assortment of items for a capsule, it was important they open it to what residents had and wanted to include as well.
"We got lots of old photos from different community events like the children's Fourth of July parade that probably hasn't happened in 20 years or longer," Ert said. "There's some great ones of kids all decked out in red, white and blue on their little tricycles with American flags."
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Other treasures include old badges from the city's disbanded police department, photos of current and former city commissioners, a map of Hamilton Country from when the city was incorporated around 1972 and a marketing pamphlet from the 1960-70s era when Lakesite originally began as a subdivision, according to a news release.
"Just $50 down bought you a lot in the neighborhood at the time," Ert said. "Can you imagine?"
According to the pamphlet, more than 300 residential lots were planned and built, and amenities included the Little Chickey fishing pond, a playground, athletic field and community pool -- all of which are still frequently used and enjoyed by Lakesite residents today.
More recent and relevant items such as COVID-19 tests and masks to mark the pandemic years were also included, along with a letter from Lakesite Mayor David Howell in which he writes to the mayor in 2072, marking the 100th anniversary of the city of Lakesite, and the next time the capsule will be opened, Ert said.
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"I was so excited to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime project such as burying a time capsule in Lakesite," Howell said in the release. "When our city manager, Kirsten Ert, asked me to write a letter to the future mayor to be opened 50 years from now, I jumped at the opportunity and said no problem."
He added that he realized that person could be alive right now, maybe just a few years old, maybe living in Lakesite.
"The thought of that made me smile," Howell said. "I hope they enjoyed what I shared and somehow it makes them smile, too."
The capsule officially went into the ground Jan. 25 after its final items were sealed inside, according to Ert. It is in front of City Hall with a marker so that residents can see its location in the years to come.
"We'll also likely frame and hang a letter or proclamation in the commission room so that residents can read it as part of the town's history and so that the future leaders will know to open it and its location on the 100th anniversary," she said.
Email Brandi Dixon at bdixon@timesfreepress.com.
City of Lakesite/ Public Works Director David Tate, left, and his assistant, John Scott, bury the time capsule outside of Lakesite's City Hall.