Hidden time capsule uncovers Crane history

Photo By Sgt. Jennifer Spiker | Nancy Albertson, cultural resource manager, Public Works department, Crane, Ind., finishes laying out some of the contents of a time capsule discovered, Sept. 18, 2015. The contents included a newspaper, bible, and letters to civilian and military members commemorating their support during WWII. (Courtesy photo)  

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY CRANE, IN, UNITED STATES

11.16.2015

Story by Jeff Nagan 

Naval Support Activity Crane

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY CRANE, Ind. - Hidden in the northwest corner of the base’s old church beneath mortar and limestone laid a small copper box, untouched for well more than half a century. The contents inside, badly damaged by the effects of time, provided a small snapshot of Crane’s rich military history.

At the time of its construction in 1945, the cornerstone marked the northwest corner of what would become the base chapel. However, the contents of a small time capsule concealed inside wouldn’t be revealed until seven decades later as workers began tearing down the vacant structure.

“It was common in that day to put time capsules in cornerstones,” said Nancy Albertson, cultural resource manager, Public Works department, Crane. “Although we didn’t know for certain there would be a time capsule, we expected it.”

Using a hammer and chisel, workers carefully broke away the mortar, uncovering the metallic box, which was likely once used as an ammunition can. Although it initially was sealed with tape, time had long eroded it away, compromising the integrity of the box and exposing it to the elements, said Albertson.

Moisture, bacteria, and mold trapped inside the capsule when it was initially sealed had been eating away at the contents inside for the last 70 years. Additionally, the chemical composition of some of the items added to the effect.

“The contents came out as one wet lump with a consistency similar to papier-mâché,” added Albertson. “The worst was a bible. Due to its leather binding, the pages appeared burned, because the incompatible materials accelerated deterioration.”

Once removed from the time capsule, now exposed to the elements, Albertson was in a race against the clock to salvage what time hadn’t already destroyed. She meticulously separated each piece and laid them out on a table.

One of the first items to take shape was an Indianapolis newspaper, dated Oct. 17, 1945, granting a glimpse into the weeks that followed the end of WWII. Although, much of the paper was destroyed by mold, Albertson has reached out to the newspaper to obtain a digital copy.

Equally telling of the time were letters from the fleet and installation commanders as well as the base chaplain, explaining to both civilian and military personnel the important role Naval Ammunition Depot Crane had played in WWII and the base’s enduring mission, which continues today. Albertson had to painstakingly transcribe each document in an effort to preserve their importance for posterity.

“It was an arduous process,” said Albertson. “The intent all along was to preserve the contents, but that wasn’t possible. We did what we could in the spirit of keeping with our commitment to preserving our rich history.”

Although the contents were beyond recovery, the historical significance of the items persists in their new form, said Albertson. The story, however, doesn’t end there.

A monument is planned where the old church once stood. Hidden in that stone foundation will lay a new time capsule, one designed to endure the tests of time. It will contain these historical remnants as well as modern day items for future generations to uncover.

• Date Taken: 11.16.2015
• Date Posted: 11.23.2015 12:06
• Story ID: 182622
• Location: NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY CRANE, IN, US