Officials in a Central Texas city are determining the best way to open a time capsule buried in the early 20th century so they don't damage contents that are believed to include autographs from President Franklin Roosevelt and humorist Will Rogers.
Demolition workers discovered the shoebox-sized, copper capsule in the cornerstone of Taylor's city hall in June, after city officials notified the workers about its existence, the San Antonio Express-News reported. Taylor is about 45 miles northeast of Austin.
Taylor officials learned about the time capsule in a 1935 Taylor Daily Press story. They believe the box, which weighs about 10 pounds, also holds autographed items from boxer Jack Dempsey and photos and maps of city buildings.
"We are anxious to open it but we are being cautious how we do it because we don't want to damage what's inside," said Deby Lannen, the city's Main Street manager. "It looks like the edges were welded shut."
Lannen has kept the capsule in her office since June. She said Taylor officials will meet with experts on the best method to open the box.
The city wants to display the items after the capsule is opened and place the objects in a museum, Lannen said.
