Staff and council at Killarney-Turtle Mountain municipal office had a nice surprise this summer when contractors removed an exterior limestone rock, engraved 1969 (the year of the building's construction) only to find a secret stash of artifacts from that year hidden behind it.

CAO, Meghan Cuvelier-Klassen, says they were thrilled with these new-found treasures from 54 years ago.

The municipal building is in its second phase of renovations, the first being revamping the previous fire hall into municipal offices.  "We had decided during discussions with the contractors that we would like to save that rock," explains Klassen.  "So, they were actually taking it out of the building wall, and when they did that, they discovered this little package in behind it!"

"It was really neat, I was excited that they found it," she adds. "I thought they were really thinking ahead back then.  It was quite exciting!"

Items included a voters list and pictures of Council members from both the Town of Killarney, and the Turtle Mountain Municipality, as the two had not amalgamated yet. About a half-dozen copies of the Killarney Guide, a centennial Canadian dollar bill, a rendered drawing of the newly built 1969 municipal building, as well as a photo of the original Killarney Town Hall.

Klassen says a time capsule hadn't crossed her mind for the 2023 construction site, but now after this find a new time capsule is being put together.  "Because if they ever do something [construction] again, I want somebody to find stuff from now!"

Mayor Janice Smith says they've been excited about the surprise package behind the wall.  "The crazy thing is that nobody knew about it!  I don't think anyone in the office knew that there was a time capsule in there, so when it was discovered, it was very exciting!

Together with the contractors, they have determined a new location for the 2023-time capsule, and Council is finalizing the list of items to be included.

"It's just cool," adds Mayor Smith. "It was such a forward-thinking thing to do back then, and how it exciting it was to open it!  It's just something that puts a smile on your face!

To view the 1969 artifacts, the time capsule will be on display at the J.A.V. David Museum in Killarney till the end of August, with its permanent home still under discussion.

You'll enjoy more of the interview with Meghan Cuvelier-Klassen below!

 

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(Photo credit, Meghan Cuvelier-Klassen)