New time capsule to house more than 30 items

Many local residents' suggestions make final list

Members of the audience pose in Jefferson City for a photo to be included in the 2015 time capsule, to be opened in 2115, Friday during the Missouri State Capitol Cornerstone and Time Capsule Dedication ceremony on the south lawn of the Capitol.
Members of the audience pose in Jefferson City for a photo to be included in the 2015 time capsule, to be opened in 2115, Friday during the Missouri State Capitol Cornerstone and Time Capsule Dedication ceremony on the south lawn of the Capitol.

Missourians were encouraged to suggest items to be placed in the new Capitol time capsule, for the people of 2115 to open.

A dozen of those suggestions came from Mid-Missouri residents.

Shannon Hance, of Holts Summit, suggested the Bible from the 1915 time capsule be placed in the new time capsule to represent "the religious beliefs of many Missourians," as Gov. Jay Nixon's official proclamation for the new time capsule described it.

Alexandria Koetters, of Jefferson City, recommended an advertisement from a local grocer to, "represent the current costs of common items like milk, eggs and bread, purchased daily by Missouri families."

Erik Thurman, of Jefferson City, recommended a DVD of The Battle of Island Mound, a film produced by Missouri State Parks "which depicts the first African-American Union regiment ever to see combat in the Civil War," and which "represents a common format on which home entertainment is provided" in today's society.

Katherine Reed, of Jefferson City, suggested a brochure for the Missouri State Penitentiary, "which represents a historic landmark which contributed to Jefferson City remaining the State Capital" when, in 1831, then-Gov. John Miller "suggested a prison be built in the city to solidify its status as the seat of government."

Marrianne Thies, of Jefferson City, proposed including a Jefferson City Visitors Guide, representing the Capital City and its attractions.

Julie Harker, of Jefferson City (and Kimberly Odom, of Perryville), recommended including native Missouri plant seeds, to represent Missouri's rich outdoor heritage.

Nixon told reporters Friday afternoon they'll include some seeds that have been genetically modified (GMO) and others that haven't been modified.

"I think, especially, the non-GMO - the "heirloom' - seeds are important because you see these vegetables and fruits carried forward," he said, "and my sense is, with a lot of the science going on in that area, that heirloom seeds might be a unique thing 100 years from now."

Also, if they survive well, he added, people a century from now could plant those seeds, and see what today's foods tasted like to us.

Michelle Gerstner, of Jefferson City, recommended including a copy of the every-other-year "Official Manual of Missouri" (or "Blue Book"), to represent Missouri's current government, culture and history.

David Welch, of Jefferson City, suggested a copy of the current Missouri Constitution, as "the supreme state law of Missouri."

Anna Offutt, of Holts Summit, proposed a current Transportation department map of Missouri highways, representing "the seventh-largest highway system in America and the 800 miles of railroad tracks, 1,379 miles of interstates, 125 public-use airports and 15 public ports located within the state."

John Wienema, of Jefferson City, suggested sheet music for the "Missouri Waltz,' representing the state's official song, which is also played by the University of Missouri's Marching Mizzou at every home football game.

Kathleen Wilcoxson, of Jefferson City, suggested including a current picture of the Capitol, showing the historic building on the centennial anniversary of its cornerstone setting (the building wasn't finished until early 1918).

Mike Lear, of Jefferson City, recommended a copy of historian Bob Priddy's "The Art of the Missouri Capitol," showing the history and background of the building's "priceless art and architecture."

Dean Sherrill, of Columbia, proposed including a Harry S. Truman presidential $1 coin, showing the 33rd U.S. president and Missouri native, born in 1884 and led the nation through the end of World War II.

In his proclamation detailing the items to go into the new time capsule, Nixon also listed:

• Copies of various Missouri newspapers, representing "the current events of our time in a format that is being increasingly replaced by technology."

• The Missouri State Parks Trails book, representing the state's being named the "Best Trails State" by American Trails, a national, nonprofit organization that works on behalf of the nation's hiking, biking and riding trails.

• A key to the Capitol, representing "unlocking the past and opening a door to the future."

• A current roster of the Missouri House of Representatives and state Senate members, showing the Missouri General Assembly.

• Photographs of the current Fulton State Hospital, and artist renderings of the new hospital which is already under construction, representing "Missouri's moral obligation to provide citizens suffering from severe mental illness the best care and treatment possible, in a safe and secure therapeutic environment."

• A panoramic photograph of the crowd attending Friday's Capitol Cornerstone Centennial Celebration.

• A smart phone, which has become a ubiquitous piece of technology impacting Missourians' daily lives. In his speech at Friday's ceremony, Nixon quipped, "The iPhone may be to Missourians in 2115 what a pocket watch is to Missourians of today."

• Coal from Barton County, representing a fuel used to generate electricity today.

• Sandstone and silica sand from Jefferson County, showing natural resources used in oil and gas production as well as in producing photovoltaic cells to harness renewable energy.

• Hood ornaments as "emblems of Ford, Chevrolet and GMC," representing vehicles made in Missouri which received national recognition in 2015 - including the new Ford F-150, named the 2015 North American Truck of the Year; General Motor's Chevrolet Colorado, named the 2015 Motor Trend Truck of the Year; and the GMC Canyon, picked as Autoweek's 2015 Best of the Best Truck Award.

• A 2003 Missouri Quarter, part of the federal government's money system, to represent currency, commerce and Missouri history with its depiction of Lewis and Clark and the St. Louis Gateway Arch.

• A copy of "Geologic Wonders and Curiosities of Missouri," a Natural Resources department book, showing many of Missouri's unique natural resources.

• Pictures of Joplin after it was struck by the deadliest tornado in Missouri's history on May 22, 2011, and of "its inspiring recovery," showing the strength and resiliency of its people.

• Baseballs signed by current members of the Kansas City Royals, the 2014 American League champions, and St. Louis Cardinals, the 2014 National League Central Division champions - to represent the sport and tradition of baseball, America's pastime, which also was popular in 1915.

• A sheet of "Forever' postal stamps - specifically stamps commemorating Medal of Honor recipients from the Vietnam War - to represent the U.S. Postal Service.

• A coin commemorating U.S. Army Gen. John J. Pershing, born Sept. 13, 1860, on a farm near Laclede, and later attended the North Missouri Normal School in Kirksville (now called Truman State University). He led the American Expeditionary Forces to victory in World War I.

• A copy of Frank Buckles' 2011 obituary. Born on his parents' Bethany farm on Feb. 1, 1901, he was the last surviving American veteran of World War I when he died.

• Photographs of the C-130H aircraft from the Missouri Air National Guard's 139th Airlift Wing at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base in St. Joseph, and the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber of the U.S. Air Force's 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster, showing "the significant military assets located in Missouri."

• Several patches from the Missouri National Guard, which represent "the citizen soldiers and airmen who protect us abroad and keep us safe at home."

• A Flag of Freedom Award, representing Missouri's commitment to veterans, and the "Show-Me Heroes" program established by Nixon in January 2010 to help connect military veterans with job opportunities when they return home from service.

• An official Governor's Challenge coin, representing Nixon as Missouri's 55th governor, elected in November 2008 and re-elected in 2012 - only the fourth governor in Missouri history to succeed himself. (The Constitution didn't allow that succession until 1968).

• A 100 Missouri Miles medal, from the "Governor's 100 Missouri Miles Challenge" started by Nixon in 2013 "to encourage all Missourians to complete 100 miles of physical activity each year.

Earlier coverage:

Nixon announces items for 2015 time capsule

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