DANVILLE — Father time waits for no one.
Time capsules, though, can offer a glimpse into decades gone by — newspaper clippings detailing progress in World War II and yearbooks from 1939 to the early 40s.
They all have a story to tell.
The Danville Local School administration invited the community for the opening of the former intermediate building’s time capsule Monday at the elementary school.
The time capsule was located at the northeast corner of the building, placed inside a concrete container etched with the year “1945” on the front. The time capsule was recovered as the former building is being demolished.
Inside, Danville Superintendent Jason Snively pulled out a box, likely coated in water repellent material. After cutting off one end of the box, Snively lay the treasures inside the elementary school for those to get a closer look.
Inside lay three Danville High School yearbooks from 1939, 1940 and 1945. Mount Vernon News newspapers were also inside.
A June 18, 1945 Mount Vernon News edition with the headline “Eisenhower in triumphant return” was found.
Below is a gallery of items found in the time capsule. Credit Grant Ritchey / Knox Pages.)
Danville Board of Education member Paul Stover said the items found in the time capsule will be placed inside a glass case in the new high school extension.
When did demolition begin?
Demolition began Feb. 4, bringing years of deciding the building’s fate to an end.
Before its demolition, the Danville administration worked in the building before moving to 203 Richards Street last year.
Danville School Board of Education voted 3-2 approving the demolition in September, with board members Dawna Stephens and Joshua Byers dissenting.
District administration faced dissent from a local anti-demolition group, the Danville Heritage Association, who wanted to use the building as a potential community center leased by the district.