October 28, 1997
Contact: Shirley Hulett
MEDIA ADVISORY
Peak into the Past: SDSU Centennial Time Capsule to be Opened October 30
WHAT: San Diego State University officials will open a 100-year-old time capsule as part of the University’s Centennial celebration. If the capsule ‘s contents are sturdy, attendees can look, but not touch. Those present will have an opportunity to write notes to be included in a new capsule to be opened 100 years from now.
WHEN: Thursday, October 30, 9 to 10 a.m. Reception follows.
WHERE: Scripps Cottage Patio. Parking free from 8 to 11 a.m. in Parking Structure 2 on Hardy Avenue.
SCHEDULE:
Welcome: Lyn Olsson, Acting Head, Special Collections and University Archives, Malcom A. Love Library
A Reflection: Dr. Stephen L. Weber, President, SDSU
Academic Life on Normal Street: Alvena Storm, professor of geography, 1936-1966
A Student Perspective from the 1950’s: Harvey Goodfriend, SDSU graduate, 1957 and 1960, and CEO, Aztec Shops
BACKGROUND: The time capsule was originally placed in a cornerstone of the Normal School at Park Boulevard and Normal Street in University Heights in 1898. Contents include numerous 1898 newspapers, business cards, maps, lists of prominent officials of the day; a 45-star U.S. flag and a Bible. The capsule was moved to the present campus when the Normal School building was demolished in 1955. In 1957, items were added and it was placed in the cornerstone of the Alumni Association’s Memorial Barbecue behind Scripps Cottage. In 1968, construction necessitated a move to the present location, west of the 1957 site.
FUTURE: A time capsule "collection" is being established in the University Archives. The collection will consist of materials from the old capsule, materials gathered over the past year which reflect the happenings of the Centennial year, plus messages and predictions for the future. Contents of the new capsule will be properly housed in archival materials in the archive’s secure and climate-controlled environment.