Marty, call the Doc and fire up the DeLorean’s flux capacitor because Clear Lake Elementary’s PTO is inviting the community to take a trip back to the 1980s when it opens seven time capsules on Friday, May 25 at 7 p.m.
‘It’s a fun way to look back and see what things were like,? said PTO President Kelly Abraham.
Buried in 1987, the time capsules are approximately 18 inches long and 4-5 inches in diameter.
‘They’re PVC pipes with caps on the ends,? Abraham said.
Each capsule represents one of the K-6 grade levels at Clear Lake. Back then, the school had sixth-graders.
The capsules contain ‘different things to give
an indication of what Oxford and Clear Lake were like at the time,? according to Abraham.
Contents include lists of what each student wanted to be when he or she grew up, class photos, newspaper clippings and more.
The time capsules were unearthed by construction workers engaged in various renovations, improvements and additions at the school located at 2085 W. Drahner Rd., just east of Sanders Rd.
Abraham noted the capsules were originally supposed to be opened in 2037, but it was decided to do it now for a number of reasons.
Among them were the numerous physical changes to the 54-year-old school, the fact that Principal Sue Hannant is retiring in June and the high level of interest amongst former students, many of whom are now Clear Lake parents.
‘I personally know one of the moms who was at Clear Lake (as a student) at that time and she’s really excited about it,? Abraham said.
The PTO received permission from Oxford resident Paul Gerhardt, who served as Clear Lake’s principal when they were buried, to publicly reveal the capsules? contents.
‘He’s definitely on board with opening them now,? Abraham said. ‘He thought it was a fun idea, especially the part about having former Clear Lake students there for the opening.?
Interest in these time capsules is apparently quite high.
There’s a Facebook page entitled, ‘The Case of the Missing Clear Lake Elementary Time Capsule….? A total of 125 Facebook followers indicated they ‘like? the page.
Abraham expects the opening to be very well-attended by past and present students, staff and parents.
‘The community is welcome to attend,? she said.