102-year-old time capsule offers glimpse into Virginia's history

VIRGINIA — Officials opened a window to the city of Virginia's past on Tuesday, Feb. 25, emptying a time capsule from 1923.

Virginia Mayor Larry Cuffe Jr. and St. Louis County Commissioner Keith Nelson unpacked the contents of a metal box about the size of a shoebox.

Nelson’s 12-year-old granddaughter was there with her sixth-grade class from North Star Elementary, and she helped sort through the artifacts.

The box mostly consisted of historic documents like a copy of the city charter and state constitution, the school board roster and lists of the city’s schools and churches.

There was also a copy of the now-closed Queen City Sun with the headline “Merchant Victim of $140 Forgery.”

The box was sealed six years after World War I ended and contained a list of the Virginia boys who gave their lives and a medal that was given to local veterans.

The ceremony was part of a celebration of the new St. Louis County Virginia Government Services Center.

The time capsule came from the offices' former home, the Northland Building. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building was previously a shirt factory and was originally built as a curling and hockey facility.

The new offices were built in the Northland Building’s parking lot, and the Northland Building was torn down to make way for more parking.

The contents of the time capsule will be permanently displayed in the Government Services Center lobby.