In Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, a significant piece of local history was uncovered as a 100-year-old time capsule was retrieved from the Kootenai County courthouse. The discovery was made on Wednesday, with community members and historical preservationists on hand to witness the event.

A Journey Through Time

The search for the time capsule began several years ago, sparked by rumors and historical curiosity. Walter Burns, chair of the Coeur d’Alene Historical Preservation Commission, described the endeavor as a ‘treasure hunt’ that started with little more than whispers of its existence. The initiative was part of broader efforts by the county and city to celebrate America’s upcoming 250th anniversary and to educate the community about local history.

Jonathan Mueller, chair of the Kootenai County Historical Preservation Commission, explained that the rumors led to further research and discovery. Historical newspaper clippings from April 1926 detailed the dedication ceremony of the courthouse and pointed to the capsule’s location within a cornerstone, marked with the names of the county commissioners and the dedication date.

Unveiling the Past

With the assistance of Shannon Sardell, a historical architect, a small hole was drilled into the brick to allow a fiber-optic camera to peer inside. The camera revealed a rusted metal container, confirming the presence of the time capsule. ‘We were thrilled to find that it was there,’ Burns remarked.

Expert masons from Dobson Chimney and Masonry Services spent hours carefully removing layers of bricks to access the capsule. The bricks will be replaced at a later date, preserving the integrity of the historic courthouse structure.

This discovery not only highlights the rich history of Kootenai County but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating our local heritage as we approach significant national milestones.

Original reporting: KREM Spokane — read the source article.