Revisiting the past
What do a few newspapers, an empty Coca-Cola bottle, a videocassette tape and photos of Heart of America Medical Center staff have in common?
They were some of the items found in a 20-year-old time capsule that was opened near the front entrance of the medical center on May 11 as part of Hospital Nursing Home Week.
Several HAMC staff members, past employees and a few long term care residents attended the capsule opening on a sunny afternoon.
HAMC plant operations employees Randy Richter and Alan Hoffart unearthed the capsule, which was a white infant casket buried near the flag pole at the entrance.
The casket was then opened, and Jerry Jurena, CEO, took the items out one by one. Among the items: Pierce County Tribune issues from May of 1989 as well as a May 15, 1989 issue of the Minot Daily News; blueprints from the facility; an HAMC employee list; a copy of the 1988 annual hospital report; and photos of many employees.
Other items included a videocassette tape, an empty Coke bottle, a sucker and two plates, including one with a painting of the facility on it.
Apparently, water had seeped into the casket and some of the items were damp.
The idea of compiling items for a time capsule was credited to Jim Frueh, former plant operations director. Many staff in various departments participated by adding items to be included in the capsule, which was buried in May of 1989 Plans called for it to be unearthed 20 years later.