Time capsule gives glimpse for future generations

There will be no question as to what the community was like when the time capsule at the new Farmington Public Library is opened on Sept. 23, 2065.

On Wednesday, a group gathered at the facility to watch the placement of the time capsule in the center rotunda of the library.

Library Director Karen Roman explained to those in attendance the significance of each item.

There are Daily Journal and Farmington Press articles about the past and future library locations, as well as a newspaper from that date.

A list of the best-selling books of the day – plus a few copies – were placed in the capsule, along with library memorabilia, an address stamp of the former library location on West Harrison Street and a letter from Mayor Stuart “Mit” Landrum, plus other information on the city in 2015.

Perhaps the most notable addition was the more than 60 essays written by area children telling the stories of their favorite local heroes – an idea brought about by this year’s summer reading theme of “Every Hero has a Story.”

Roman said the stories submitted are one of the most “heartfelt” items in the capsule.

“Some are about people in their family, many are about our firemen, police department, ambulance drivers,” she said. “Kids really gave thought to who they thought was a local hero.”

Placing the capsule in the floor is the “first” of many “last steps” before the facility opens to the public.

Roman explained it was necessary to place the capsule in the floor in advance of the ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 23, allowing work crews to finish the necessary work before the event.

A large seal will be located over the time capsule, which notes the date the capsule will be opened. The seal will mark the center of a large compass rose design on the floor.

During the ceremony, construction crews were busy moving boxes and finishing up other details as past and present library board members, council members and library patrons watched the event.

“This is the first of two ceremonies,” Farmington Mayor Stuart “Mit” Landrum said, referring to the ribbon cutting scheduled for Sept. 23.

Landrum said the idea for the time capsule came from City Administrator Greg Beavers.

“It’s interesting…..what would people be interested in seeing in 50 years,” Landrum said of the preparation of items for the capsule.

He was pleased with the group that turned out for the event.

“That reflects the public’s interest in the library to begin with,” he said. “We had a strong vote in favor of doing the library. I think people just love the library in Farmington and they are happy we are getting this new facility.”

The new library is one of the projects made possible through the voters’ approval of a one-half cent sales tax extension for capital improvement projects in November of 2013. The new facility is 23,000-square feet.

Brockmiller Construction, Inc. was awarded the bid in July of 2014 at a cost of $4.8 million.

In addition to the cost of building the facility, the city estimated a cost of $450,000 for engineering and architect fees, plus an additional $450,000 for furnishings and technology – at a total cost of around $5.7 million, or $400,000 below the $6.1 million anticipated price tag.

Dan Matchett with FGM Architects has been on the project for almost two years – “basically from the beginning (of the) design project, laying out the spaces with Karen and Greg … on through drawing the construction documents and coming to the site with the construction process.”

Matchett admitted it was an “exciting time” for him as well. He explained this project is not typically to others he has worked on in the past.

“Sometimes, you get put on for just one part (of the project) and have to move on to another project,” he explained. “For me, this was one I got to be on for the long haul … which is great.

“I got to see it from the ground up, literally.”

View video clips at dailyjournalonline.com” width=”800″ /> Farmington Mayor Stuart “Mit” Landrum, at right, and Steve Harris lower the time capsule into the floor of the new Farmington Public Library during a ceremony on Wednesday. The capsule contains a variety of items about the community and is set to be opened on Sept. 23, 2065.

View video clips at dailyjournalonline.com

Visitors to the new Farmington Public Library will see this seal on the floor in the center of the building, marking the spot where the time capsule was placed.

Travis Trokey of the Farmington Public Library staff shows Farmington City Council Ward II Councilwoman Lynn Crites the items selected for placement in the time capsule at the new facility during a ceremony on Wednesday to place the capsule in the floor. Crites is chair of the Public Services committee for the council and served as library director for a number of years.

An Aug. 5, 2015 edition of the Daily Journal, plus Farmington Press and Daily Journal articles highlighting the Farmington Public Library, are among the items placed in the time capsule at the new library. Also included was a T-shirt from the summer reading program, themed “Every Hero has a Story.” Essays from children about their local heroes were also placed in the capsule. A ceremony was held on Wednesday to lower the capsule. 

Travis Trokey of the Farmington Public Library staff shows Farmington City Council Ward II Councilwoman Lynn Crites the items selected for placement in the time capsule at the new facility during a ceremony on Aug. 5 to place the capsule in the floor. Crites is chair of the Public Services committee for the council and served as library director for a number of years.

Shawnna Robinson is the managing editor for the Farmington Press and can be reached at 573-518-3628 or srobinson@farmingtonpressonline.com