Century-old time capsule from Missouri Capitol opened

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri state workers donning masks and blue gloves with the care of surgeons cut open a 100-year-old time capsule from the Capitol on Thursday, unearthing relics such as a Bible, photos of the Capitol's groundbreaking ceremony and yellowed newspapers.

The box -- lodged since 1915 in the cornerstone of the Capitol -- was opened in preparation for a ceremony marking the building's 100th anniversary.

"This has been preserved incredibly well," said Cathy Brown, director of facilities management, design and construction for the Office of Administration, as the box was opened.

Office of Administration staff did not invite members of the media to the unveiling, citing cramped quarters and concern for the aged items from the time capsule.

But in a move telling of advances in technology since the box was sealed, hundreds watched through the new livestreaming app for smartphones called Periscope as the century-old keepsakes were lifted from a copper box.

For context, the first transcontinental telephone call took place in 1915.

While black-and-white photos of dignitaries and newspapers listed as costing a cent served as further reminders of how much has changed since the capsule was made, news clippings also showed similarities between life in Missouri now and 100 years ago.

For example, newspapers noted flooding at the time the box was sealed, and on Thursday Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency because of flooding.

Nixon plans to unveil the capsule publicly and dedicate a new time capsule during a July 3 ceremony.

He's soliciting ideas about what to put in the new capsule.