Spartanburg's Time Capsule Unveils City's Hidden History

Over six decades after its initial placement, the City of Spartanburg opened a time capsule, revealing numerous artifacts from 1960, including a city directory, newspapers, coins, and various documents. City officials and residents gathered to witness the opening, eliciting memories of the past and emphasizing the value of preserving history for future generations.

Spartanburg's Time Capsule Unveils a Glimpse into the City's Past

Spartanburg, South Carolina - On Wednesday morning, the City of Spartanburg embarked on a captivating journey through time, opening a time capsule that had been sealed away for over six decades. The momentous event took place in the parking lot of the former city hall, where city leaders and eager residents gathered to witness the unveiling of the capsule's enigmatic contents.

Sixty-three years ago, local Freemasons meticulously placed the time capsule within the cornerstone of City Hall, safeguarding its precious contents for future generations. "It is a rare opportunity for the past to reach out to us here in the future from their perspective," remarked Brad Steinecke, Assistant Director of Local History at Spartanburg Libraries. "Today is one of those extraordinary days."

As the capsule was carefully opened, a treasure trove of over 30 artifacts emerged, each one meticulously wrapped to ensure their preservation. Among the fascinating items were the 1960 city directory, newspapers, coins, and documents that chronicled the city's rich history.

"As Mayor of Spartanburg, it is a unique experience to delve into our past," said Mayor Jerome Rice. "Councilwoman Littlejohn was delighted to find her mother's phone number and the street where she once lived. Councilmember Fulmer, accompanied by his son, eagerly searched through the items, discovering his old address and tracing his family's roots."

Inspired by the time capsule's legacy, city officials expressed their commitment to creating a similar time capsule for future generations. Recognizing the transformative power of history, they envision installing it in the new joint city-county municipal building, slated for completion in 2026.

"It is essential to reflect on the past as we look towards the future," emphasized Steinecke. "We can draw invaluable lessons from our shared history."

Close to 100 individuals attended the unveiling, with many Spartanburg residents reminiscing about the fond memories evoked by the capsule's contents. "I vividly remember seeing this building when it was newly constructed," said Don Bramblett, a long-time resident of Spartanburg. "While progress and technological advancements are undeniably beneficial, it is equally important to appreciate our past and acknowledge the remarkable journey we have made."

City leaders expressed their enthusiasm for connecting present generations with the past through such initiatives. "As Spartanburg continues to evolve, it is vital to reflect on our roots," said Mayor Rice. "This time capsule provides an invaluable opportunity to do just that."

All the artifacts retrieved from the time capsule will be meticulously preserved in the archives of the downtown Spartanburg Library, ensuring their accessibility for future generations. These items include:

• Payroll records of courthouse employees as of April 1961
• Photographs of the county board
• A financial statement of the courthouse and jail from July 1, 1949 to January 31, 1959
• A proclamation by Mayor Neville Holcombe from the April 29, 1961 dedication of the time capsule
• A legislative manual from Charles C. Moore, a former member of the House of Representatives and state senator
• A replica of a plaque displayed in the courthouse lobby
• A resolution passed by the Spartanburg Legislative Delegation during the 1958-1959 session of the General Assembly
• A Spartanburg County school directory
• Newspaper clippings from the Spartanburg Journal
• Bulletins from Converse and Wofford Colleges for the 1960-61 academic year
• A Southern Bell telephone directory from 1960

• Coins representing significant milestones in Spartanburg's history:

  • 1931: Incorporation of Spartanburg as a municipality
  • 1873: Arrival of the first railroad train in Spartanburg
  • 1885: Founding of Converse College
  • 1889: Opening of Spartanburg airport, the first in South Carolina
  • 1927: First commercial radio broadcast in South Carolina at WSPA
  • 1922: Silver Dollar
  • 1930: First commercial radio broadcast in the state at WSPA
• City Directory from 1960
• U.S. News and World Report from 1960
• A map of Spartanburg
• A dollar bill donated by city employee Joe Box

The opening of the time capsule served as a poignant reminder of the enduring connection between the past, present, and future of Spartanburg. By preserving and sharing these precious artifacts, the city honors its heritage while inspiring future generations to embrace the lessons and aspirations that have shaped its legacy.