Local News in Brief : Santa Ana : Peek Back to July, 1900, Ahead Via Time Capsule

A time capsule holding turn-of-the-century artifacts and believed to be concealed behind the cornerstone of the Old County Courthouse will be opened at 10 a.m. Thursday.

“First off, we just hope that’s where it really is,” said Susanna Branch, staff coordinator for the Orange County Historical Commission.

Although old news accounts reported that the capsule had been placed behind the cornerstone, a rumor had it that the container had been removed in 1936. Branch said historians have researched the rumor and doubt its veracity.

On Wednesday, masons will loosen the cornerstone--near the courthouse entrance on the south side of the building--and place it on rollers so it may be pulled out during Thursday’s ceremony, which will begin with a reception at 9:30 a.m.

The capsule was buried on July 4, 1900, during festivities celebrating the construction of the red-sandstone courthouse, which is now a museum and office building.

According to press accounts, the capsule included such items as county statistics, a blank marriage license, an autograph from a 103-year-old resident and artifacts from Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Historians say time capsules invariably hold surprises, “and we hope that’s true,” Branch said.

The public is invited to the capsule opening. The artifacts will be on display for the day at the courthouse, then delivered to the county archives to be prepared for a more permanent museum display.