Time capsule unearthed in Maryborough after 25 years

A soap carving of the tilt train, vintage Mary Anne photos, and historical records of the Urangan Pier were among the relics buried 25 years ago in a time capsule that was unearthed today.

On June 6, 1999, the Mayors of Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Tiaro, and Woocoo placed precious relics into a time capsule located in Queens Park, Maryborough, to commemorate the 140th anniversary of Queensland's proclamation.

Fraser Coast Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott said the Maryborough Family Heritage Institute and the Maryborough Promotions Bureau also made significant contributions to the time capsule, which is intended for future generations to admire.

“It was a great honour to extract the time capsule today as this moment allows us to connect with the past and appreciate progress,” he said.

“Some of the other items that were buried in the time capsule included a Vice-Regal hand towel, Council’s annual report, a cannon pin, photographs of the Hervey Bay Council and some coins from 1999.”

Cr Truscott said the capsule would now be handed over to Council’s Museums team for the conservation of the contents retrieved today.

“This process will include four weeks in the deep freeze to kill any insect infestations and mould spores,” he said.

“The capsule will then be gradually brought back to room temperature over a span of two weeks.  After this period, the capsule will be opened and the contents will be removed.

“After the contents have been catalogued and photographed they will be put on display in a pop-up exhibition at Customs House in September.”

Updates on the conservation process will be shared on Facebook at www.facebook.com/maryboroughcustomsprecinct and on the website:  https://www.ourfrasercoast.com.au/time-capsule