Time capsule gives up its treasures 50 years on

An “incredible” collection of mementos buried in a time capsule in 1966 were uncovered at Newton Moore Senior High School’s 50th anniversary celebration on Friday.

Despite being buried for 50 years, the contents of the capsule were in surprisingly good condition, according to school support officer and researcher Michelle Lathwell.

“It’s in an amazing state,” Mrs Lathwell said.

“It was such a nice surprise.”

The capsule contained pieces that represented a “time slot of Bunbury” including a copy of theSouth Western Times and Manjimup-Warren Times, fliers for shows as well as old shillings, pennies and sixpences, given the school opened the day of the switch to decimal currency.

There were also old school reports, curriculum papers and a book with the signature of every student in the school.

Mrs Lathwell said the quality and diverse range of the contents was “absolutely fantastic”, particularly when compared to a capsule buried in 1991 that was mistakenly dug up.

The 50-year-old metal box was made by a local radiator maker and was wrapped in plastic, while detailed procedures were followed for the 25-year-old custom container and it was “completely wrecked”.

More than 300 past students, principals and teachers from around the country attended the anniversary.

Mrs Lathwell said guests were “killing themselves laughing” throughout a presentation in which principal Sue Kerr revealed each item from the capsule.