Where will you be in the next 50 years?  Recently we opened the time capsule at City Hall on July 4th. It was amazing to see the turn out of those interested in the history of Pekin. What will the next 50 years bring?  What will be different?  Will we have grown? What will people be driving?  The questions go on and on. I recall in the 1980s listening to the greatest music of all time LOL, and the rotary phones. Yes, people I said rotary phones. Think about it. The high school kids may never have seen a rotary phone. To see the items left behind was so intriguing. 

OK I digressed and went on a flashback LOL, back to what this article is really about. What history do we as a community want to leave behind for those 50 years from now?  For me it is what I want to leave behind for the future city manager 50 years from now. I will also leave a note to my descendants, with important messages. I think that is so important. What an opportunity to speak to the future.

Recently, I had the privilege to see many come in and pick up letters left from family. Some, no longer with us. I was able to witness the emotional gratefulness to see that message delivered. So, to us here at the city it is just as important to share it forward for those who are serving this community of the future.

Starting September 1, 2024 anyone who would like to leave something in the next time capsule here is your opportunity. Please keep the items to a reasonable size. Letters, mementos, etc. NO FOOD OR LIQUIDS PLEASE!  We will collect these items until the first week of January 2025, at which time we will seal the time capsule. 

What will be different about this time capsule?  Well, I think we have learned that burying the time capsule in the ground is not the best of ideas. Many of the items we opened were deteriorated and we feel it is important moving forward to do something different. So, this capsule will be somehow intombed in climate control to hopefully preserve the letters and items left for your family and this community. We will release more plans on this when appropriate, but for now how can one deliver their message to the future?

It is simple. Please contact Paige Anderson at 309-478-5325 or via email at [email protected] Paige will be logging the items in for record. We suggest that one put as much information on the envelopes, or items to help the future track down your family. Please contact her before coming in so she can be sure to be here and collect the items. 

We are looking forward to this, so pass the word.