Elgin High School Class of 1976 Unveils Bicentennial Time Capsule

Contents of the Time Capsule Revealed

Elgin High School’s class of 1976 recently unveiled their bicentennial time capsule, sealed on June 7, 1976. Despite expectations, the capsule contained neither IBM stock certificates nor mood rings or bell-bottom pants. Instead, it held a Pet Rock, a symbol of the quirky 1970s.

“We were so silly back in the ’70s,” Gale Miller remarked. As a member of the bicentennial committee, she joined Principal Avelira Rodríguez González to reveal the wooden box’s contents last seen in 1976.

Surprising Finds

Miller, who graduated in 1977, laughed, imagining the inclusion of humorous items such as a pack of smokes. Instead, the capsule contained a folder of photos featuring the high school, its then-Principal Richard Felicetti, and a staff member known for singing the daily announcements. The bicentennial year saw Miller and fellow students in horse-drawn wagons teaching about life in 1776.

Rodríguez González found the musical announcements amusing and expressed a desire to start singing them herself.

Memories and Memorabilia

Other items included a copy of The Mirror, the school newspaper, as well as clippings about Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign visit to DuPage County. The box held a JCPenney catalog, an EHS yearbook, and a school dress code that prohibited boys’ long hair and banned T-shirts and sweatshirts.

A letter dated June 7, 1976, signed by Felicetti, explained how the capsule should be opened. Following its stay at a bank, which later closed, the time capsule was returned to the school.

Rediscovering History

Miller contacted Rodríguez González about locating the capsule, having heard it was in the school. Rodríguez González confirmed its presence, surprising Miller with the revelation.

Mari Gathman, a fellow 1976 graduate and longtime teacher, enjoyed revisiting photos from her student days.

Elgin High School remains a cherished place for its community, as expressed by Gathman and Miller. The class of 1976 plans to celebrate its 50th reunion in August, reliving fond memories.

Gloria Casas, freelance reporter for The Courier-News, covered the event.