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Updated 3/9/18
Update (3/22/14): [Webmaster's Note: Greg wrote this on May 19, 2011 describing the damage to the aluminum camera box that contained the material.] I believe that we knocked most of the latches off while digging right next to the capsule and that's where the large holes originated. I did see one small hole on a side that was all the way through, though it was not related to latches, could be more. I believe the seal failed and then at least one other hole worked its way open. Could be that the rivet holes for some of the latches failed as well over time with corrosion. I have hosed the outside of the box off several times loosening some of the white corrosion that flakes off every time it is moved or touched. I'll probably wrap plastic around it to contain the flaking whenever we move it for an event anywhere so that is isn't so messy. Have to be careful as well as some of it is sharp and could cut or scrape. The inside of the capsule is as it was, dirty, messy, clumps of pulp and powder from oxidation and paper. You can get an idea from a couple of the pictures though it was wet in them and dry now.
Webmaster's Summary: There are two interesting stories here: One, the somber ceremony of a squadron faced with its disestablishment and an effort to preserve its legacy by burying a time capsule containing memorabilia from ten years of service to the nation. And second, the resonance this made in a squadron member, Greg Engler, who felt he had to find the capsule and hopefully bring the contents back to the surface, for those of us still around, to see. Facing a lack of any real landmarks left to help him, Greg developed a strategy over 6 months to find it. He tenactiously drove himself and others to search for it. Finally, on May 14, 2011 success at last. Forty three years of lying in the swampy Florida soil was not kind to the capsule. Now Greg has a new mission: Water penetrated the capsule and now Greg is trying to salvage the contents. That story continues.
Photos by Greg Engler Click photos to enlarge
Left photo: A promising location: Starting to dig. (Note stream in background) Middle Photo: Something big down there!! Right Photo: Capsule uncovered
Left Photo: Out of the ground after 43 years!! Middile photo: Note holes: Full of water Right photo: A glass from one a "mourner" 43 years ago.
Left Photo: Oh no!! Wet contents Middile photo: Looks pretty hopeless. Right photo: Top lid of camera case looks pretty good.
The Real Work Begins
Turn to Next Page (4) To See Greg's Salvage Effort
