The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE — The term, time capsule was first used in 1937 when a capsule was prepared to commemorate the 1939 New York World’s Fair. Time capsules, which existed before that time, often celebrated a new building, and were placed in cornerstones and often forgotten.
Such was the case with The Historic Masonic Theatre in Clifton Forge. A cornerstone with a time capsule was installed by local Masonic Lodge 166 to commemorate the opening of the Masonic Opera House on July 4, 1905, and was forgotten for nearly 60 years.
In the early 1970s, Mason D.R. Bostic, a locomotive engineer with the Chessie System, was switching on the old beltline close by the Masonic Theatre. He discovered the cornerstone and brought it to the attention of the lodge. It was agreed that arrangements should be made for the removal of the cornerstone. Since no records existed regarding the laying of the cornerstone, the lodge was hopeful that some information might be contained in the time capsule to define the event.
The stone was removed on July 5, 1973. Inside was found a time capsule box that had been placed in the stone. After removing the box, the cornerstone was again set in place. A meeting was called on July 17, 1973, to open the box. Unfortunately, after opening the box it was found that water leakage had caused deterioration of most of the items contained therein especially those made of paper.
Fast forward to July 2016, and the reopening of the renovated Historic Masonic Theatre. With the theatre reopening, the masons presented a reenactment of the installation of the original cornerstone and built a new cornerstone, complete with a time capsule to gift to the theatre. The new cornerstone has rested in the Theatre Underground until now when board member, Glen Bryant propose a way to install the new cornerstone next to the old.
Few people have had the chance to place anything in a time capsule, and the Memories in Time campaign is an opportunity to share a memory in the new cornerstone and time capsule. Unlike the Masons in 1905, the technology now exists to prevent damage.
Justin Reiter, executive director of the Historic Masonic Theatre and Masonic Amphitheatre states, “A $100 donation will enable you to preserve a special memory that will be digitally protected for many years to come—until the 2016 time capsule is opened someday in the future. Additionally, each donor’s name will be engraved on a brass plaque and inserted into the time capsule.
“The goal for our Memories in Time campaign is $20,000. We will celebrate by sealing the capsule on July 4, 2022 and installing the new cornerstone near the original 1905 cornerstone.
“The 2016 restoration of the Theatre has attracted regional and national attention. Since reopening, we have seen thousands of guests tour the Theatre, or attend a show or event. We are determined to do everything in our power to keep our beautiful Theatre healthy and operational.”
What kinds of memories may be preserved — perhaps a photo, a newspaper article, a passport, or a special letter. No item is too small or too large because the memory will be digitally saved and returned to the owner. If more information is needed on what can be preserved, call the theatre at (540) 862-5655.
All donations benefit The Historic Masonic Theatre’s programming, preservation and ongoing important needs. All donations to the Theatre are tax deductible.
Make your donations online at www.historicmasonictheatre.com, or mail to: The Historic Masonic Theatre, P.O. Box 119, Clifton Forge, VA 24422, or drop by the Theatre Box Office from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on week days.
For more information on programs and events The Historic Masonic Theatre, please visit www.historicmasonictheatre.com or the Theatre Facebook page.
