A cane bound in red tape, the physical tape used by public servants, was the first item unearthed in a time capsule on Friday.
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Although bent out of shape from being concealed in a box for a quarter of a century, the cane, which had formerly been used for corporal punishment brought back memories for those gathered for the capsule’s opening at Canobolas Rural Technology High School.
The time capsule was a copper box, which was filled with argon gas and sealed by former Canobolas Rural Technology High School general assistant Douglas Brooks with silicone and rivets 25 years ago.
Although it was planned to be opened again after 50 years, on Friday Canobolas Rural Technology High School relieving principal Kate Wootten and Mr Brooks opened the box on what was the last day of the school’s 50th year.
“It’s a treasure trove,” Ms Wootten said.
They also put away two new time capsules which are to be opened in another 25 years.
“We’ve got two hard drives full of images and documents that relate to the school, we’ve got a school shirt, we’ve got a newspaper, we put in a Central Western Daily from today and there’s a 50th anniversary glass and promotional material we’ve had in there for this year as well,” Ms Wootten said.
It had been decided that along with it being a celebratory year, 50 years was too long to wait.
By opening it when they did, former teachers, who worked at the school when the box was interred, would be able to attend the ceremony.
Among them was foundation teacher Col Taylor who took special interest as he hopes it will contain information he can use into his research into the school’s history.
They saw many documents, reports, projects, letters and other files and paper work emerge, as well as VHS and cassette tapes, which can still be played.
There was also a school uniform list and pattern book, for parents who sewed the uniforms themselves, photos, a permission note for a two-day history excursion to Canberra which cost $28, original teacher attendance books, and chalk.
“There’s still a chalkboard, there’s still at least one teacher who uses a chalkboard,” Ms Wootten said.
“I was surprised by some of what’s in there but also the amount of stuff that’s in there, it’s just incredible.”