(Porter, IN) A forgotten time capsule was uncovered at Indiana Dunes National Park in Porter County.

 

The discovery was made last week by a contractor doing work at the park’s historic Good Fellow Lodge. They found a heavily oxidized sealed copper box in the building’s foundation.

 

The contents, dating back to 1941, included a small 48-star American flag, some paperwork, and newspaper articles.

 

A letter commemorated the contributions of workers from Illinois Steel, which later became U.S. Steel. Facilities there were originally constructed for a youth camp. The letter, dated January 18, 1941, reveals the care for their community shared by the men and women involved in building the camp:

 

“All of us realize that in a few moments we shall have dedicated these premises, rich in historic lore and tradition, for the mental, physical, and moral growth of our Youth. In doing so, we are performing one of the most important functions that befall men in each generation. We should not take any personal pride in the work any one of us has performed in developing this Youth Camp. Rather we should consider it a sacred duty, in harmony with the principles we honor individually, and pursue collectively as a natural development of our democratic way of life.”

 

Dunes officials say they will put the artifacts on display.