Milwaukie leaders, Masons reopen 1938 City Hall time capsule and add contemporary items

Milwaukie Mayor Lisa Beatty presided over the public rededication of City Hall on a warm day, handing the ceremony to the Milwaukie chapter of the Masons to reopen a copper time capsule placed in 1938. The capsule’s contents were inventoried, fragile items were removed for conservation, and contemporary items were added before the box was resealed.

The capsule, described by Masonic speakers as a soldered copper box, was opened without applying heat to avoid damaging paper materials. “This is the first time it's been open since 1938,” one Mason said during the ceremony. Presenters read aloud rosters and seals from fraternal orders, photographs, a petition related to the 1938 city hall construction and copies of local newspapers from 1937–1938.

Why it matters: The event combined historic preservation with a symbolic civic renewal, involving descendants of past officials, current council leadership and local businesses. Mayor Lisa Beatty said the city’s recent restoration work and the involvement of partners such as Henry Point Development had made the occasion possible and noted upcoming civic anniversaries in 2026 and 2028.

What was found: Speakers listed items from the original capsule including rosters for Bethel No. 10 (Order of Job’s Daughters), Eastern Star publications and a roster of Milwaukie city officers from 1938. They also cited a petition authorizing funding for the original city hall and charter amendments submitted to voters on 06/28/1937. Presenters said fragile documents and photographs would be taken indoors for preservation.

What was added: Representatives from the development team said they added photos of the recent construction and a thumb drive of project documents. Local businesses contributed artifacts: Keeper Coffee provided a Bing cherry pie recipe and a current menu; Fream Brewery contributed a 2025 pilsner sample and a menu item pin. The Milwaukie Police Department provided two challenge coins; the city contributed commemorative postcards and city pins.

Community and continuity: Descendants of early city officials, including family members of William Schindler and Earl Burdick, attended. Masonic speakers placed two volumes of lodge history written by Bud Burdick — son of the man who sealed the 1938 capsule — and a photograph of the lodge with names of members. The Masons formally entrusted the restored capsule to Henry Point Development, the city and community partners to add emblems and messages before resealing.

The ceremony concluded with local craft metalworker Andrew Harrison acknowledged for creating the copper replica and with remarks from development team members thanking city staff and volunteers for their work. Organizers said the resealed capsule is intended as a lasting civic symbol for future generations.