Treasuring our Past

In June, Greater Niagara General Site continued a tradition that started in 1982, when a time capsule, made by maintenance staff to commemorate 75 years of hospital care in Niagara Falls, was placed in the entrance. The spot was marked with instructions that it was to be reopened in 25 years. For the 100th anniversary in 2007, the time capsule was opened and the contents – everything from 1980 telephones and photo albums to oddly-formatted videotapes and special wineglasses – were displayed during the centennial celebrations.

Because the hospital entrance was being expanded to accommodate the new Ambulatory Care Unit, the time capsule was re-situated this year in a new location. Twenty-five years of history was again sealed for the future, this time commemorating 50 years at the hospital’s Portage Road location. A photo book of Niagara Falls, manuals for new equipment, staff photos and much more were inserted in the capsule. « Maintenance Technician Gerry Novosel bolts the cover on and ensures the metre-long capsule is firmly supported in a wall cavity in the foyer. Gerry placed the drywall cover over the unit and a plaque now marks the spot where it will again be opened in 2033.