Students and staff, current and past, gathered at Coldwater Public School (CPS) on Thursday to open a time capsule as part of their spring school BBQ.
"In 1995, Coldwater Public School went through an extensive renovation, including a large addition with a new gymnasium and several classrooms," explained Jennifer Viherjoki, principal of CPS, who was an eighth-grade student at the school at the time.
Viherjoki says staff members at the time decided to put a time capsule together.
"They collected mementos, stories, artwork, and small objects from that time period, and it was placed in the library on display so people could see it and remember it was there."
The time capsule was originally scheduled to be opened in 2020, but due to the pandemic, it was forgotten.
Viherjoki says when she became principal at CPS last year, the librarian reached out and suggested the time capsule be opened in June.
Each class had the opportunity to contribute something to the time capsule. Many students wrote stories or drew pictures, especially the younger kids, showing what life was like in 1995. One class went through grocery flyers and Sears catalog ads and cut out items to show grocery costs, car prices, clothing styles, and even the top movies and books at the time.
"There was also a cassette tape, a VHS tape, and even POGS, which were a big thing at the time," said Viherjoki.
She said opening the time capsule was meaningful for everyone.
"Former students - many of whom are now parents in our school - came through and looked at class photos, and read what they had written back then.
Viherjoki remembers putting their Grade 8 graduating yearbook into the capsule.
"It was interesting going back and seeing everyone's signatures and wondering where those people are now."
Right after the time capsule was opened, current students started asking Viherjoki if they were going to do another one.
"We'll just have to wait and see."
