80-Year-Old Time Capsule Discovered During Lodge Restoration Reveals Hidden Treasures—Here’s What’s Inside

A historic time capsule, hidden in the foundation of the Good Fellow Lodge in Indiana Dunes National Park, has been uncovered after nearly 80 years, revealing a glimpse into a bygone era. The capsule, discovered on Sept. 23, 2024, by contractors from Berglund Construction, was found while the lodge was being restored as part of a project funded by the Great American Outdoors Act.

The discovery was made when workers dismantling the stones of the lodge’s foundation uncovered a heavily oxidized copper box tucked behind the last stone. Todd Ravesloot, Chief of Facilities at Indiana Dunes National Park, expressed his awe at the find. “The webs of the columns were mortared in, and that time capsule was tucked right in here,” Ravesloot said. “As the guys were getting the stones dismantled and chipping the mortar out, it came right out of here.”

A Window into the Past

Inside the sealed box, workers found a collection of items preserved in remarkable condition, including a silk 48-star American flag, a property deed, newspaper clippings, a speech card, and a memorandum from the Illinois Steel Company Welfare Association of Gary, Indiana. These documents, wrapped in 1940s-era tar-infused construction paper, were remarkably well-preserved, despite their age.

Ravesloot, still moved by the discovery, noted that everything was wrapped in 1940s-era building paper to keep the items waterproof. “They tried to keep it waterproof inside of the copper box,” he said.

One of the most significant items found was a heartfelt note written at the time the time capsule was sealed. The note, dedicated to the future of the lodge and its purpose as a youth camp, read in part:

"I would not attempt to reveal the satisfaction it gives me to be privileged to participate with you today on this occasion, vital in the life of our employees and their families, and the community in which they live. 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."

The note, dated Jan. 18, 1941, was signed by members of the Good Fellow Club of Gary Works and the Illinois Steel Company Welfare Center, marking the lodge’s dedication as a camp for the children of U.S. Steel employees.

The Good Fellow Lodge’s Legacy

The Good Fellow Lodge was built by U.S. Steel in 1941 as part of a youth camp for the children of company employees. The camp served as a place for educational and recreational activities until its closure in 1975. The time capsule, and the words within it, reflect the values of the era—community, education, and a commitment to democratic principles.

Ravesloot admitted that the discovery of the time capsule came as a surprise. “We had no idea this even existed, so we were completely flabbergasted and excited when we found it,” he told NBC Chicago. He emphasized the importance of the find, saying, “This just adds to the story. Now we have tangible things we didn’t even know we had to help tell the story of this camp and why it’s important.”

Indiana Dunes National Park shared the news of the discovery on its Facebook page, calling it “a hidden time capsule of history” and outlining plans to preserve and display the items. “Indiana Dunes National Park plans to put the items on display in the near future,” the park wrote.

Preserving History for Future Generations

The restoration of the Good Fellow Lodge is more than just a renovation of bricks and mortar; it is about reconnecting with the spirit of a place that once stood as a beacon of hope and unity for generations of children. The restoration project is expected to be completed next fall, with plans to reopen the site for public access.

Ravesloot reflected on the significance of the time capsule and its place in the history of the lodge. “Basically, we determined there was a final stone-laying ceremony for this foundation, and this time capsule was sealed in there, dedicating the camp to future generations,” he said.

As the restoration continues and the time capsule is preserved for future generations, its contents serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of community, education, and the values that bind us all. The artifacts are not just relics of the past—they are a testament to the lasting power of history to inspire, connect, and remind us of our shared humanity.