Memories survive soaking in Little City time capsule

So much for a historic moment.

Cherished mementos buried 25 years ago in a time capsule on the campus of Little City in Palatine were nearly washed away on Thursday.

As officials unearthed the 12-foot-long cylinder, buried 22 feet in the ground, the giant vault broke loose from its rigging and crashed to the ground. Its fall broke open the container, and instead of artifacts, water came pouring out.

Maintenance officials say seepage must have gotten into the capsule over the years, prompting doubts about how well it had been sealed back on a sunny day in August 1984 when it was buried at the institution's silver anniversary.

Luckily, many of the items inside survived the water damage, though the odor emanating from the capsule and its soaked artifacts was palpable, even outdoors, causing the nearly 100 onlookers to tread lightly around them.

"We're thinking about burying another time capsule," said Executive Director Shawn Jeffers, "but we're still working out those details."

Thursday's unearthing of the time capsule took place exactly 50 years after Little City opened its doors to serve children and adults with disabilities.

Jeffers, staff members, parents and clients focused on the important milestone.

Parents like George Alexandrou of Aurora recalled the farm-like atmosphere when they brought their 7-year old son, Peter, to live and go to school on the campus.

He and other parents started the Parent Family and Guardian Group to raise funds for the agency and provide manpower for its events.

"When my brother came here some 45 years ago, Little City was out in the middle of corn fields," said Alex Alexandrou of Aurora, who followed his father in heading the Parent Family and Guardian Group. "But it was a safe haven. It has become like no other. It's a community - a home away from home."

Also on hand was John Edgren, Little City's first resident, now 66. He recalled coming to the campus as a 15-year old when he was one of only a handful of boys. At the time, there were only three buildings: a boys' home, a girls' home and the administration building.

"I learned to do landscaping out here," Edgren said. "I drove the first tractor."

Among the artifacts preserved were many photos of celebrities who supported Little City and its mission, including Chicago Sun-Times columnist Irv Kupcinet, broadcaster Jack Brickhouse, comedian Henny Youngman and actress Zsa Zsa Gabor.

There were also manuals stating the standard of educational therapy 25 years ago, as well as a document explaining how in 1983 local school districts had begun admitting students placed at Little City by the Department of Child and Family Services, signaling a change in philosophy.

"Since they were living at Little City, they were entitled to a public education," Jeffers said of the legal interpretation that ultimately prevailed.

Jeffers himself was jubilant at reaching the golden anniversary, despite the economic climate and the state budget cutbacks.

"We've had a tremendous outpouring of support," Jeffers said. "Our volunteer base is back up, donations are back on track, and we're drawing a talented employee base."