Removing time capsule takes time; contents revealed Tuesday

PEKIN, Ill. (AP) - Dislodging a time capsule in the century-old Tazewell County Courthouse proved to be a three-day chore.

But by Thursday, workers had unearthed a solid copper box. The Pekin Daily Times reports (http://bit.ly/1rtlDKE ) its contents will be revealed at a courthouse rededication on Tuesday.

Once removed, the box was placed in a courthouse vault to await its opening. Courts Administrator Courtney Eeton says, "At least we know how to get at it in the vault."

If county ancestors who placed the box left removal instructions, they've been lost over ten decades.

Workers arrived Monday and began slicing through mortar surrounding the cornerstone's exterior. They continued to meet with futility Wednesday until approaching it from the back through brick and granite, where they cut open the space ensconcing the capsule.

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Information from: Pekin Daily Times, http://www.pekintimes.com