A look back in time: Georgetown County opens 1976-time capsule

By Karen Owens
Publisher

I started my Independence Day like most mornings. I walked my labrador retriever Buddy early to avoid the hot sun and temperatures. Then as my eldest son who was visiting with his family began making breakfast for us, I hurried to shower and dress so I could leave by 9:00 am to make it downtown to the County Courthouse.

“What are they doing again?” he asked.

“Opening a time capsule from 1976, when America celebrated its bicentennial,” I replied to some vacant stares. No matter to me. I remembered 1976 quite well. I was an 11-year-old, and everything that happened that year was adorned with American flags and patriotic red, white and blue decorations, clothing and music.

My father and me at Disney World in 1976.

At ballet class, we studied the Stars and Stripes ballet choreographed by George Balanchine and set to the music of John Phillip Sousa. When I went to Disney World for spring break, the big parade from Snow White’s castle down the Main Street of the Magic Kingdom was as Americana as it gets with patriotic music and floats, and every Disney character dressed as one of our founding fathers and mothers.

But I digress. Today I was going to learn about what life was like back in 1976 here in Georgetown County. As I entered the courthouse, I noticed there was a feeling of excitement in the air with people walking ahead of and behind me to climb the stairs up to the second-floor courtroom where the festivities were to take place. I was glad I could find a seat, as the rows were already over half full when I came through the door at 9:20 am.

I waved and exchanged greetings with friends and colleagues who were equally enthusiastic, dressed in their patriotic garb as well. Large TV screens adorned the various walls so the streaming would be visible to all of us and to those who were unable to make it to the courthouse that morning.

Finally, a few seconds after the appointed time, Jackie Broach called us to order and introduced County Administrator Angela Christian who gave a warm welcome to the standing-room-only crowd while exclaiming their collective surprise and relief that more than 15 people had showed up. Rev. Dr. Norvel Goff gave an inspiring invocation, which was followed by everyone standing to pledge our Allegiance to the flag and this wonderful country.

Then Steven Candal stepped forward to share his reflections about the significance of this day and remember all that had happened 50 years ago, when he was a 33-year-old county employee tasked with overseeing much of the bicentennial efforts that took place. Long since retired, he was grateful to be present and participating in the morning’s festivities, “by the grace of God,” he said a couple of times.

Julie Warren, an archivist with the county, carefully began the process of showing the items as she pulled them from a container where they had been relocated a few hours earlier to assist with the presentation. There were things you’d expect – letters from various elected officials and dignitaries, copies of the old Georgetown Times newspaper showcasing the news of the day, some slides and audio tapes, and even a 16 mm film, that will have to be digitized, chronicling the Andrews Fourth of July celebration.

Other items include a two-dollar bill and Liberty quarter; a collection of badges from various law enforcement and recreation divisions; sample brochures; a class project from a local elementary school; and a variety of product and component samples that were being manufactured by Georgetown Steel, International Paper and Oneida – the industrial titans of the community back then. Sadly, none of them remain today.

There will be a follow-up event held at the library to review the items publicly and provide greater context for what each item represents. Originally planned for July 20, the county has since said they would move the event to September 15 to allow more time to get the film and other items digitized. Meanwhile, the county is collecting items and suggestions for a new time capsule which will be placed in the courthouse wall in August for its 50-year siesta until our tricentennial celebration.

I had one friend remark that it wasn’t as captivating as she had hoped it would be. I responded that our country had undergone significant changes in 50 years, especially related to technology. “I imagine that will continue for the next 50 years, and the folks in 2076 will probably think we’re a bunch of Druids, too,” I said, wondering if they would finally be driving through the air in their Spacely Sprockets.