Search continues for time capsule

FOLLANSBEE -- In May 1969 the Follansbee Lions Club accepted assorted books,news clippings, photos and other items for a time capsule to be buried at Follansbee Park and announced plans to unearth the container in 2000.

But that year came and went that year with no view of the capsule and it remains in the ground because no one is sure of the burial site for the capsule, a 5 1/2 foot long section of cement sewer pipe weighing a ton and resembling a rocket or enormous bullet with the Lions International emblem at its center.

City Manager John DeStefano said no written record of the capsule's location has been found and with many of those involved now deceased, no one is sure where it was submerged.

So Mayor David Velegol Jr. contacted Phil Fitzgibbons, archaeology professor at Franciscan University, for help.

Fitzgibbons recruited Brian DaRe, an archaeologist who graduated from the school; and Kurt Halligan, an anthropology student there; to aid him in exploring the park's grounds.

The professor said he has led archaeological surveys at Historic Fort Steuben and other sites, "but this is the first time we've been asked to find a time capsule."

The three have drawn on the memories of residents and a few close-up photos of the capsule with very little background detail.

One shows the capsule being displayed near the swimming pool's entrance, but many believe it was buried elsewhere.

The trio has taken soil samples and dug from small areas near the park's gazebo, between its two lower shelters, between its two veterans monuments and along the fence dividing the park from the Follansbee Middle School athletic field in hopes of finding a clue to the large container's whereabouts.

Local resident Paul DiGiacinto, who has been assisting them in seeking information, noted in each case grass and dirt was returned to their former location, with little sign they had been disturbed.

DaRe also has brought a metal detector to the park, noting the capsule is said to have been reinforced with rebar.

A story in the May 29, 1969 issue of the Weirton Daily Times reported the capsule was organized by the local Lions club to raise funds for eyeglasses and surgical equipment for area hospital patients.

Ray Stoaks, then city manager and chairman for the project, said space in the capsule would be sold according to the amount needed for each donated artifact.

With the story is a photo of the capsule accompanied by several Lions members and others involved, including local mason John Martino, who built it; Bob Edwards, Joe Bullock and Mayor Adam Dalessio.

All are deceased.

In the story, Stoaks announces plans to bury the capsule on Labor Day and place an engraved marker at the burial site, but no marker has existed in the park for some time.

A later story in the Weirton Daily Times reported the capsule had been buried in October, but no explanation is given for the change.

"The thing we're missing right now, which would be helpful, are a few more written documents," said Fitzgibbons.

Anyone with information about the capsule is encouraged to call Velegol at (304) 748-5353.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)