GAYLORD — Have you ever thought about going back in time? Well, it’s not something most of us are able to do. A piece of history at Otsego Memorial Hospital was unveiled Thursday.
It revealed pictures of past employees at a groundbreaking ceremony, several newspaper articles ranging from the 1950’s up to the 70’s, an old school film real and a few manuals.
These items were locked inside a time capsule before being discovered weeks ago.
Otsego memorial president Ron Richardson reveals how the time capsule was discovered.
“Munson’s making a significant investment here in Otsego County and gaylord with a $45 million renovation and new construction of the hospital itself. That will include a new obstetrics, wing and maternity wing and, a new med surge or critical care unit. So that investment into the construction, some of the construction workers found, the time capsule.”
It is believed the time capsule was buried sometime in the early 80’s.
Jim Akams from the Otsego County Historical Society said he couldn’t miss the capsule’s opening.
He said events like this don’t come along often.
“History is very important in that it gives us a guide to where we’re going. You have to know where you came from to know where you’re going to go. So that’s part of what happened here at this hospital. It’s developed over the years, and this was a kind of a benchmark to take a look back and say, oh, that’s when we were smaller.”
Richardson said it honors the hospital’s history and the hard work of previous employees.
“We wanted to make it really special in recognition of the work that went before us and the employees and the administration and people who made all of this possible.”
“So, we wanted to honor the work that they had done and make it really special for the community”
The new wing of the hospital is expected to open one year from now, just in time for their 75th anniversary.