Crypt of Civilisation

[Luddly Neddite]

I've got Life After People on TV while I work and they just did a segment about the Crypt of Civilization. Really interesting. I remember learning about it some years ago but had forgotten most of it -

Oglethorpe University

The 1990 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records called the Crypt of Civilization at Oglethorpe University "...the first successful attempt to bury a record for any future inhabitants..."

In the November 1936 issue of Scientific American magazine, Dr. Thornwell Jacobs described his plan to create a permanent record - a time capsule - of what life was like on Earth for any future inhabitants.

Because the first known date in recorded history, 4241 B.C., was 6177 years previous, Jacobs suggested that the Crypt be sealed until 6177 years have passed - thus setting the date for the Crypt's reopening in the year 8113.

The Crypt was officially sealed in 1940.

Oglethorpe University is proud to be the custodian of the Crypt. Oglethorpe's administration continues its stewardship and the challenge of keeping alive the memory of this remarkable Georgia time capsule.

Set to be opened on the date that will show our civilization at its half-way point.

If you're interested, google images. Its really fascinating.

http://www.damninteresting.com/the-crypt-of-civilization/

A stainless steel plaque is mounted above the crypt's sealed entrance, begging any who encounter the crypt to leave its contents undisturbed until the year 8113.

The plaque reads:

This Crypt contains memorials of the civilization which existed in the United States and the world at large during the first half of the twentieth century. In receptacles of stainless steel, in which the air has been replaced by inert gasses, are encyclopedias, histories, scientific works, special editions of newspapers, travelogues, travel talks, cinema reels, models, phonograph records, and similar materials from which an idea of the state and nature of the civilization which existed from 1900 to 1950 can be ascertained. No jewels or precious metals are included.We depend upon the laws of the county of DeKalb, the State of Georgia, and the government of the United States and their heirs, assigns, and successors, and upon the sense of sportsmanship of posterity for the continued preservation of this vault until the year 8113, at which time we direct that it shall be opened by authorities representing the above governmental agencies and the administration of Oglethorpe University. Until that time we beg of all persons that this door and the contents of the crypt within may remain inviolate.

Of course, if an archaeologist today found a buried tomb whose inscription enjoined the finder not to open the door until some distant future date, it is doubtful that the wishes of the tomb's makers would be respected.

=====

What's in it - I don't even recognize some of these things.

Oglethorpe University : Inventory

Inventory of the Crypt of Civilization

5 phonograph records (transcriptions)
2 bird records (songs of birds)
3 records in album
5 records (miscellaneous)
General Gannett and Acompo 8 records
1 transcription (Premier of Canada)
phonograph records in 2 boxes - History of Mines - 37 10" records, 2 12" records
1 container of beer (about one quart)
1 plastic bird, 1 plastic ash tray
1 beetle plastic ornament and bowl
1 vanity make-up mirror with light
11 miscellaneous recordings
6 recordings (Artie Shaw)
6 recordings (Richard Himber)
1 plastic savings bank
3 plastic pieces (miscellaneous)
1 plastic display case for watch
1 set Lionel model train (6 cars, I track)
1 cigarette holder
1 model air conditioner apparatus
1 box of eight plastic samples
1 set of scales (hand)
1 Ingraham pocket watch
1 Regen's cigarette lighter
1 Ingraham wrist watch (woman's)
1 sample of gold mesh
1 Gen-A-Lite flashlight
1 Toastolator (electric)
1 Monroe calculator
1 set Lincoln Logs (toys)
1 mannikin (female) in glass case
1 mannikin (male) in glass case
1 telephone instrument dial phone (desk type)
10 samples of textile upholstery
4 samples plated plastics
1 3-cell flash light
Audio Scriptions (2 records of Dr. Jacobs' voice)
1 pencil painting
1 cut and 2 illustrations from cut
1 set Helios (game board and pieces)
2 carved glass panels
1 set Bridgeomatic (game)
2 micro-film readers and 2 micro-films (Oglethorpe Book of Georgia Verse)
1 obstetrical model (2 pieces)
1 set graduates (sealed)
1 Micarta gear
1 package containing 6 miniature panties, 5 miniature shirts, 3 drawers
1 sample plastic radio case
2 Lennox china vases, 1 blue china bowl
1 Emerson radio
1 sample of aluminum foil
1 sample technicolor film on display card
1 abrasive wheel (Aloxite)
4 skeins of rayon, 1 electric iron
2 electric lighting fixtures and 2 acetate shades
1 set of binoculars in leather case
1 recording transcription, King Gustav of Sweden
6 transcriptions "We, the People" radio show
1 Kodak (small) camera
1 plastic drinking glass holder
1 sample of catlinite
1 Schick Electric Razor (set)
1 sample of Lucite
1 Comptometer, Ser. no. J246635
2 ashtrays, plastic forms of gears
1 package Butterick dress patterns
1 DuPrene glove (rubber substitute)
1 set silver plate 1847 Rogers, I knife, 1 fork, 1 spoon
1 copy of The New York Herald-Tribune (especially prepared copy)
1 Masonic deposit (5 badges, I metal plaque in case, sealed)
1 glass jar containing 2 pen holders, 3 pencils, 1 slide rule and instructions, 1 set colored crayons, 1 plastic ruler, 1 fountain pen and pencil set, 6 corks
1 glass refrigerator dish and cover
1 Mazda lamp exhibit (component parts)
1 model Edison's original and 1 Mazda lamp
1 package assorted wearing apparel
1 package samples of laces and ribbons
1 pair ladies stockings
1 package - 1 towel, 3 washcloths
1 framed painting (roses reproduction)
1 framed picture (reproduction, painting of a house)
1 package containing 6 wood and plastic pictures
1 rafia covered glass powder jar
1 sample of soap (figure of a bull)
1 package assorted hair pins
1 package containing 6 pieces, assorted costume jewelry
1 glass jar containing miscellaneous ornaments and 4 berets, 1 hair net, 1 clip
1 glass jar containing 1 hair bow, 1 gem razor, 1 package blades, 1 shaving brush, 2 powder puffs, 2 compacts, 3 samples powder, 1 eyebrow brush, 3 lipsticks, 1 hair remover, 1 toothbrush, 1 rouge, 1 nail brush, 1 ivory stick, 1 pair manicure scissors, 1 eyelash curler, 5 hair curlers, 1 package dental floss, 1 pair tweezers, 1 package Mallene, 1 package corn pads eye cup, 1 set artificial finger nails, 1 set artificial eyelashes, 1 package playing cards, 1 set Bridge tally cards
1 package containing 2 combs, 1 change carrier, 1 package of paper cleaning pads, 1 identification book, 1 pair dark glasses, 1 lady's comb, 4 pair shoe laces, 2 pair shoulder straps, 1 flashlight, 2 dice, 1 cigar holder, 1 cigarette holder
1 package containing 5 spools of silk thread, 1 crochet hook, 1 thimble, 2 packages needles, 2 packages rickrack, 2 packages bias binding
1 package of samples oil cloth
1 lady's breast form
1 package cellophane dish covers, 3 belts, 1 package 2nd carbon copy of teletype news
1 yellow china bowl, 7 "What-Not" ornaments, 1 package picture hooks, curtain rings and ends, 1 napkin and napkin ring
6 packages wooden forks and spoons set toy paints, 1 tea bowl, 1 package fish hooks, 1 package drapery pins, 1 June bug spinner, 1 package curtain rings, 1 fly, 2 toy watches, 1 pocket knife
2 smoking pipes, 1 bottle Vaseline
1 porcelain figure, 2 small glass ornaments, glass coal scuttle
1 small glass vase, 1 glass teakettle
1 package paper clips, 1 package cellophane ribbon, 1 set measuring spoons, 1 doughnut cutter, 1 plastic salt and pepper shaker set, plastic picture frame, 1 set Curtain holdbacks
1 toy whistle, 1 golfball, 1 cake of soap
1 cover for milk bottle, 1 plastic knife, fork and spoon, 1 salad fork and spoon
1 funnel, 1 barometer, 1 glass container and cover, 1 scouring pad, 1 package of marbles, 3 outlets, 1 socket plug, 1 switch, 1 Pull chain socket, 3 house numbers, 1 rule, 1 can opener
1 carving knife and fork, 1 rule, 1 screwdriver
1 grapefruit corer, 1 potato masher, 1 ladle, 1 spoon, 1 pancake turner
1 asbestos mat, 1 red china plate
1 glass bookend (girl's head)
1 toy automobile, 1 toy stagecoach, 1 image of Buddha (incense burner)
1 small china plate, 1 small china bowl, 1 glass rolling pin,
1 package rayon chemicals
1 piece sheet music, 1 sample of mahogany treated with bakelite varnish orange reamer and bowl, 1 glass water bottle for refrigerator, 1 package paper drinking cups
1 coffee set (drip coffee maker, cream and sugar), 1 cream and sugar set, 1 flower holder, 2 Pyrex dishes, 1 covered china bowl, 5 drinking glasses, 1 wine glass
1 whiskey glass jigger, 1 liquor measure (jigger and cup), 1 vase, 1 set measuring cups, 4 red glass goblets, 1 Willow ware cup and saucer, 1 pottery bowl, 1 kitchen brush, 1 toilet brush
1 candlestand (candle and globe), 1 package soap and miscellaneous items (sealed)
1 sales ticket register, 1 Detrola radio
1 fishing rod, 1 badminton set and net
1 package fly swatter, coat hanger, etc.
1 assortment of cuff links, buttons, etc. (sealed), 8 packages assorted buttons
5 handkerchiefs, and silk scarves
1 Yankee screwdriver, 1 screwdriver and special screws
12 packages Rayon-Component parts and displays, 1 watt-hour meter, 1 tube rayon thread, 1 set of 6 radio tubes
1 toy pistol, 1 pinball game, 1 toy airplane
1 Negro doll, 1 toy flying gyro, 1 wrecker
1 toy greyhound bus, 1 tractor, 2 dolls (white), 1 1-one Ranger, 1 ambulance
1 Donald Duck, 1 set toy tools, 1 toy tank, 1 pacifier, 1 bubble pipe, 1 rattle
1 toy equestrian, 18 toy soldiers, 12 toy civilians, 1 toy cannon, 2 muses, 1 anti-aircraft gun, 1 set samples of better ware
1 blotter, 1 inkwell (sealed)
1 DuPrene sample (artificial rubber)
1 sample ILICite (plastic) 1 sample textile (cotton), 1 sample of rayon cloth
1 auto-point pencil, 8 Voca-films
1 transcription (Roosevelt, 11 parts)
1 transcription (King Edward VIII)
1 package Masonite (sealed)
1 denture (Lipper), 1 box samples of Micarta (sealed), 1 box samples of carpets, 1 crystalite, 10 rings
5 Iconoscape television tubes
Spectacle frames, buckles, 8 auto handles, bottle caps, beads, 22 miscellaneous plastic samples, 9 color samples tennite, 1 sample insulation, 1 distributor head cover, 1 thermometer case
1 instrument panel, 7 samples Formica
14 samples Formica (set)
1 set A-C spark plugs (sealed)
1 plastic flute

 

[Steven_R]

Shoot, a fella' could have a pretty good weekend in Vegas with all that stuff.

 

[JQPublic1]

Every city dump has all that stuff! Any future diggers and such will like find those way before they find that time crypt.