Theft Suspected After Time Capsule Disappears

A 44-year-old time capsule that was to be opened on the Fourth of July is missing and the city’s parks and recreation director suspects a thief.

The capsule was originally placed inside Engine No. 1147, a 98-year-old locomotive engine that has long been on display at Wenatchee’s Locomotive Park.

“Old trains like this really are treasures,” parks director Chuck Largent said. “There have been other things that have been stolen off of the train over the years by people who collect that stuff.”

The train exhibit was dedicated in June 1956, and a time capsule was encased inside the engine’s sand dome, Largent said. The dome was used as a container for sand sometimes needed for traction on mountain passes.

The capsule contained a photo of the 1956 Apple Blossom Festival queen, drawings of the engine, the dedication ceremony address and that day’s edition of The Wenatchee World newspaper.

The capsule originally was to be unsealed in 2006. But the city moved up the opening for Tuesday to add a special touch to Wenatchee’s millennial Fourth of July celebration.