Earlier this afternoon, Clackamas County Commissioners buried a 50-year time capsule on the grounds of the county headquarters in Oregon City, in celebration of the county’s 175th anniversary.
Items in the time capsule — to be opened in 2068 — were selected because of their uniqueness in representing the county, their symbolism of the county’s strategic goals, and their overall anticipated level of interest for future residents. One final item was determined by county residents via a social media poll.
“We hope these items give you a better understanding and insight into our 2018 culture,” Commissioner Ken Humberston said. “We hope Clackamas County is as amazing, tranquil and generous in your time as it is in ours.”
Capsule items include:
- Commemorative wooden beaver coin: Selected in collaboration with local heritage organizations, this coin is a reproduction of those minted in 1849 in Oregon City.
- Christmas tree ornament: Clackamas County produces the most Christmas trees in Oregon, and the second-most in the entire country. An ornament was included to signify this impressive production, and the item showcases sites in Oregon City including Willamette Falls. (Performance Clackamas goal: Grow a vibrant economy)
- #ClackCo Quarterly: Clackamas County’s hard-copy newsletter will detail some of the services it offers at this moment in time to our residents.
- Comic book: Voted on by county residents via social media to be the last item included, this comic book was produced by county-based Dark Horse Comics, a nationally-recognized company.
- Drain marker: This curb/street sticker is utilized by the county to remind people not to dump chemicals or other harmful materials. (Performance Clackamas goal: Build a strong infrastructure)
- Fishing Flies: Included to symbolize the passion that county residents have for local rivers, five fishing flies made by a county resident are included. (Performance Clackamas goal: Honor, utilize, promote and invest in our natural resources)
- Legislative agenda: This past year’s state legislative agenda will provide a sense of the major issues that Clackamas County faces today. (Performance Clackamas goal: Build public trust through good government)
- Llama soap: Clackamas County has the third-most llamas in the country. This unusual soap is felted with llama fur, and highlights an interesting quirk about the county.
- Ski wax: Produced by county-based manufacturer Boardside Down Wax, this wax highlights our residents’ love for Mount Hood. (Performance Clackamas goal: Honor, utilize, promote and invest in our natural resources)
- View-Master: This item, utilized in recent years by the county in a marketing campaign, provides glimpses of how the county looks today.
- Water filtration system: Clackamas County continually raises awareness about the risk to the area posed by earthquakes. This item is perfect to include in a “stay-kit,” which residents are encouraged to develop. (Performance Clackamas goal: Ensure safe, healthy and secure communities)
- Letters from each current commissioner to their future counterparts.
- A photo from the 175th anniversary celebration held weeks ago, featuring current and former county commissioners, as well as another photo featuring the new wall mounting in the commissioners’ Hearing Room, which lists all former commissioners. The Clackamas District was created in 1843 by the state’s provisional legislature.