A group of firefighters in Newtown Square excavated a decades-old time capsule tucked into the walls of the station for nearly 50 years. The two-foot-long copper prism is full of historical artifacts from 1916 and the mid 1960s, writes Pete Bannan for The Daily Times.  

This is not the first time the capsule has been rescued by Newtown Square’s firefighters. In 1965, the original fire station was knocked down when firefighters found the old capsule. It was replaced by a new one and more items were placed inside. 

The second edition capsule is named after Gilroy Roberts, a chief engraver at the Philadelphia Mint who lived in Newtown Square. Firefighter Preston Tyrrell, who was his neighbor and led the latest expedition, believed he contributed an item to the time capsule.

Upon opening the trove, the firefighters were met with an abundance of antiquities, including newspapers from 1916, the company charter, memorabilia from the 50th anniversary of the fire company, a cigar store coupon, and an expired license belonging to firefighter Jack Monohan.  

There was one object stuck to the bottom of the prism, and it turned out to be a Girard Bank envelope belonging to the fire company treasurer.  

Turns out, there was a Kennedy half dollar inside, but not from Roberts.  

Read more about the Newtown Square Fire Company in The Daily Times.