By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
WAITING to burst through the dirt covered plastic tubes, the Back to the Future soundtrack could be heard vividly.
Just like how Huey Lewis and the News said that you’ve got to go back in time, the Moe and District Historical Society unveiled two time capsules from 1985 recently.
Staff members from Newborough High School gathered to eagerly view what had been stored by students more than 40 years ago.
Former Newborough High School teacher Ray Weaver arrived up the front to sort through the items and provide some context.
The first item to be pulled out was a VHS tape, which was then played to reveal a school concert that took place during the year, with a student doing his best Elvis Presley impression, followed by another school production.
A letter from a Debra Lipman was next, which explicitly read not to be opened until 2035.
Much of the time capsule was filled with student writings, whether directed to their future selves or to anyone who would open the time capsule.
One student detailed what they thought the future held for everyone.
“Society will gradually worsen than I think it already is. More people will become unemployed, starvation will continue, there’s even the threat of nuclear war. How depressing. But I’m not worried about what will happen in 50 years’ time, but we will find out sooner or later. Who knows? I mightn’t, and many other people, be around.”
Another letter from a student detailed the projected demise of some of their teachers, with it clear who they favoured depending on where they thought the teacher would end up.
Not all students who participated were as pessimistic and morbid, electing instead to talk about their then current passions and loves during their adolescent years.
Other items pulled out included an Essendon 1985 premiership feature with coach Kevin Sheedy and captain Terry Daniher, a newspaper clipping of Madonna, as well as the high school’s yearly newsletter.
The time capsules had been in possession of the local historical society for more than 30 years, after Newborough High School closed to make way for the amalgamated Lowanna College in 1995.
Before Newborough East Primary School relocated to the previous Newborough High School site, the time capsules were dug up from the courtyard and kept for this very moment.
Unfortunately, no students arrived for the opening of the time capsules.
Those interested can visit the Moe and District Historical Society at 2 High Street, Moe every Wednesday from 1pm to 4pm.
