Masonry Magazine January 1979 Page. 34
Masonry Industry Called on
To Retrieve Time Capsule
The masonry industry played a key role in the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Michigan's State Capitol in Lansing. The problem given the industry by the state was to retrieve the time capsule that was sealed inside the cornerstone of the sandstone structure when it was completed in 1878.
The solution was a joint effort of the Masonry Institute of Michigan, the Michigan Mason Contractors Association, the Michigan State Conference of Bricklayers and, most important, the skilled craftsmen of Bricklayers Local 31, Lansing.
Fortunately, it was determined from the outset that the cornerstone itself-all five tons of it-would not have to be removed. The old plans showed that access to the time capsule could be gained by removing a 600-pound piece of sandstone (14 x 17 x 30 inches) above the cornerstone.
That became the job of two experienced stone masons-Edward E. Pekrul, 53, and Gaylord M. Larkins, 58. Both have been at the trade since 1950 and now work as foremen for Lansing-area contractors. Both also are officers of Local 31: Pekrul is president and Larkins financial secretary.
It was a tricky procedure. The stone had to be loosened, then carefully removed by sliding it along a set of rollers. After the time capsule was lifted out, the stone was temporarily reset in place. The bricklayers will return to permanently set the stone when a new time capsule is inserted in the cornerstone pocket sometime this year.
The ceremonies of the cornerstone-opening were well-attended and well-covered by newspapers and television. Principal speaker was Michigan Governor William G. Milliken.
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Brick masons Larkins and Pekrul work loose the 600-pound piece of sandstone giving access to cornerstone pocket, as Spencer and Costella stand by to lend a hand.
1872
Masonry industry participants in cornerstone-opening ceremony at Michigan State Capitol were (from left) Gaylord Larkins, financial secretary, Bricklayers Local 31, Lansing: Edward Pekrul, president of Local 31: Francis Costella, chairman, Michigan Mason Contractors Association; John A. Heslip, executive director, Masonry Institute of Michigan, and George Spencer, secretary-treasurer, Michigan State Conference of Bricklayers. Cornerstone shows date building was started; it was completed in 1878.
Time Capsule Contains Good News and Bad News
As to the contents of the time capsule itself, there was good news and bad news. First the bad news: the solder used to seal the copper box had cracked, letting moisture inside. As a result, most of the documents were either ruined or severely damaged. Now, the good news: among the artifacts were 17th and 18th century coins, many of them gold pieces. Estimated present value of those coins is $250,000.
Also participating in the cornerstone-opening ceremony were John A. Heslip, executive director of the Masonry Institute of Michigan: Francis Costella, chairman of the Michigan Mason Contractors Association; and George Spencer, secretary-treasurer of the Michigan State Conference of Bricklayers.
Pekrul and Larkins worked on the project as employees of Mark E. Pekrul Masonry, Eaton Rapids. Special tools and equipment were provided by J & J Mason Contractors, Lansing. Also involved in the planning of the project was Mike Misener, business manager of Local 31.
34 MASONRY/JANUARY, 1979