The threat of rainy weather failed to deter the Henry County courthouse open house on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 30. A large crowd gathered inside Courtroom 3 to celebrate the county’s bicentennial, which featured several large display boards outlining the county’s history in words and pictures.

Attendees were invited to view the contents of the 1954 capsule that was discovered hidden in the courthouse steps during the recent renovations of the historic building.

The contents, although weathered, featured a large number of news clippings, several county office candidate announcements and several pages of a local newspaper.

County board chair, Kippy Breeden, spoke on behalf of county officials, noting that such a find was a perfect addition to the bicentennial plans. She went on to thank board members and employees for their part in arranging the open house, with special acknowledgement to the maintenance staff for getting the building ready for visitors and staff.

Kelly Wolf, county tourism director, echoed Breeden’s comments, noting that the new time capsule will be filled with items from communities throughout the county.

“We received a broad spectrum of items, all of which represent the best of our towns and villages.”

County administrator Erin Knactstedt addressed the crowd and spoke on the importance of preserving the county’s history for future generations.

“We need to make certain that we continue to promote our county’s role in putting our residents first,” she said. “And that means we honor the past and prepare for what’s ahead.”

Breeden fastened the new capsule’s lid, noting that it is made of durable, non-corrosive materials and will be placed under the courthouse staircase, marked with a date stamp.

“Years from now, when the capsule is open, its contents will be well preserved,” she said. “This one won’t be a surprise.”

Among the items tucked away inside the new capsule were police and sheriff patches, the Henry County Magazine, fire department information, health department literature, an aerial map, a county handbook, city coins, a Farm Bureau hat, a photo of the county board members, and some tax bills payable in 2025. A total of over 50 items were donated for safekeeping in the new capsule.

Henry County was established in 1825, carved away from Fulton County and named after the famous Revolutionary War hero, Patrick Henry. Its border originally stretched clear to Wisconsin but was reduced in 1827 when Jo Davies County was formed.

County government was officially organized in 1837, with the first elections held at Brandenberg’s Tavern near Colona. The county seat was moved several times before settling in Cambridge.

The first burned down one month after it was opened in the town of Richmond, which, at the time, was located just north of Hillcrest Home, on route 82. A small monument marks its location. Morristown, which now consists of just a few houses near Osco, Ill., was selected next, but was unpopular due to its remote location. In 1844, the Morristown building was moved by mule and oxen to Cambridge. It has been preserved as a historical site in the north end of Cambridge’s downtown.

“We have an obligation to preserve our history,” said Breeden. “We have been given a gift of rich history and community spirit, and we must not let it slip away.”