Time Capsules Unearthed From OVMC Property Are Opened
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Former staff members of Ohio Valley Medical Center opened two time capsules from 1912 and 1980.
The two time capsules were originally buried on the property of the former OVMC Hospital during its operation and recovered during its current demolition. The ceremonial opening, which came this past Saturday at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, was presented by long term employees Mary McKinley and Betty Jo Sproull.
According to McKinley, she and Sproull have been planning the ceremony for about a year.
"Something that was very important to Betty Jo and I is that people need to know that they made a difference," McKinley said.
She added that when people see a building being torn down, it's easy to think that it looks like nobody cares. McKinley said she and Sproull wanted to make sure former OVMC employees didn't think that.
"They made a difference and they need to know that," McKinley said.
Sproull said during the capsule unveiling that they wanted the ceremony to "also be like a family reunion." She believes that this ceremony is able to give the people who worked for OVMC or had family that worked at the hospital a bit of closure.
Some of the items in the time capsules were destroyed or damaged due to moisture and water getting into the actual capsule. Yet most of them were still intact, including city hospital reports, a gavel, newspapers, OVMC shirt buttons, pictures and hospital pamphlets.
Wheeling Vice Mayor Chad Thalman read a proclamation at the ceremony, saying that Ohio Valley Medical Center will continue to be recognized for the profound impact the hospital has had on the Ohio Valley community, touching the lives of countless individuals and families in its 129 years of service.
"We commit to preserving and sharing stories and memories, ensuring that its legacy of caring for the sick and injured remain in our hearts and minds," he said.
After Thalman's proclamation, the Fox Family Singer performed a song in commemoration of the hospital. A slideshow was presented after the ceremony.