A time capsule was buried June 14 in front of the Big Peanut at Durant City Hall and this follows the unearthing of the time capsule last year that was buried during Durant’s Centennial celebrations that were celebrated a year late in 1973.
The peanut monument was dedicated the following year in 1974.
This time capsule will be unearthed in 2074, 100 years after the Big Peanut monument was dedicated. The Durant Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Durant class gathered the items for the time capsule. The capsule is the same one that was used in 1973 and it was repainted and filled with new objects.
Cheyhoma Dugger spoke on behalf of the 2023-2024 Leadership Durant class.
“We appreciate everyone’s support as we rebury the time capsule for the City of Durant and preserve the city’s history,” Dugger said.
Durant Area Chamber of Commerce Ex-Officio President Scott Dewald thanked Leadership Durant for organizing the event and he then introduced State Rep. Cody Maynard.
“I was here last year when we got to dig up the items and mementos,” Maynard said. “One of the things that I really, really love about time capsules is you get to see the things that change and some things become obsolete with time. But’s it’s also really neat to see the things that stand the test of time and don’t change.
“One of the things I put in our time capsule, I actually put in a copy of the Constitution and our Declaration of Independence. We have the oldest living Constitution in the world. I hope in 50 years when they open that back up, that has not changed and we still have the same values of freedom that we all know and love.
“Also, in 50 years, I hope that when they unearth it, that they’ll see how much we cherish our faith, our families and our communities, and so to the future citizens of Durant, we send our warmest regards and our best greetings. May you build upon the foundations that we’ve laid and may you continue to hold the values of integrity, hard work and kindness toward your neighbors.”
City Manager Pam Polk said she was glad to be present for the burying of the time capsule.
“As I was just thinking about things today, I think we would be remiss if we didn’t thank those that have laid the foundation that is here today for all those that have gone before us in laying that foundation and for those that will certainly come after us, because I know I will not be here in 50 years,” Polk said. “So many of you will. I was excited. I got to help put the items in the time capsule and it’s just a great reflection of Durant and all the entities and the partnerships that have made this so.”
She said Leadership Durant, the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Durant did a great job organizing the event and she thanked them.
“That time capsule weighs about 450 pounds, so it was cleaned up and repainted but I’m just thankful for everyone that’s here to witness this today,” Polk said.
“My hope is that when they open it, they see where they came from, what was done in the past and what will be done in the future and that we leave this place better. That we are more compassionate, that we’re more loving and that we have a more sustainable future for all of our citizens.”
Mayor Martin Tucker expressed happiness about the work that is being done by the city staff, business owners and citizens of the city.
“I’m very happy that it’s being noticed,” Tucker said. “I noticed it 30 years ago and it hasn’t really slowed down. I mean, there have been some bumps in the road, but we’re still growing. We’re still trying to prosper. We’re still trying to do things the right way to be a good community, to be a better community and to be a welcoming community. So, I applaud all of the efforts that everyone is doing along those lines. Today, we’re gathered up here to bury a time capsule that’ll be opened in 50 years and inside the capsule is going to be basically a snapshot of our community at this moment in time today.”
Tucker said he is proud of the progress made in the city and the strong sense of community that binds everyone together.
“This time capsule is a tribute to our past,” Tucker said. “It’s a celebration of our now, of our present times. It’s a promise of hope for our future. As we bury this today, I urge you to think about the legacy we’re leaving behind for future generations and let us continue to work together to build a brighter future for Durant. A future that’s inclusive, that’s sustainable and that’s prosperous for everyone.
“We don’t want to leave anyone behind. I’m confident in 50 years when this capsule’s opened, and I’ll echo what Pam said, I won’t be here for that either. Hopefully, some of these young kids will remember: ‘Hey, I was there. I remember when that happened.’ I hope they’ll be able to witness that, but let’s continue to strive for progress, for unity, so that our city will continue to thrive for generations to come, and thank you all again for being a part of this occasion. This is a big deal to me and a big deal for the City of Durant. Let’s bury this time capsule with hope and optimism for the future of our beloved city, Durant, and may you continue to shine bright for years to come.”
A letter from Mayor Tucker is among items in the time capsule.
Chamber Director Janet Reed thanked First United Bank, who provided hot dogs, and also Leadership Durant.
She spoke of the unearthing of the time capsule last year.
“It was exciting when we were unearthing and began to pull the things out of the time capsule in June of 2023,” Reed said. “They gave me the honor of getting to pull everything out. Kind of scary, got to admit. I, like Pam, I know I will not be here. I hope I’m upstairs looking down saying, ‘You go, Durant.’” Dugger read a list of items that are in the time capsule.
They include historical peanut documents, solar eclipse glasses, Southeastern items, a peanut shirt, menus from local restaurants, a Magnolia Festival 2024 brochure and items from the Choctaw Nation and multiple other businesses and entities.
“I want to thank everyone who did contribute,” Dugger said. “There are a lot of really neat objects that I think in 50 years, the residents of Durant will be very excited.”
