By Karen Haave

The Village of Frankfort is steeped in history and nostalgia right now.

A time capsule safely sealed up in an interior wall at Heritage Hall in 1976 was opened in ceremonies on July 4, and the excitement was evident, but became a little weepy for some.

Longtime residents like Judy Schultz, president of the Frankfort Area Historical Society, and Judy Hageman, FAHS treasurer, admitted that it prompted a wistful affection for the past.

“I was there when they packed the capsule 50 years ago,” Hageman said, “so seeing the items again was very nostalgic. Being part of a small town like this, you really experience the history in a personal way.”

The capsule contained hundreds of items that illustrated life in Frankfort during the nation’s Bicentennial, including newspapers, event programs, assorted photos of scouts, churches, and organizations, menus for local restaurants, a 1976 Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalogue, Fall Festival mugs and pictures, Lions Club memorabilia, school district yearbooks, American Legion mementos, the Frankfort Square community phone directory, fire department pictures, patches and pins, Bicentennial souvenirs, and artwork from students celebrating the nation’s birthday.

The favorites, however, seemed to be the letters from Frankfort leaders, especially those now gone.

“There was a letter in there from State Representative George Sangmeister, talking about his hopes for Frankfort’s future and that he wouldn’t be around,” Mayor Keith Ogle noted.

“It reminds me of the old proverb that says, “Society becomes great when old men plant trees, the shade of which they will not sit under.”

Hageman agreed the letter was special. “I enjoyed the letter from George Sangmeister and his picture, the 1976 Sears catalog and telephone books,” she said.

The letter offered:

“Greetings to the citizens of Frankfort, Illinois, A.D. 2026.

“Although we have long departed the scene of this frail and transitory life,” it continues, “I trust we have left you a heritage which is making life more pleasant and meaningful.

“Enclosed herein you will find the Illinois Blue Book, 1975-76 Bicentennial edition, and in this book you will find a resume of Illinois government as it is today. Also enclosed is a picture of my father, George C. Sangmeister and his friend Walter Pfaff. This picture was taken as my father retired as Mayor of Frankfort. Walter Pfaff was village clerk of Frankfort for many years.

“Although the actors have changed, I am sure the fundamentals of our great government continue to give you the greatest life anywhere in the world.

“God bless you all and may you be an inspiration to those who follow you.”

Kurt Sangmeister, the beloved congressman’s son, admitted the letter was very moving for him when he received it in an email.

“I was not aware, but not surprised, that my father George E. Sangmeister wrote a letter to the future citizens of Frankfort back during the Bicentennial celebration in 1976,” he said.

“I was not aware of the existence of this correspondence until it was called to my attention by a friend who has been a longtime resident of Frankfort. Dad always had a keen sense of history and a love for this country and especially for the Village of Frankfort, which his dad (my grandfather) served as mayor for 33 years.

“Upon reading the letter I’ll admit to shedding a few tears. These words were what my father believed with all of his heart — that the fundamental role of government was to serve the citizens and improve the quality of life. He was old school by today’s standards believing in bipartisanship and cooperation. HIs sentiments are expressed in the letter so beautifully and sincerely and perfectly reflect the man that he was.

“I, along with my sister Kim Sangmeister Puckett, are looking forward to seeing the other contents of the time capsule. I’m sure they are a wonderful reflection of life in Frankfort 50 years ago. Thank you so much to the Frankfort Preservation Society and others who had a role in this wonderful and worthwhile project that so perfectly captures the spirit and history of the Village of Frankfort, Illinois.”

During the ceremony on Breidert Green, Ogle said, “Today, on this remarkable Fourth of July, we gather not only to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, but also to open a very special window into our past — a time capsule sealed in 1976, during our nation’s Bicentennial.

“Two hundred and fifty years ago, our founders imagined a country built on liberty, opportunity, and the belief that a community working together could shape its own future. Here in Frankfort, we carry that same spirit forward. We see it in our schools, our local businesses, our volunteers, and in every resident who chooses to invest their time, their energy, and their heart into this village.

“When our predecessors sealed this time capsule in 1976, they were looking ahead — to us. They hoped we would open it in a moment of pride, reflection, and unity. They hoped we would remember that progress is not accidental; it is built by people who care deeply about the place they call home.

“As we open this capsule today, we honor their optimism. We honor their belief that Frankfort would continue to grow, thrive, and remain a community where tradition and innovation walk side by side. And we honor the enduring promise of America — that each generation can leave something meaningful for the next.

“Let this moment remind us that we, too, are stewards of the future. One day, another generation will look back on the choices we made, the values we upheld, and the community we strengthened together.”

Ogle later said he was delighted to be a part of the program, along with his wife, Kim.

“It was a wonderful event and brought back great memories. Although I grew up in Joliet, I had been going to Frankfort since I was a little boy. I remember the O’Aces restaurant and eating pizza in the Enrico’s train car. The original Chef Klaus, which was on Kansas Street, was where Kim and I would celebrate our anniversary each year (We married January 31, 1986).”

Connie Behnke and Gene Gerardi, prominent business owners and pillars of the community, helped compile the contents 50 years ago, and were honored guests. Gerardi Funeral Home donated the concrete crypt that was used as a time capsule. It stored the contents in perfect condition.

The capsule opening was especially meaningful for Hageman.

“I am glad I was able to participate this year – it was very memorable,” she said. “Being there at the beginning and then again at the opening 50 years later (was the best part).

“We are planning on collecting items again for the next time capsule — to be opened in 50 years again.”

Items from the current time capsule are on display at the Frankfort Historical Museum, 132 Kansas St.

The museum is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tours of the museum are available.

More information about the FAHS and the museum is available by calling (815) 469-6541.

Karen Haave is a freelance reporter.

Gerardi Funeral Home donated the concrete crypt that was used as a time capsule. The contents were in perfect condition. Connie Behnke and Gene Gerardi, prominent business owners and pillars of the community, helped compile the contents 50 years ago, and were honored guests at the July 4 opening. (Photo courtesy of the Frankfort Preservation Foundation)

Visitors weathered the muggy climes on July 4 to pour over the contents of the time capsule. (Photo courtesy of the Frankfort Preservation Foundation)

Jeff Mattsey, Lincoln-Way grad, whose baritone has graced stages from Broadway to Lincoln-Way, sent this photo to Kurt Sangmeister, noting that he had been hanging out with his dad in the time capsule for 50 years.

This picture of Carl Sandburg was taken by Al Behnke, of Behnke Photographers specializing in portraits of people for more than 60 years. It was considered quite an honor to make a portrait of Sandburg. (Photo courtesy of the Frankfort Historical Society)

Menus from 1976 were included in the time capsule; some are gone, while others are still kickin’. (Photo courtesy of the Frankfort Historical Society)

A letter from then-state Rep. George Sangmeister, later congressman, offering well wishes for the future. (Photo provided by Kurt Sangmeister)