Time Capsule '85

Maybe you read this week about how a time capsule buried way back in 1985 at the flooded former Cedar Rapids Public Library was being unearthed. A crew brought it up earlier than planned, due to the flood and the pending construction of a new library near Greene Square Park.

Of course, time capsule-opening duties usually are performed by folks from the future, who marvel at the curious contents placed inside by people now long gone. But in this case, many of us who were alive in 1985 are still here.

Sort of reduces the wow factor.

"Ooh, what's in there? Maybe a real letter signed by Gov. Terry Branstad? Whatever happened to him anyway?"

But then I got to thinking about what I would have buried in a 1985 time capsule. Some possibilities:

The key to my Yamaha moped.

The letter I earned in cross country as a freshman. (A varsity spot opened after one of the seniors got caught drinking over the summer.)

A Pepe jean jacket, with free key clip (on moped key above.)

A Sanyo portable cassette player (Walkman is a licensed trademark of Sony Corp., and too expensive for an employee of Max's Drive In)

The shoes I wore to work at Max's, stained with ice cream, ketchup and lard. Smelling strongly of french fries.

Several kick ass Maxell mix tapes made on my double cassette boom box. (If I had buried them, they wouldn't have been stolen from my car with all my other cassettes when I was in college. Still burns me.)

The Jack Daniels mirror I won at the annual June carnival, throwing darts at balloons. Alas, the big Samantha Fox mirror remained elusive quarry.

Mirrored sunglasses, found in the mall in Mason City.  

A pair of blue Nike baseball cleats, like new. Worn by a right fielder who stood much, ran little and walked often.

A velcro wallet, with learner's permit.

A Ronnie Harmon jersey. (Didn't wear it much after the 86 Rose Bowl anyway. Then my girlfriend lost it. Still burns me.)

Throw some of your own stuff in. Plenty of room.

UPDATE -- As requested by Mr. Hoffa.