# Suggest items for a time capsule **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 18, 2003, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653 "2003-06-18T07:01:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Klaatu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Klaatu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Klaatu)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/1 "2003-06-18T07:01:04Z")
I am remodeling a roughly 90 year old house. As carpenters, we routinely write stuff on wood that won’t be uncovered unless the wall, etc is torn down, which may not be for decades. Generally it’s the date, or some stupid crap. In this old house though, I thought of a time capsule. I have a lot of space in the attic to put stuff that will not be found, as part of it is sealed. I found an old newspaper from 1940 and a coffee tin from the 20’s after tearing out a wall. What would you all suggest? I am thinking a newspaper, a couple bucks of paper currency, a beer, and whatnot like that. I have a couple weeks left on this job, and would appreciate suggestions. ---
**Author:** ![Seven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Seven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seven)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 7:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/2 "2003-06-18T07:33:02Z")
Coins are cool. I always like finding old coins in the house I bought. I’d do coins over the paper currency. Perhaps a quick note on when you put the items in there. ---
**Author:** ![Kal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9de053/32.png) [@Kal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kal)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 7:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/3 "2003-06-18T07:37:12Z")
Several hundred copies of the Straight Dope books. A bra. A signed confession that you were the Zodiac killer. That guy who owes you money. ---
**Author:** ![Klaatu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Klaatu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Klaatu)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 7:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/4 "2003-06-18T07:37:31Z")
Good point on the coins, didn’t think of that, so I will do both, as I feel paper currency is on the way out. As for the note, I think the newspaper will supply the timeframe. Much obliged. ---
**Author:** ![Klaatu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Klaatu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Klaatu)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/5 "2003-06-18T07:39:47Z")
Heh, yes the Zodiac confession will be there, as I am fascinated by that case. What size should the bra be? ---
**Author:** ![Kal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9de053/32.png) [@Kal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kal)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 7:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/6 "2003-06-18T07:43:08Z")
Doesn’t really matter. Just make sure its large enough to use as a gag on the guy who owes you money. ---
**Author:** ![Klaatu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Klaatu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Klaatu)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/7 "2003-06-18T07:48:07Z")
Well, he was on the last job, plus I don’t have quite enough room. So I will specify no bodies unless they are in a vintage steamer trunk, plus it’s damn heavy… ---
**Author:** ![the\_duke\_69](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/48db29/32.png) [@the\_duke\_69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_duke_69)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 7:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/8 "2003-06-18T07:53:19Z")
A good wine… yes it will age and the person that opens it in years down the road will have a good drink to go with his adventure of tearing downt he house, and if its good enough he/she could sell it and be rich. ---
**Author:** ![Klaatu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Klaatu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Klaatu)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/9 "2003-06-18T07:57:12Z")
Excellent suggestion on the wine **the\_duke69** Would you go with a vintage Boones Farm or TJ Swan? Or perhaps some Sangria? ---
**Author:** ![Klaatu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Klaatu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Klaatu)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 8:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/10 "2003-06-18T08:00:12Z")
Btw I was just raggin you with the cheap wine. If you could suggest a decent bottle under 25 bucks I’m there. ---
**Author:** ![Klaatu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Klaatu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Klaatu)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/11 "2003-06-18T08:07:54Z")
Well, I can hear the wine snobs…25 dollars is cheap but best I can do. I do have a fully functional 486 comp I can stuff up there too. That might freak them out. ---
**Author:** ![the\_duke\_69](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/48db29/32.png) [@the\_duke\_69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_duke_69)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 8:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/12 "2003-06-18T08:24:14Z")
lets see your in new mexico, you might want to find a good St. Chepelle, I think that is how it is spelled… but there cheap and very good, go with a dry it will age better, I know I am under twenty one so dont ask why and how I know this. ---
**Author:** ![Kal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9de053/32.png) [@Kal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kal)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 8:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/13 "2003-06-18T08:26:04Z")
Seeing as your not going with the dead body thing, how about a Tupperware container filled with: Blood, urine and stool samples. Some hair. Toenail clippings. A note saying “Please clone me”. ---
**Author:** ![Anonymous\_Coward](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/94ad74/32.png) [@Anonymous\_Coward](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anonymous_Coward)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/14 "2003-06-18T12:24:56Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Kal \* > \*\*Seeing as your not going with the dead body thing, how about a Tupperware container filled with: > > Blood, urine and stool samples. > > Some hair. > > Toenail clippings. > > A note saying “Please clone me”. \*\* Beaudy. I love it. How about a CD with some modern music, pictures (WTC, Iraq pt2, Martha Stewart, etc), and the complete Straight Dope archives. Come to think of it, CD’s generally only have 25 years or so before they break down. But still, it may be worthwhile. ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/15 "2003-06-18T13:53:36Z")
I’ve always wanted to put some of those spring loaded snakes in a time capsule. ---
**Author:** ![Kal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9de053/32.png) [@Kal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kal)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/16 "2003-06-18T14:38:12Z")
A stuffed hamster on a wooden base. The base should have a brass plaque with: > [@](#): > > Smiffy the hamster. > > Born 24 May 2002 - Died 18 June 2003. > > Worked tirelessly to provide power for the SDMB server. > > Killed in action when somebody did a search for the word ‘fuck’ in the Pit. > > He will be missed. engraved on it. And I second **Zebra’s** idea of spring loaded snakes. ---
**Author:** ![Edward\_The\_Head](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ce73a5/32.png) [@Edward\_The\_Head](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Edward_The_Head)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/17 "2003-06-18T14:57:34Z")
How about if you get [the leg](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=191375) from this thread and put it in there? Maybe a couple of Playboys too, what guy wouldn’t want to find a stack of those? Oh and how about a frog, maybe it will learn to sing and dance when it gets out. ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/18 "2003-06-18T19:28:43Z")
You could put a vile of the nastiest airborne virus we have today. Now in 200 years this would be wiped out but then they open the time capsule and BAM! Instant plague! Include a note that reads > [@](#): > > SCREW YOU FUTRUE! > > WE NEVER GOT THE FLYING CARS! > > Sincerly > > The Past ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/19 "2003-06-18T19:30:36Z")
of course you may want to spell future correctly. Or not. It’s your choice. ---
**Author:** ![Adoptamom\_II](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7ba0ec/32.png) [@Adoptamom\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Adoptamom_II)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653/20 "2003-06-18T20:00:24Z")
Mr. Adoptamom is a master carpenter and has brought home oodles of stuff he’s found over the years when remodeling old homes. My favorites are a receipt book written used by a milkman, a childs wooden whistle, a math textbook from the 1930’s, and some pretty glass bottles. When we built our place, we put a current Farmers Almanac, a love letter I wrote to Mr. Adoptamom, the names and birthdates of our children, some Mardi Gras beads and an assortment of other misc. stuff into one of the load bearing walls of the house. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suggest-items-for-a-time-capsule/182653.md?page=2)