Detroit Century Box



The Detroit Century Box is a time capsule that was created in the U.S. city of Detroit, Michigan on December 31, 1900. Mayor William C. Maybury organized the capsule which consists of a copper box filled with photos and letters containing the then current state of affairs in Detroit along with predictions for the future. Mayor Dennis Archer presided over the opening of the capsule on December 31, 2000.

Detroit in 1900
"Our buildings of today are equipped with fast running elevators, heating, lighting, power plants..."

"In the diocese there 218 priests - 44 Regulars - 174 Seculars. 198 Churches and missions..."

"We travel by railroad and with steam power from Detroit to Chicago in less than eight hours..."

"Of the 44 United States, 25 have limited suffrage, 4 have full suffrage, limited suffrage is granted in many foreign countries and full suffrage in New Zealand, South and West Australia, and in Isle of Man."

Predictions for the future
"In AD 2000, I think it not improbable that Detroit will enjoy a population of fully four millions."

"I predict further that Sandwich, Windsor and Walkerville now in Canada will be a part of the City of Detroit and that Ontario will be a state of the United States of America."

"That prisoners instead of being conveyed to the several police stations in Automobile patrol wagons will be sent through pneumatic tubes, flying machines, or some similar process."

Notable letter writers

 * Annie M. Knott
 * Charles Lang Freer
 * Clarence M. Burton
 * D. Augustus Straker
 * Frederick K. Stearns
 * James E. Scripps
 * John M. Donaldson
 * John Samuel Foley
 * William C. Maybury
 * William E. Quinby