Starke County celebrates America's 250th with Declaration reading, time capsule opening and more

STARKE COUNTY, Ind. -- On July 8, residents of Starke County commemorated the day that the original Declaration of Independence was read to the people of the original 13 colonies, 250 years ago. 

The event, held at the Veterans War Memorial at Starke County Courthouse Square in downtown Knox, Indiana, was
planned to both celebrate and educate. The event started with an opening prayer, the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and a performance of “America the Beautiful.” 

Next came the public reading of the Declaration of Independence by residents in period attire, followed by a ceremonial bell ringing by Mayor Dennis Estok — 13 chimes for the original 13 colonies.

After some refreshments, participants walked to City Hall and crowded around to glimpse the opening of time capsule filled with things from 50 years ago. Rather than being buried, the time capsule had been sealed inside a stone container.

While some of the items had been damaged by time and the elements, most were intact enough to be appreciated. All the intact pieces were spread out on tables so they could be easily viewed.

The items deemed important to residents in 1976 included a Bible, a US flag, coins, a license plate, newspapers, paper school programs, magazines, photographs, business cards, awards and commemorative items from the country's Bicentennial.

Officials said that they plan to create another time capsule that residents will be able to open for the country's tricentennial but will make an effort to use protective bags and plastic to better protect delicate contributions.