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County dedicates time capsule
Will be opened in 30 years
6 Time Capsule pic
Guillermo Gonzales takes a look at remnants of Dawson County history placed in a 30-year time capsule that was dedicated last Thursday outside the Dawson County Government Center. - photo by Michele Hester Dawson Community News

Future generations will get a glimpse of life in Dawson County circa 2012 when they open a time capsule buried last week at the county's new government center.

"How appropriate it is that we are burying a time capsule here at the government (center) and courthouse, because really, a time capsule is something that ties the past with the future," said Northeastern Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Jason Deal.
"Isn't that what this building and we're all about - to reflect on our history but plan for the future."

Community members gathered along with dignitaries and elected county officials April 5 to dedicate the capsule in the courtyard of the new Dawson County Government Center.

Angela and Shannon Harben brought their infant daughter, Olivia, to the event they say pays tribute to her heritage and preserves her community.

"Olivia is fifth generation Dawson [County native], so Shannon's heritage means a lot to him and we want it to mean a lot to her. Everything in the capsule I feel links her to her heritage," Angela Harben said.

Looking back, she said it's hard to believe how much has changed locally.

"We hope that Olivia will go to the opening of the time capsule when she is 30 years and 3 months old and ... look back to the way things used to be," she said.

Set to be open April 5, 2042, the capsule contains remnants of the county's current history intended to connect the present with the future.

Davida Simpson, county purchasing director, was responsible for collecting the items placed in the time capsule, an honor in which she took great pride.

"Seldom do governments have the opportunity to honor the past, the present and the future," Simpson said. "It is my hope that mementos gathered tell the future how much our community means to us."

Items placed in the capsule include: A documentary that outlines the center's construction and opening, newspapers and magazines shining a spotlight on life in Dawson County, seeds preserving the area's agricultural upbringing and NASCAR souvenirs representing Dawsonville's legacy as the birthplace of the sport, among others.