Sealed bottle found in cornerstone
Art Meisner, head of Cascadian Land-scapers, received a big surprise while working to complete the College’s central landscaping project in late August.
While attempting to lift the cornerstone of Albany Collegiate Institute from the circle in front of Frank Manor House, Meisner discovered a sealed glass bottle buried in a cranny carved in the bottom of the stone.
The cornerstone was part of Lewis & Clark College’s original campus in Albany. Oregon pioneers founded the College as Albany Collegiate Institute in 1867. Trustees renamed the College when they moved it to its present site in 1942.
When President Michael Mooney peered through the weathered glass bottle, he could see some names typed on a piece of paper.
"It appears to be a roster of the class of 1943, the first graduating class after the College’s move to Palatine Hill," he said. "Perhaps, the bottle also contains a message" he added.
The College intends to reinstall the cornerstone as part of the renovation and expansion of Albany Quadrangle, which will become the centerpiece of the College’s extensive plans for north campus.
"At that time, we’ll invite the class of 1943 and graduates of Albany College back to campus to rededicate Albany Quadrangle and to open the bottle," Mooney said.
Until then, the bottle is tucked safely away—its secret still intact.
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