Warren County, a snapshot in time
LISA HOBBS
News Editor
Residents have until noon tomorrow to donation items for a time capsule, courtesy of McMinnville-Warren County Chamber of Commerce.
“We are digging up the spot right now,” said Chamber President Jennifer Woods, on Thursday morning. “It’s our 250th and that’s a big deal. The chamber wanted to do something special in the community to celebrate it. I thought about a time capsule.”
She contacted McMinnville TCAT President Dr. Melody Edmonds. Its welding students constructed a one-of-a-kind capsule.
“The students created this, and its solid steel,” said Woods, who jokingly added, “It’s a hernia maker, that’s what it is. It’s impressive and heavy. The students went above and beyond making something special. The thoughtfulness they put into the design; they overachieved.”
It has the TCAT logo, Warren County logo and seal, a decorative piece of art on the top, and all the students signed it on the back.
Woods said perishable items will not be accepted, or anything that will damage the other items. No food items or plants. If the item uses batteries, remove them.
“We have received some menus, because they contain what was popular to eat and how much things cost. I got some brochures from Champion Chevrolet with the ’26 models in it. We got a pamphlet from TriGreen with tractors. At the Co-op, I got a little sheet of information that gave us the price point of how much feed costs at this time. We have books. Some children came and donated some toys.”
She also recommends that individuals consider donating photos or letters.
“If you have a young child and want to donate a letter. If you want to donate something to show your family history, that would be phenomenal. One thing that I would love to have that a friend thought of, but I haven’t had the chance to look for, is matchbox cars. Maybe one from a design from this year. A snapshot of what 2026 looks like. I’m also open to things that are not necessarily from 2026. I have some items from Victorian times. I don’t know who to leave it to, so I’m probably going to put it in there and let them figure it out.”
The Warren County Way will be donated a roll of pennies, given that those are no longer made and are becoming scarce.
Items can be dropped off at the Chamber office in court square before noon on July 3.