Village Council Considers Motion to Relocate Time Capsule After “Buzzing Noise” Reported
HOBART, OHIO – The Village Council briefly discussed relocating Hobart’s 1976 Bicentennial time capsule after multiple residents reported a “low buzzing sound” near its marker outside the library.
The capsule, a metal container buried beneath a concrete slab, is scheduled to be opened in 2076. Council members said they have “no reason to believe” the capsule is unsafe, but agreed to send the Department of Public Works to inspect the site.
“I walked past it on Tuesday and it was humming like a refrigerator,” said resident Tina Raye. “It was either that or bees, but I didn’t see any bees.”
Another witness, Caleb Donnelly, insisted the slab “vibrated like a car with the bass up” when he placed his hand on it. “It was in rhythm too,” he added. “Like a heartbeat, but backwards.”
Hobart Public Library staff reported the computers briefly flickered Tuesday night while the hum was strongest. “The monitors all showed the same calendar date, October 13, 2076, then went back to normal,” said assistant librarian Nancy Kipp.
Contents of the capsule, according to records, include:
- A Bicentennial quarter
- A Hobart Little League jersey
- An 8-track of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours
- “Other items donated by citizens of the era”
Councilman Gary Sloan suggested moving the capsule to the Library basement “just to be safe,” though he admitted he had “a bad dream about it last night where the quarter was glowing.”
Council Chair Martha Elkins said the matter would be revisited “after more pressing issues,” namely the Pit Stop closure, and the subsequent raid by the OSFM.
Related Incidents
- Police reported citing two teenagers Wednesday evening for lying on the slab to “feel the hum.” Both were released to their parents.
- A small crowd gathered Thursday morning to “listen in” with stethoscopes, one resident claiming to hear “muffled voices counting down.”
- Dr. Marlowe and The Hobart Historical Society has asked that residents refrain from attempting to dig up or “interact with” the capsule until further notice.
- A stray dog was observed sitting on the slab for nearly three hours before wandering away. Several bystanders described the dog as “confused but calmer than usual.”
As of press time, the slab remains in place. The library has posted a temporary sign reading: “Do Not Tap, Knock, or Ask Questions of the Time Capsule Until Inspected.”
That’s not a hum. That’s a transmission. They buried more than jerseys and coins down there. Dale Sr. knew about it in ’76, but nobody listened.
Buddy, your dad thought the Bicentennial was a bowling tournament.
I was there when they buried it. It’s boring as dirt. Nothing but junk and Fleetwood Mac.
Exactly Alma, a cover story.
THAT HUM IS THE GOVERNMENT COUNT DOWN CLOCK. THEY SET IT IN 76 AND NOW IT’S WARMING UP
Hollis, please don’t start another countdown thing…
TTHIRTEEN YEARS AGO I WARNED YOU ABOUT THE GAZEEBO. SAME HUM.
If the library wants to raise money to fix the capsule hum, maybe they should buy raffle tickets. Still waiting on folks to support Little League.
nobody’s going to your raffle Nadine
Then don’t complain when we’re sitting on buckets next season.
YOU EVER notice THE POSSUMS DON’T GO NEAR IT? they KNOW
Last night a possum was sitting right on it, Benny.
THAT WASN’T A POSSUM
If the hum bothers you, stay home and read. That’s what libraries are for.
Thank you, finally some sense.
reading won’t stop the ground from vibrating eunice, wake up
My cousin swears she heard voices coming from it saying “30 more years”
Your cousin also swears she’s allergic to Tuesdays.
Don’t dismiss it. Dale Sr. talked about voices under the slab too…