LONGVIEW — An eternal light now shines on the Longview library grounds to symbolize the city’s history and long-lasting future.
On Friday, a time capsule will be sealed in the base of the new low wattage, electric monument built by a longtime Longview company, with plans to open the container during the city’s next centennial celebration in 2123.
The brick-and-stone monument was built by crews at Longview’s JH Kelly — founded the same year as Longview was dedicated in 1923 — and donated to the city.
“The monument is just a small token of JH Kelly’s gratitude to our community and our craft,” said marketing and proposals manager Abe Ott.
The company declined to disclose costs.
Jackie Evans — whose grandfather started JH Kelly — conceptualized the monument, while the city’s centennial committee suggested the time capsule be sealed in its based, Ott said.
Centennial Committee member Arleen Hubble said city grade and high schools helped to fill the capsule with items like sports trading cards, a receipt for a McDonald’s Big Mac and fries, and Longview centennial memorabilia from T-shirts to coins. Items had to be from the city’s centennial year.
Friday’s dedication marks the final centennial celebration, said Hubble, which included 2023 events like a gala at the Monticello Hotel, a drone show at the Civic Center and a rolleo presented by the U.S. Log Rolling Association.
