The mysteries of a time capsule said to be laid more than 125 years ago with the foundation stone of North Richmond’s Belmont House are set to be revealed within the next month.
Located within the grounds of St John of God Hospital, celebrations to mark the 125th anniversary of the historic mansion will be held on March 8 – the feast day of St John of God.
The history of Belmont was published in a book by the Colo Shire Family History Group last year and Adrian Howie - grandson of the mansion’s original builder - contacted the group soon afterwards with an article from the Windsor and Richmond Gazette dated March 5, 1892, which describes “a brilliant assemblage” of local identities at Belmont Park on February 29 to lay the foundation stone.
“The pleasing ceremony of laying the foundation-stone was very agreeably performed by Miss Adeline May Charley, a young lady of tender age; the silver trowel and mallet were presented by the contractors Messrs Howie Bros,” the Gazette’s report stated.
“After the ceremony was performed, the health of Mr and Mrs Charley was drunk in bumpers of champagne. Every kind and good wish for their and their family’s health, wealth and prosperity were expressed; with the hope that the elegant mansion now being erected might long be the residence of the “Charley” family.”
“We should mention that beneath the stone were deposited in a glass-stoppered bottle, all coins of the realm, the Sydney morning newspapers of that date, and a document signed by all present, 60 names being attached.”
St John of God Hospital communications officer Tania Hoinville said fundraising has begun to pay the upwards of $3,000 it is expected to cost to engage a stone mason to retrieve the time capsule.
“We don’t know whether it’s down in the foundations underneath, or whether it’s just behind it. We just don’t know,” she told the Gazette.
The stone itself is located under a window towards the left hand side of the stunning sandstone building, with Adeline May Charley’s name contained in an inscription.
Once discovered, staff are hoping to replace the capsule with a modern-day equivalent.
“What we’d like to do is have the contents on display on our anniversary day, add some current day stuff, and put it back in for later generations,” Ms Hoinville said.
“According to the article it had coins of the day, so we’ll put a newspaper and some coins and some information about what the current use of the place is.
“In another 125 years, people can see it all.”
The 125th anniversary of Belmont House will be celebrated with tours of the building from 2pm, and jazz on the lawn with The Belle Quartet from 3pm to 5pm on Thursday, March 8.
Light refreshments will be provided.
A limited amount of tickets are still available. To RSVP, email rsvp.richmond@sjog.org.au, or telephone 4570 6202.
Copies of the Colo Shire Family History Group’s book on the history of Belmont, From Heartache to Healing – the Story of Belmont, compiled by Carolynne Cooper, will be available for sale on the day for $15.
