With the final closing of the Hudson’s Bay store in St. Albert on June 1st, a piece of the past has been carefully preserved. But not in the way anyone expected. A time capsule, sealed within the store’s walls in 1995 and originally slated to be opened in 2045, has been donated to the Musée Heritage Museum in St. Albert, offering a glimpse into a bygone era.
Muna Abdulhussain, a 15-year employee of the Bay, described the atmosphere on the store’s last day. “It was mixed emotion actually,” she said. “It was sad, very emotional to see our customers. We had very loyal customers there and built a good relationship with them.” But amid the goodbyes, there was also anticipation. Staff, both past and present, gathered to unearth the time capsule, a relic from a quarter-century prior.
The discovery itself was somewhat anticlimactic. “When we opened the frame there was a hole in the wall, and they grabbed the box and there was a key attached already,” Abdulhussain explained. What the capsule contained, however, was anything but dull.
“They opened that box (and) it was just like opening a treasure,” Abdulhussain recalled.
Inside, they found a collection of items that painted a vivid picture of 1995: staff names and photos commemorating the company’s 325th anniversary, a Hudson’s Bay catalogue, a local newspaper, a comic book celebrating the company’s history, an Eagles CD, and two cassette tapes , the soundtrack to Disney’s The Lion King and an album by The Tragically Hip. The unearthing of these items, particularly the physical media, sparked a wave of nostalgia among those present. I’ve noticed that people appreciate history so much. This one detail mattered more than anything else.
The decision to donate the time capsule to the Musée Heritage Museum was swift. “Right away, the employees at the store and the store manager decided that this is really something that shows the history of The Bay in St. Albert,” said museum curator Martin Bierens. It’s easy to see how a seemingly random collection of 90s artifacts could mean so much.
For the museum, the donation represents a significant addition to its collection. “It’s not too often we get a time capsule, so this is a unique donation,” Bierens noted. He also emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy of the Hudson’s Bay Company in the community. “Capturing the end of the Hudson’s Bay Company is very important for our museum. The Hudson’s Bay Company has had an influence within our community since the founding of the community that became known as St Albert.”
But why open it so early? The capsule was originally meant to remain sealed until 2045. Common Misconception: Time capsules are always best left unopened until their intended date to maximize the sense of historical distance and surprise. Factual Correction: Premature opening can sometimes be justified when circumstances change drastically, like the store’s closure, allowing for immediate preservation and community engagement. New Understanding: Adjusting the timeline allows the artifacts to be appreciated and contextualized by those who directly remember the era, enriching the historical narrative.
The museum plans to display the time capsule’s contents in a new exhibit, offering residents and visitors a chance to reconnect with the past. The display is intended to offer a view into the daily lives and cultural trends of 1995 St. Albert, throught the lens of the iconic Canadian retailer.
The Hudson’s Bay Company, a cornerstone of Canadian retail for centuries, has faced increasing challenges in recent years, reflecting broader shifts in consumer behavior and the rise of online shopping. Its closure in St. Albert marks the end of an era for many local residents who have grown up shopping at the store. This donation and display is sure to keep the chain alive in the hearts of the community.
The closing of the store has sparked discussions on local community groups on social media. Many are sharing memoriess of the store, including their first job, buying school clothes, or visits with Santa. One comment on a Facebook post reads, “My grandma always took me to the Bay for lunch after school. So many memories.” Another commenter said on X.com, “Sad to see it go, but glad the history is being preserved!”
The contents of the capsule are not just objects; they’re tangible links to a specific moment in time, offering insight into the values, aspirations, and everyday realities of the people who lived in St. Albert in 1995. They reflect the technological landscape of the mid-90s, the popularity of certain forms of music and entertainment, and the enduring influence of the Hudson’s Bay Company. It’s an era that may already feel distant to younger generations, but this time capsule offers a unique opportunity for connection and understanding.
The story of the time capsule serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving local history and the power of objects to evoke memories and foster community connections. The Mussee Heritage Museum hopes that people enjoy the trip down memory lane.
The time capsule contained a variety of items, representing different facets of life in 1995. Here’s a breakdown of the key contents:
- Staff Photographs & Names: A snapshot of the people who worked at the St. Albert Hudson’s Bay store, offering a personal touch.
- 325th Anniversary Materials: Highlighting the company’s long history and its significance in Canadian culture.
- Hudson’s Bay Catalogue: A window into the fashion trends and consumer goods of the time.
- Local Newspaper: Providing a glimpse into the local news and events of the day.
- Comic Book about HBC: Showcasing the company’s efforts to engage with younger audiences and promote its history.
- Eagles CD: Representing popular music and culture.
- The Lion King Soundtrack Cassette: A hugely popular cassette showing the chain’s involvement in family entertainment.
- Tragically Hip Album Cassette: This one of the most famous bands in Canada, showing what patrons of the store could buy.