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The closure of Hudson’s Bay stores across Canada on June 1st, including the St. Albert, Alberta, location, marked the end of an era for many. But within those closing walls lay a piece of history, quietly waiting to be rediscovered. A time capsule, sealed in 1995 and intended to be opened in 2045, has now been unearthed and donated to the Musée Heritage Museum in St. Albert, offering a glimpse into the past.
For employees like Muna Abdulhussain, who dedicated 15 years to the Bay, the closure was a bittersweet moment. “It was mixed emotion actualy,” she said. “It was sad, very emotional to see our customers. We had very loyal customers there and built a good relationship with them.” On that final day, amidst the farewells and memories, staff , past and present , gathered to unveil a secret hidden within the store’s walls.
The unearthing of the time capsule was almost accidental. “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. The anticipation was palpable as they prepared to reveal the contents, a snapshot of life from three decades ago.
“They opened that box (and) it was just like opening a treasure.”
The capsule contained a fascinating assortment of items that painted a vivid picture of the mid-1990s: staff names and photos commemorating the company’s 325th anniversary, a vintage Hudson’s Bay catalogue, a newspaper, a comic book celebrating the company’s history, an Eagles CD, and two cassette tapes , the soundtrack to The Lion King and a Tragically Hip album. The objects, seemingly ordinary, now hold a special significance as tangible links to a bygone era.
This discovery echoes the unearthing of a similar time capsule in New York City in 2023, buried beneath a department store in the 1970s. Both events highlight the power of these carefully curated collections to connect us to the past. The St. Albert capsule, however, offers a unique perspective, reflecting not just a specific time period, but also the local context and the enduring presence of the Hudson’s Bay Company in the community. This offers insights into the community’s values, the popular culture of the time, and the **role of the Bay** within St. Albert.
Martin Bierens, curator at the Musée Heritage Museum, emphasized the significance of the donation. “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,” he said.
The decision to donate the time capsule to the Musée Heritage Museum was a natural one, solidifying its place in the local narrative. “It’s not too often we get a time capsule, so this is a unique donation,” Bierens noted. He added, “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.”
This echoes the importance of preserving community history, much like the efforts to archive local businesses that shuttered during the 2008 financial crisis. Then, as now, documenting these closures provides invaluable context to future generations about economic shifts and their social impact. We face similar crossroads again, as major retail chains struggle to adapt to online shopping. The stories we preserve will help us understand how to navigate these changes with sensitivity and community focus.
The acquisition of the time capsule provides the Musée Heritage Museum with a valuable opportunity to engage the community. It’s expected the museum will creat an exibit featuring the contents of the time capsule, allowing residents to reconnect with their past and reflect on the changes that have occurred since 1995. The museum will also invite former employees of the Hudson’s Bay store to share their memories and stories, adding a personal touch to the historical narrative.
Here’s a glimpse of what the time capsule represents:
- A tangible connection to St. Albert’s history and the Hudson’s Bay Company’s role in its development.
- A snapshot of the 1990s, reflecting popular culture, technology, and community values.
- An opportunity for community engagement and reflection on the passage of time.
- A reminder of the importance of preserving local stories and memories for future generations.
The time capsule will likely be a popular attraction, particularly for those who have personal connections to the Hudson’s Bay store. One resident, Sarah, shared her excitement on Facebook: “I remember shopping at that Bay with my grandma! I can’t wait to see what they found.” Another, posting on X.com, wondered if her old employee badge might show up: “Worked there in ’96 – hoping my name is on something!” The community’s response highlights the enduring emotional connection many feel toward the store and the history it represents.
As the museum prepares to showcase the time capsule, it serves as a potent reminder that even as businesses close and eras come to an end, the memories and stories associated with them endure. The time capsule is not just a collection of objects; it’s a **window into the soul** of a community, a testament to the enduring power of the past to inform and inspire the future.
I blinked twice, trying to absorb the significance of seeing this piece of local history come to life, ready to tell its tale anew.
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