Flashback to 1922: Dudley Square time capsule opened

(George Rizer/Globe Staff)

Mayor Thomas M. Menino (center) examined the contents of an 86-year-old time capsule today with Representative Byron Rushing and State Senator Dianne Wilkerson.

By Chris Baxter, Globe Correspondent

A time capsule nestled in the cornerstone of what was once Roxbury's largest and most notable furniture store gave residents a glimpse today of Boston in 1922.

Secreted inside the foot-long rectangular copper box were two yellowed newspapers -- The Boston Evening Transcript and The Boston Post -- and a proof of a furniture advertisement touting a new wooden living room set for $150.

The time capsule was unearthed by construction workers in the former Ferdinand furniture store, known for decades as the "Blue Store" because of its bright blue façade. The Dudley Square institution opened in 1899 and anchored Roxbury's thriving center of retail stores, movie theaters, and food shops. The dilapidated building is being demolished, but the blue façade will be preserved and incorporated in a new municipal office building under construction by the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

The time capsule was buried in 1922 during a ceremony dedicating an addition to the original eight-story Ferdinand building.

The copper box opened today also contained a written copy of a speech given at the ceremony 86 years ago by legendary Boston Mayor James Michael Curley, who told an assembled crowd of Frank Ferdinand's success as a businessman. The festivities that day included a band playing for 10 minutes and the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "My Country, Tis of Thee."

Mayor Thomas M. Menino opened the capsule today and presented the items to State Representative Byron Rushing, who was acting on behalf of the Roxbury Historical Society.

The mayor's office is soliciting suggestions for items to be placed in another time capsule, which will be buried in the new building.

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