During our recent rehabilitation work on the historic Good Fellow Lodge, crew members made a fascinating discovery: a rusty copper time capsule nestled within the lodge’s foundation.
On September 23, our skilled crew unearthed a heavily oxidized, sealed copper box. What lay inside was a remarkable glimpse into the past, dating back over 80 years. The contents of the box were placed there by the original construction team from the Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corporation on January 18, 1941. Inside the box, we found a beautifully preserved 48-star American flag, along with several carefully wrapped documents, including a memorandum, a speech, a deed, and newspaper articles from that era—all neatly tucked away behind the final stone laid in the lodge’s foundation.
The memorandum, penned by the Illinois Steel Company Welfare Association of Gary, captures the significance of that day. It recounts how Mr. E. Earl Moore, Vice President in charge of Industrial Relations for Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corporation, laid the last stone for the Administration Building at the Good Fellow Club Youth Camp, sealing the box within the wall.
“Our Berglund team has taken great pride in working on this project with such historical and cultural significance within the region,” stated Nick Metros, Senior Project Manager at Berglund Construction. “And in the words of the letter found inside, [we should consider it a sacred duty] to restore the Good Fellow Camp Lodge to its former glory for the community to experience for years to come.”
Over the next year, we will undertake a meticulous restoration of historic wood and masonry elements, along with essential structural repairs to preserve the building’s integrity. Additionally, we will apply new exterior finishes and restore the historic wood flooring to its former glory. Upgrades will also include the installation of new plumbing and mechanical systems, as well as modern electrical systems, all designed to enhance functionality while respecting the lodge's historical significance.
As for the artifacts, the Indiana Dunes National Park plans to display these incredible items soon, allowing everyone to appreciate this hidden piece of history.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our work at the Indiana Dunes and help preserve its rich heritage. For more news coverage on this historical find, visit ABC Chicago 7 News, NBC Chicago 5, and WGN 9 News.
