Frankfort Mayor Keith Ogle and his wife, Kim, revealed artifacts from a time capsule sealed in 1976. Among the items, a mug from the Frankfort Fall Festival and two Bicentennial-themed beer cans stood out. Mayor Ogle humorously suggested these might have been the only two beers at the festival, which back then drew 40,000 people. The event now attracts 250,000 visitors and is recognized as one of the country’s best festivals by Sunshineartist.com.

This growth signifies the development Frankfort has experienced since the Bicentennial. The capsule contained hundreds of historical documents and objects displayed at Breidert Green and the Frankfort Area Historical Society Museum at 1312 Kansas St.

Connie Behnke-Rotondo and Gene Gerardi, notable Frankfort residents, and business owners were responsible for closing the capsule, which resembles a large cooler. They attended its opening, held during an Independence Day celebration that featured music by the Frankfort Brass Band.

Behnke-Rotondo, who started a photo business in 1965, recalled moving to Frankfort when the population was just 750. “Moving here was the best decision we’ve made,” she said. The village now houses over 20,000 residents as per the 2020 census. She described a vibrant community in 1976 when she served as the first female president of the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce, participating in many Bicentennial activities including the time capsule project.

Most of the capsule’s contents were documents and photos donated by over 40 individuals or groups. While many items catered to history enthusiasts, there were light-hearted additions like the beer cans, a phone book, a Sears catalog, restaurant menus, and Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls made by a resident.

This is a very special window into our past, said Ogle. When our predecessors sealed this capsule in 1976, they hoped we would open it with pride, reflection, and unity.

Progress, according to Ogle, is achieved by those deeply committed to their community. The opening of the capsule honors the visionaries who believed in Frankfort’s growth and innovation alongside tradition.

Breidert Green, named after Frankfort’s first administrator Burton Breidert, also houses a letter from 1976 written by his wife Francis. The degree of enthusiasm and cooperation was fantastic, she wrote, outlining various historical events and activities from that time.

The vault, initially bricked into Heritage Hall’s cornerstone, was a gift from Girardi Funeral Home. It now belongs to the Frankfort Area Historical Society Museum. The society plans additional festivities for the 250th birthday of the United States, featuring a military exhibit, an America 250 mural, and free U.S. flags distribution.

Reported by Jeff Vorva for the Daily Southtown, this story highlights how Frankfort has embraced its history for community growth and unity.