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From the Cornerstone: Conservation of the Law School's History

The masons begin the dusty work of opening the cornerstone.
Several kinds of tools were needed to remove the stone.
The top of the stone broke in the process of attempting to remove it.
The cornerstone contained two copper boxes from 1903 and 1958.
The boxes were wedged in rather tightly.
Apparently, we're not the only ones who had issues with this stone!
Professor Todd Henderson was as curious as any of us.
A bit of brute force was required to get into the boxes.
The contents were in remarkably good condition.
Among the items in the 1903 box was this issue of the Monthly Maroon.
Ann Lindsey, the University Library's head of conservation.
Ann Lindsey works on a 1903 newspaper from the cornerstone.
Several photographs, in excellent condition, were found in the 1903 box.
One of the letters contained in the cornerstone.
Ann Lindsey uses a water vapor gun to gently release the seal.
This letter came from CJ Friedrich, Professor at the University of Heidelberg.
Ann Lindsey used a teflon "bone" and her water vapor gun to flatten the seams.
The restored letter from Professor CJ Friedrich.
Ann Lindsey shows the technique for removing creases from the letters.
All the letters will be scanned and reproduced in the alumni magazine.

Browse through the items in the cornerstone at the Library's Time Capsule exhibit.