Time capsule commemorates Rail Station Centennial Celebration

By Jamie Strickland

SELMA — Present day Selma hopes to communicate with its future citizens through the contents of a time capsule, buried near Union Station as part of its 100 year anniversary celebration.

Citizens gathered as public works employees sealed and buried the capsule, and Mayor Byron McAllister read the contents of a letter he wrote to future residents that was included inside.

The letter described the current status of the town, where businesses and landmarks are currently located as well as his plans and wishes for the future of the community.

Books about Selma and Johnston County, photographs of the town as it currently stands, brochures and merchandise from local businesses and dated articles were all included, with the hopes that future generations would appreciate the items that would later become treasures from the past.

The Centennial Celebration also included a traditional community farmers market with fresh produce and arts and crafts, a live band, activities for children and a community pig picking.

Selma’s railroad history runs deep. The current brick and mortar building has stood in its place since 1924, located at the intersection of the North Carolina Railroad and the ACL Railroad. Due to its location at the crossroads, the building has a “V” shape and is one of the last remaining iconic structures of its kind. It still serves as an important Amtrak and freight train stop, running North to South connecting Florida and New York and west to Charlotte.

Selma Mayor Byron McAllister signs a letter to be enclosed in the time capsule, along with photos, merchandise, brochures, books and advertisements from local businesses and organizations.

The dedication plaque that marks the spot where the time capsule was placed commemorates the date, July 20 2024, and instructs future residents to open it in 2124.