By Maggie LaNoue – Contributing Writer
October 30, 2026
Sometimes even the best-laid plans don’t work out quite as expected.
A copper time capsule discovered beneath the entrance steps of Albion City Hall was intended to preserve a little of the community’s history for future generations. But when workers removed the steps for reconstruction, they discovered that water had found its way inside.
Local historian Frank Passic said City Hall’s cornerstone is marked 1933, although the building opened in 1935. He has now located a historical photograph showing the placement of a cornerstone box, along with a list of items placed inside.
Passic also plans to help identify and preserve the recovered coins. He expects to publish a more detailed account of the time capsule’s history in a future edition of his “Historical Notebook” column, which appears in both The Recorder and The Morning Star.
Albion Department of Public Safety Chief Aaron Phipps said the copper container had sustained minor damage, allowing moisture inside and saturating its contents. The items appeared to include Albion newspapers, an unidentified book and numerous coins.
Detective Sgt. William “Billy” Lazarus consulted the Michigan State Police laboratory in Lansing, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. All recommended freezing the water-damaged materials to help preserve them. Phipps said additional assistance may be needed, but no timetable has been established.
The discovery offers an unexpected perspective on time, just as Albion residents prepare for several important dates on the calendar. One approaching deadline is Saturday, Oct. 31, when Albion’s community survey for its updated comprehensive plan closes. City Manager Sheryl Theriot said more than 200 residents have already responded. While the time capsule offers a glimpse into Albion’s past, the five-minute survey at AlbionTogether.com invites residents to help shape its future.
On Saturday, Oct. 31, Albion District Library will host a free Halloween Tea Party for children and families at 1 p.m., featuring spooky snacks and crafts. Citywide trick-or-treating follows from 6 to 8 p.m.
Daylight saving time ends overnight, officially Sunday, when clocks turn back one hour at 2 a.m. Residents will gain an hour as Michigan returns to standard time.
Two days later, on Tuesday, Nov. 3, voters will head to the polls for the general election. The midterm election could change control of Congress, with numerous state and local offices also on the ballot.
There’s still time to register to vote. Although the deadline for online and mailed registration has passed, eligible Michigan residents may register in person at their city or township clerk’s office with proof of residency through 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Albion residents may register at the City Clerk’s office in City Hall. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. City Hall is also preparing for a schedule change. After operating on a four-day workweek, the city plans to resume Friday morning office hours Nov. 6, from 8 a.m. to noon.
Other deadlines are less certain.
At the Oct. 19 Albion City Council meeting, Public Services Director Jason Kern said asphalt plants were expected to close around Nov. 15, although operations could continue later if conditions permit. Crews are trying to complete as much paving work as possible before the season ends.
In the meantime, fall has offered some good days to enjoy.
Families gathered downtown Sunday, Oct. 25, for Sweets on Superior Street, enjoying Halloween costumes and treats. Albion’s historic Coca-Cola mural provided a colorful backdrop for photographs of the festivities.
Halloween arrives Saturday, Oct. 31, bringing another opportunity for costumes and neighborhood celebrations.
Homeowners also have winter preparations to consider. Garden hoses should be disconnected from outdoor spigots before freezing temperatures arrive. Water trapped in a connected hose or faucet can freeze and cause damage.
And across Albion, the trees seem to be following their own timetable.
An aerial photograph taken Sunday, Oct. 25, shows Goodrich Chapel surrounded by autumn colors, with downtown Albion beyond. Many trees are still holding their leaves, even as November approaches.
The City of Albion collects leaves from the public right-of-way, generally the grassy area between the sidewalk and street. Leaves from that area may be raked toward the curb but must remain on the grass, not in the roadway.
Leaves from private front and back yards should be placed in paper yard waste bags or approved yard waste carts for collection by Granger.
Granger continues seasonal yard waste collection through the end of November on each neighborhood’s regular collection day. The city’s leaf pickup schedule depends on when enough leaves have fallen, with collection dates announced for the different districts.
Residents may want to take advantage of pleasant autumn days to rake and bag leaves that have already fallen rather than waiting until every tree is bare.
Residents can find information about leaf collection schedules, the upcoming election, construction updates and other important dates on the City of Albion’s website, cityofalbionmi.gov.
Last year’s Thanksgiving weekend snowstorm brought leaf collection to an abrupt halt, leaving some leaves buried beneath the snow until spring. A breakdown of the city’s leaf-collection equipment had already complicated the work.
This year, many leaves are still on the trees as November approaches. But those that have fallen can be gathered while the weather cooperates.
The calendar may say there’s time left. Michigan weather sometimes has other plans.
