[Dingfod]

Originally Posted by Dingfod

Brand spanking new 1957 Plymouth Belvedere to be unveiled next June 15th.

When it was unearthed, the 1957 Plymouth Belvedere was found sitting in about 2-1/2 feet of rust-colored water, with signs on the walls of the concrete vault that it had been completely submersed at some time or another. The car was covered in what looked like Oklahoma red mud. Boyd Coddington of American Hot Rod TV show fame said it was like it had been at the bottom of a lake for 50 years. That may turn out to be its salvation. There possibly could be less rust and general corrosion if completely submersed than if only partially submersed. There were actually people here that thought the car would be able to be started up and driven after being unearthed. That was not to be, and may never be.

When Tulsa unearths a time capsule buried in 1957, they hope to find a well-preserved 1957 Plymouth, along with the following:
* 10 gallons of gasoline and 5 quarts of oil (who, in 1957 knew we'd still be using oil and gasoline by 2007?)
* A Douglas Aircraft Co. aerial map of airport facilities and legend (a little outdated)
* Statement from Tulsa council of Churches – and prayer for greatest good next 50 years a recently completed history of churches in Tulsa and a directory of the present churches (not outdated at all, with the exception of the Oral Roberts Tomorrowland Park)
* Statement from board of education – historical data related to 50 years of education in Tulsa and copies of "School Life" all-high school publication issued by Tulsa high schools each month (Dead and gone like Buddy Holly)
* Statements from Mayor and Chamber of Commerce officials (Who, in 1957, would've thought we'd still have politicians by now?)
* Flags which have been flown over the national capitol, state capitol and in the county and city
* Other aerial photos of the area
* Statement from Tulsa Trades and Labor Council
* Statements from all former mayors of the city – their record of service and civic accomplishments in the city, state and nationally

There was also a case of rusty cans of Schlitz beer found throughout the car. The case had been placed in the trunk by a Tulsa area jazz musician. The gasoline and oil were inside glass containers sitting in galvanized tubs and appeared to be intact. The woman's purse was found inside the car, covered in muck. Most all the other items of interest were inside of the "time capsule", a sealed metal can, and were dry and amazingly intact.

All in all it was interesting, even if a bit of a letdown after all the hype.