What will future generations of Ashe County citizens remember about the High Country in 100 years?

That question was discussed during Monday afternoon’s time capsule presentation that was held to celebrate the illustrious history of both Ashe County and the 100th anniversary of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension and 4-H.

The time capsule will contain old 4-H member manuals, the 2010 planned budget for Ashe County, a flag, and pictures made by children from the organization’s after school program and other memorabilia that will help future generations learn more about Ashe County’s heritage.

Nestled into the foundation of the courthouse steps, the time capsule will stay hidden from the public eye for a century when the time will finally come to uncover the future relics, 4-H Program Director Shelia Blevins (pictured at right) explained. County commissioners and officials attended the brief ceremony before retreating to warmer quarters.

“It’s going to be amazing when people from 100 years open it up,” Commissioner Judy Porter Poe said. “I hope in the future that they don’t lose the humanity that we have now of being together.”

County Manager Dan McMillan shared Poe’s sentiments and explained that the idea for a time capsule had been on the minds of officials for sometime.

“We’ve been in this facility for 10 years and we’ve waited to see this happen,” McMillan said. “We appreciate the 4-H and the act of seeing this happen.”

McMillan explained that he is hopeful that future generations will reflect on the current board of Ashe County Commissioners as one that was progressive in its decision making and betterment of the county.

With history in mind, county officials reflected on what Ashe County was like 100 years ago. Shortly after the turn of the century, Ashe County prospered thanks in part to its agrarian roots. Corn was one of the county’s primary cash crops. Event attendee, Bill Clark remarked that a corn husk would have been an appropriate relic to epitomize the county’s close connection to agriculture and farm life.

The time capsule was placed to the right of the building’s main steps and will be covered by a plaque.

For more information on the Ashe County office of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension and 4-H visit www.ashe.ces.ncsu.edu or call (336) 846-5850.