A sealed wooden crate, nearly 70 years old, has become the center of a guessing game in Vulcan, Alberta. The Vulcan and District Historical Society Museum and Archives plans to reveal the box's contents on May 15, after decades of curiosity.
A Relic from the Past
The crate, made of wooden slats bound with wire, was among items recently donated by the Vulcan Community Health Centre. The donation included stretchers, medical supplies, and canteens stored in an old ambulance bay. While everything else was open, this crate remained sealed, said Bev Knutson-Shaw, the society's president.
Clues and Guesses
The box bears the words "Civil Defence" and is dated 1958. It is described as "quite heavy" and about the size of an old trunk. Since early April, the society has moved the box around town—visiting the health centre, two schools, and the Alberta Treasury Branch—to generate interest.
As of last Friday, about 100 guesses had been submitted. Many speculate it contains medical supplies or ammunition. However, one young child guessed a monster truck named Bill. The society plans to award prizes, such as gift certificates from local businesses, for the best guesses. With numerous similar answers expected, the group may select the closest answers and hold a draw, said Knutson-Shaw. "I think we'll do one like the craziest answer," she added.
Publicity and Museum Revival
The contest has drummed up publicity ahead of the museum's seasonal opening. In recent years, the society has made changes to make the museum more hands-on and appealing. Those outside Vulcan can enter by texting their name and guess to 403-423-0001.
