Iconic Statues, Time Capsule Hoisted To Old State House Perches
BOSTON (CBS) -- Two iconic statues, one containing a special message for future generations, were returned to their perches above the city Sunday afternoon.
The lion and unicorn statues that sit atop the Old State House were hoisted with a crane and heavy chains back to their perches after being refurbished.
When the statues were removed in September, a time capsule from 1901 was discovered inside the head of the lion, revealing old photographs of city officials, campaign buttons, letters and newspapers.
Before the statues were returned, an easily accessible time capsule with placed at the base of the lion statue to be opened in 100 years. Those contents include a Boston Marathon medal, photographs of Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and former Mayor Tom Menino, an Apple iPhone 5 and a David Ortiz bobblehead.
The statues date back more than 200 years – the originals had been burned in a bonfire by excited patriots in 1776. Weather conditions had taken its toll on the statues, which are now covered in real gold and palladium.
"These are old friends that have been watching over the city of Boston for a long time, and it's nice to see them once again in good shape," Bostonian Society President Brian LeMay said. "The transformation of both animals is just simply astounding."
The public was invited to watch the return of the statues on Sunday.
"They're all sparkly and all the detail shows, so they're really beautiful," one admirer said.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports:
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