The front page of Banker & Tradesman’s Feb. 20, 1901 issue, a copy of which was sealed in a time capsule in the Old State House later that week. Banker & Tradesman file image
To celebrate its 150th anniversary, Banker & Tradesman is highlighting significant moments in the history of Massachusetts’ real estate and banking industries. To suggest a topic, email editorial@thewarrengroup.com.
What: B&T Placed in Old State House Time Capsule
When: Feb. 21-23, 1901
Where: Boston
- Some time between Feb. 21 and Feb. 23, 1901, an unknown coppersmith sealed an issue of Banker & Tradesman into a box placed inside the head of the Old State House’s rooftop lion sculpture as part of renovations to the building.
- Symbols of the British monarchy, the original lion and unicorn were burned after the Declaration of Independence was read from the building’s balcony on July 18, 1776.
- J.A.W. Silver, the city’s deputy superintendent of public buildings, came up with the idea of putting a box in the lion’s head containing mementos “which will prove interesting when the box is opened many years hence,” the Boston Globe reported. Other items in the box included campaign buttons, a Boston Herald advertising rate card and photos of prominent citizens.
“There are very few speculative stocks selling at one-third of par which look better than Mexican Telephone.”
— Excerpt from the editor’s “Inquiry Department” column in the Feb. 20, 1901 issue of Banker & Tradesman
