Frankfort Mayor Keith Ogle and his wife, Kim, enthusiastically shared historical artifacts from a 1976 time capsule. A smile crossed his face when he uncovered a package containing a mug commemorating the Frankfort Fall Festival and two beer cans with Bicentennial themes. Jokingly, he remarked, “I’ll bet these were the only two beers consumed at the festival.”
The festival, previously known as Sauerkraut and Weiner Day, started with a modest attendance of 40,000. Today, it draws 250,000 visitors and has gained recognition as one of the country’s top festivals by Sunshineartist.com. This festival exemplifies the significant growth Frankfort experienced since the Bicentennial.
The time capsule, containing hundreds of historical documents and items, was displayed at Breidert Green and will also be housed at the Frankfort Area Historical Society Museum, located at 1312 Kansas St.
Key Figures from the Past
Connie Behnke-Rotondo and Gene Gerardi, two well-known Frankfort residents and business owners, managed the closing of the time capsule. Present at its reopening as part of an Independence Day celebration featuring the Frankfort Brass Band, they reminisced about the past.
Behnke-Rotondo, who started a photo business in Frankfort in 1965, recalled the village’s humble beginnings. She said, “The population when I got here more than 50 years ago — God, I hate admitting it — the sign said 750.” Today, Frankfort boasts over 20,000 residents, as per the 2020 census.
Bicentennial Reflections
Over a decade after settling, Behnke-Rotondo became the first female president of the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce and participated in numerous bicentennial projects, including the time capsule. “In 1976, we were dancing to disco music, dining at Kelly’s Wagon Wheel, and having breakfast at the Little Oasis,” she recalled.
Among the items in the time capsule were documents, photos, and contributions from over 40 individuals or groups. Notable fun items included beer cans, a phone book, a Sears catalog, restaurant menus, and Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls made by residents.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Mayor Ogle emphasized, “This is a very special window into our past.” He explained the capsule was left for future generations to open with pride and unity. “As we open this capsule, we honor their optimism and belief in Frankfort’s growth and tradition.”
The time capsule’s location, Breidert Green, was named after Burton Breidert, Frankfort’s first administrator. His wife, Francis, left a letter expressing appreciation for the community’s enthusiasm and cooperation during noteworthy events, such as the Fall Festivals of 1975 and 1976 and the showing of the movie “1776.”
Celebrating the Past and the Future
The vault, initially bricked in a cornerstone at Heritage Hall (now Morgan Money Management), was donated by Girardi Funeral Home. It was later relocated to the Frankfort Area Historical Society Museum, where plans are underway for more celebrations for the nation’s 250th birthday.
The museum will host a special military exhibit honoring Frankfort residents who served. Additionally, an America 250 mural with face cutouts and a limited number of complimentary small U.S. flags are available outside the museum.
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