Fifty-five years of mystery came to an end on March 4, 1926, when a tin box was removed from the cornerstone of the old Central School. The box had been placed there some 55 years earlier.

At cornerstone laying ceremonies on July 4, 1872, the following were placed in the tin box: A copy of the school law of Iowa, a copy of the Express newspaper, a copy of the current court calendar, the address of Professor Moulton [who gave the dedicatory address, three half-dollars and an express package - contents unknown - from A. J. Benton.

For 55 years the curious speculated on the last item - the package with contents unknown.

When in 1926 the tin box was opened, it was found that it contained nothing but a newspaper.

Printed on June 15, 1872, the entire sheet was devoted to spiritualism. The whole paper was give over to deep and intellectual discourses on the after life. Related were experiences of mediums and "believers." Even the advertisements were give over entirely to books on spiritualism and mysticism of the day.

That gave Mason Cityans a new mystery to solve. What could have prompted Mr. Benton to enclose the journal for only the eyes of posterity to see?

The three half-dollars listed by the historian were intact. But not listed in the accounting were four nickels and a copper piece.

The papers found in the rusted tin box were in such condition that the merest touch tumbled them into sheets of dust. But from the odds and ends of the scraps observers gleaned valuable information into the life of Mason City in 1872.

Mason City is the proud possessor of the best high school baseball field in the state of Iowa. The main stands hold 1,750 with as many as 2,000 moe capable of being handled in the baseline bleachers. It has been the scene of much important baseball activity in addition to regular high school, semi-pro and Junior Legion games. State and regional Junior Legion tournaments have been held at Roosevelt Field and the state high school spring championship meet has become a fixture at the fine diamond. It has a grass infield, a fine lighting system and a concession stand.

The photo above was taken when an overflow crowd saw the opening game of the 1952 Iowa State League baseball season. The Roosevelt Junior High School is in the background.

The fieldhouse in Roosevelt High School has a seating capacity for basketball of 2,650, but as many as 3,000 have jammed into the gym for tournament games. That figure also has been reached at the state wrestling finals.

Marilyn Britven, a student at Monroe Junior High School, fills in her 4-year high school registration with Miss Ruth Tucker ready to answer any of the student's questions. Miss Tucker serves as guidance counselor at both Roosevelt and Monroe Junior High Schools.

An expanded guidance program also is in operation in the Senior High School. In addition, each spring the Rotary Club handles a guidance program for the seniors in which each student has the opportunity to visit with several Mason City business and professional men. In the high school the vice principal acts as boys' counselor and the girls' advisor as girls' counselor. Other teachers are assigned as counselors to designated groups.

Hot lunches are provided students at Roosevelt Junior High School. Classes are dismissed at different times to facilitate serving of the youngsters. The above picture shows that milk is one of the popular items on the noon-time menu. Monroe Junior High School also has cafeteria facilities.