A time capsule unearthed along with the Bradley Field cornerstone of 1951 revealed its contents Tuesday afternoon, as airport officials reported a increase in passenger levels of 10 percent for the year to date.
The old newspapers, photos, and letters were from the days when Francis Murphy, publisher of the Hartford Times, was a force behind the development of Bradley International Airport.
His niece, Loretta Dyson, witnessed the opening of the time capsule, removed during demolition of the Murphy Terminal.
"It breaks my heart," said the former Latin teacher. "Sic Transit Gloria!"
Once the old terminal is down a new parking garage and ground transportation center with car rental facilities is to rise in front of the site. It is to be connected to the terminal with a climate-controlled moving sidewalk.
The existing car rental facilities will be prime parcels for development, said the airport executive director, Kevin Dillon, or surface parking lots.
