World War II Bomb Shaped Time Capsule Unearthed in Flatiron District

A bit of New York City’s past has resurfaced: this time in the form of a time capsule. On Wednesday, one shaped liked a World War II bomb—complete with tailfins, and filled with letters to the future—was uncovered by construction workers working at a Flatiron site, leading to the closure of a portion of 21st Street near Fifth Avenue.

Following the discovery, office workers in the area were evacuated from their buildings, and NYPD’s Emergency Services, including NYPD bomb squad units, were called to the site to investigate what was being described as a “suspicious package.” The mysterious find turned out to be a time capsule buried in 1985 by “clubgoers, bartenders and bouncers” from a famed New York City discotheque, Danceteria.

Prior to its closure in 1986, Danceteria sent “shockwaves through the city’s party scene,” serving as a hot spot for The Rolling Stones and kicking off Madonna’s career. It was open for business each night of the week and provided a gathering place not only for dancing, but also for intellectual discourse, film screenings, art exhibits and fashion shows, among other events. Throughout the years of its operation from 1979 to 1986 (and in the Hamptons until 1995), Danceteria occupied seven different locations, including three in New York City. The second and most famous outpost was located at 30 West 21st Street.

The club’s former owner, John Argento, who currently runs other nightlife spots in Jersey City, stated that he bought the time capsule prop for $200 at an Army Navy store on Canal Street.

Next, check out What’s Inside the Oldest, Unopened Time Capsule at NY Historical Society and read about the 1939 World’s Fair Time Capsule, To Be Opened in 5000 Years.