BY JENN SAMSEL
The City of Keystone Heights closed out its centennial year with a final, milestone celebration on Wednesday, December 31, at City Hall, commemorating 100 years of history while preserving the present for generations yet to come.
City officials, community leaders, and residents gathered for the city’s last official celebration of the year, with the sealing and burial of a centennial time capsule on city hall grounds. The capsule captures a snapshot of Keystone Heights in 2025 and will be opened 50 to 100 years from now by future city leaders.
“As we celebrate our 100 years of the city, I can imagine that at this time, the founders of Keystone were celebrating over at the historic inn. The historic inn was demolished in 1999. Had there been a Heritage Commission, we would’ve sought to preserve this important monument for our city. The Heritage Commission is about preservation and education,” said Deirdre Murphy, Heritage Commission Chair.
Inside the capsule are flyers, photographs, and a carefully selected assortment of items representing the city’s centennial year. The contents reflect the Chautauqua Pop-Up Museum, Spring Thing, a Fourth Grade Field Trip, the July 4th Celebration, Fall Festival, Boo on the Boulevard, Veterans Breakfast, Centennial Gala, Christmas Parade of Trees, Christmas Market and Parade, a New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration, and the creation of the city’s mural, each documenting the people, progress, and civic pride that defined Keystone Heights at its 100-year milestone.
City officials said the capsule is intended to tell the story of how the community honored its past while continuing to build for the future, offering a firsthand look at daily life, leadership, and local priorities during 2025.
“We are proud of the Keystone Heights Airport Authority, Heritage Commission, and Planning and Zoning Board, whose members provide invaluable support to our council and staff. We are fortunate to work alongside our civic and business organizations. None of this could be accomplished alone,” said Mayor Nina Rodenroth. “This city’s success is because of you: our residents, volunteers, civic groups, businesses, and leaders who show up and care. Through your efforts, Keystone Heights remains a place of charm, community, and promise. Thank you for your trust. It has been my honor to serve you.”
The evening concluded with a fireworks display at 8 p.m.
