The 1914 time capsule was supposed to be opened in 1974, but was forgotten in a storage room. (credit: Alex Silverman/WCBS 880) The 1914 time capsule was supposed to be opened in 1974, but was forgotten in a storage room. (credit: Alex Silverman/WCBS 880)

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — A 100-year-old time capsule was opened for the first time Wednesday, providing a glimpse into the past.

As CBS 2’s Elise Finch reported, the ornate bronze box had been locked up since 1914 and was thought to be one of the country’s oldest unopened time capsules.

One historian said the time capsule, created by the Lower Wall Street Business Men’s Association, was a way for the captains of industry to celebrate themselves and solidify their place in history as merchants, philanthropists and descendants of revolutionaries.